The American universities are known for their global excellence that they offer to students via their academic programs for graduate, post-graduate or doctoral degree courses. The foreign students who want to enroll for any of the Bachelor’s, Masters or Doctoral programs in any US university need to apply for a student visa to pursue it from the USA. Eligible Students must be aware about the US Student Visa Requirements 2025 along with its types and application process.
US Student Visa Requirements 2025
The primary criterion to apply for Student Visa in the US is being successfully enrolled in any of the University or College which is certified under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. Such academic institutions need not be accredited by the national or regional authorities. However an accredited academic institution is preferred as its degree and credits are important to be employed in any US-based employer.
The database listed by the US Department of Education along with the Council for Higher Education Accreditation can be referred for verifying the status of any US-based Academic institution. The enrolled student will be issued Form I-20 and Form DS-2019 to apply for the Student Visa in the US.
US Student Visa Requirements 2025 Highlights
| Title Name | Student Visa Requirements in the US for the year 2025 |
| Associated Country | The United States of America |
| Relevant Authority | The US Department of State |
| Program Name | Student and Exchange Visitor Program |
| Topic | Student Visa in US |
| Types | F Student Visa J Exchange Visa M Student Visa |
| Beneficiary | Foreign Students being enrolled in US-based Universities or Colleges |
| Apply Mode | Online using Form I-20 and DS-2019 |
| Official Link | www.educationusa.state.gov |
Student Visa Requirements in US 2025
it is an essential prerequisite to apply for a Student Visa in the US that the student has successfully been enrolled in any US-based University or College. Such academic institutions need to be certified under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. Upon such enrollment, the student will have to pay the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System fees to be issued a form I-20 or DS-2019 accordingly. Thereafter based on the enrolled academic course of an institution the student will have to apply for the appropriate Student Visa in the US.
Document List For Student Visa in the US
- Valid Passport with validity that exceeds the duration of entire academic program plus additional six months after its completion;
- Enrollment letter in any US-based academic institution recognized under the SEVP;
- Form I-20 or DS-2019 that is issued by the aforesaid academic institute;
- Photographs in requested format;
- Receipt of SEVIS fee payment;
- Employment Authorization Document for opting in an Optional Practical Training which is issued by the USCIS;
- Academic record of the previous educational qualifications i.e. transcript, diploma, degree or certification;
- Financial sufficiency proofs in the form of bank statements, sponsor’s financial undertaking, or scholarship documentation.
Types of Student Visa
There are three types of Student Visas that are required to pursue any academic program in the USA:
- F Student Visa – it is required to pursue any degree at US-based university or college, especially to pursue English course at any English language academic institution;
- J Exchange Visa – it is required to be a participant in any of the exchange program in any US-based academic institution;
- M Student Visa – it is required to pursue any non-academic program or vocational program or training certification program in any US-based institution.
US F-1 Student Visa Application Process
The student has to present their Form 1-20 or DS-2019 before these authorities in the same order:
- The US Department of State through Consular Affairs (Student Visas) or US Embassies and Consulates – it is responsible for approving visa application and issuing the student visa;
- The US Department of Homeland Security through their Study in the States – it is responsible for student’s entry in the US by issuing and enforcing the regulatory guidelines for international students.
The student visa application process is as follows:
- Get enrolled in the US-based institution;
- Pay the SEVIS fee;
- Get the I-20 or DS-2019 form;
- Fill these forms;
- Pay the Student Visa fee;
- Appear in the Visa Interview in the associated US Embassy or Consulate.
Such an interview must be cleared 120 days prior to the commencement of the associated academic program. The student can move to the US only within 30 days from the commencement of the associated academic program.
US Student Visa Requirements 2025 Latest Updates
The foreign students who want to enroll for any of the Bachelor’s, Masters or Doctoral programs in any US university need to apply for a student visa to pursue it from the USA. There are three types of Student Visas that are required to pursue any academic program in the USA:
- F Student Visa – for pursuing an academic program at US-based University or college;
- J Exchange Visa – for participation in any academic exchange program;
- M Student Visa – for any non-academic program or vocational program or training certification program
A student can apply before the US Department of State through Consular Affairs (Student Visas) or US Embassies and Consulates to get a Student Visa in the US. It is the authority that is responsible for approving visa applications and issuing student visas.
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James Foster is a passionate writer at KnitCrate.com, specializing in finance, taxation, and public aid topics. With a knack for breaking down complex subjects, he delivers clear and insightful content for readers worldwide. When he’s not writing, James enjoys exploring economic trends and staying updated on global news.