How to travel USA on student visa is one of the most searched topics for young students. Every year, thousands dream of studying in the United States. Many get stuck in the process because they don’t know the steps. This guide breaks it down. From school acceptance to landing in the U.S., everything is covered.
1. What Is a Student Visa?
A student visa lets you live and study in the U.S. legally. The main type is the F-1 visa. It’s for full-time students at U.S. schools or universities. J-1 is for exchange students. M-1 is for technical or vocational programs.
2. Choose a SEVP-Approved School
You must first get accepted to a school. It should be listed under SEVP. SEVP stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Program. Only schools approved by SEVP can issue the needed form for visa.
To find a school:
- Visit studyinthestates.dhs.gov
- Use the search tool to check if your school is SEVP certified
Pick a school based on your interest, cost, and location. Apply as early as possible.
3. Get Your I-20 Form
Once accepted, the school will send you Form I-20. It is the most important paper in this process. It shows your program, start date, cost, and other details.
You need this form for visa application. Keep it safe.
4. Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee
Before applying for the visa, pay the SEVIS fee.
- Go to fmjfee.com
- Fill in the info from your I-20
- Pay the fee (about $350 for F-1)
- Print the receipt
You must carry this receipt to your interview.
5. Fill Out DS-160 Form
DS-160 is your official visa application form.
- Go to ceac.state.gov
- Choose “DS-160”
- Fill in personal, travel, and school details
- Upload a photo
- Review and submit
- Print the confirmation page
You’ll need this confirmation page later.
6. Book and Prepare for Visa Interview
Next, schedule your visa interview.
- Go to ustraveldocs.com
- Create a profile
- Pay the visa application fee (about $185)
- Select your U.S. embassy or consulate
- Pick a date and time
Get your documents ready:
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- DS-160 confirmation
- Visa fee receipt
- SEVIS receipt
- I-20 form
- Admission letter (optional but helpful)
- Bank statements
- Academic certificates
- Test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, etc.)
7. Visa Interview Tips
Dress well and reach the center on time. Be calm and honest.
- Answer clearly
- Speak in English
- Tell them about your course and school
- Explain how you’ll pay for everything
- Show you will return home after study
If approved, they’ll keep your passport. You’ll get it back with the visa stamp.
8. Plan Your Travel
You can now plan your journey to the USA.
- Book your ticket
- Pack clothes based on the weather
- Take your documents in hand luggage:
- Passport with visa
- I-20 form
- SEVIS and visa fee receipts
- Admission letter
- Address of your school
You may enter the U.S. up to 30 days before your course starts.
9. At the Airport in the USA
Once you land, go to immigration.
They may ask:
- Why are you here?
- Where will you study?
- Who is paying?
Show them:
- Passport with visa
- I-20 form
- Address of your school
After they check everything, you will get a stamp. Keep it safe.
10. First Steps After Arrival
After reaching your school:
- Report to the international student office
- Attend orientation
- Open a U.S. bank account
- Buy a SIM card
- Learn local bus or train routes
- Get student ID and insurance
Keep all your documents safe.
11. Follow the Rules of Your Visa
Once in the U.S., you must:
- Study full-time
- Attend classes regularly
- Keep your I-20 valid
- Do not work off-campus without permission
- Tell your school if you move
Breaking rules can cancel your visa.
12. Travel During Holidays or Breaks
You can travel during breaks. But follow these steps:
- Ask your school’s DSO to sign your I-20 for travel
- Make sure your visa is still valid
- Carry I-20, passport, and visa when you return
Without a signed I-20, you may not be allowed back.
13. Can You Work on a Student Visa?
Yes, you can work part-time on campus.
- 20 hours per week during school
- Full-time during holidays
For off-campus jobs, apply for:
- CPT (Curricular Practical Training)
- OPT (Optional Practical Training)
You need school approval for these.
14. After Graduation: What Next?
You have 60 days to leave or change status.
Options:
- Apply for OPT
- Join another course
- Switch to another visa
- Return home
Plan early. Don’t wait till the last minute.
15. Final Tips
- Keep backups of all important papers
- Read emails from your school
- Use student services for help
- Follow local laws
- Be respectful and safe
Studying in the USA is a big step. Stay focused.
Conclusion
Now you know how to travel USA on student visa. The steps may seem many, but they are easy if you stay organized. Apply to a good school, follow visa rules, and prepare well. Once you land in the USA, make the most of your student life. With the right plan, you can turn your study dream into reality.
1. What Is a Student Visa?
A student visa lets you live and study in the U.S. legally. The main type is the F-1 visa. It’s for full-time students at U.S. schools or universities. J-1 is for exchange students. M-1 is for technical or vocational programs.
2. Choose a SEVP-Approved School
You must first get accepted to a school. It should be listed under SEVP. SEVP stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Program. Only schools approved by SEVP can issue the needed form for visa.
To find a school:
- Visit studyinthestates.dhs.gov
- Use the search tool to check if your school is SEVP certified
Pick a school based on your interest, cost, and location. Apply as early as possible.
3. Get Your I-20 Form
Once accepted, the school will send you Form I-20. It is the most important paper in this process. It shows your program, start date, cost, and other details.
You need this form for visa application. Keep it safe.
4. Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee
Before applying for the visa, pay the SEVIS fee.
- Go to fmjfee.com
- Fill in the info from your I-20
- Pay the fee (about $350 for F-1)
- Print the receipt
You must carry this receipt to your interview.
5. Fill Out DS-160 Form
DS-160 is your official visa application form.
- Go to ceac.state.gov
- Choose “DS-160”
- Fill in personal, travel, and school details
- Upload a photo
- Review and submit
- Print the confirmation page
You’ll need this confirmation page later.
6. Book and Prepare for Visa Interview
Next, schedule your visa interview.
- Go to ustraveldocs.com
- Create a profile
- Pay the visa application fee (about $185)
- Select your U.S. embassy or consulate
- Pick a date and time
Get your documents ready:
- Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- DS-160 confirmation
- Visa fee receipt
- SEVIS receipt
- I-20 form
- Admission letter (optional but helpful)
- Bank statements
- Academic certificates
- Test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, etc.)
7. Visa Interview Tips
Dress well and reach the center on time. Be calm and honest.
- Answer clearly
- Speak in English
- Tell them about your course and school
- Explain how you’ll pay for everything
- Show you will return home after study
If approved, they’ll keep your passport. You’ll get it back with the visa stamp.
8. Plan Your Travel
You can now plan your journey to the USA.
- Book your ticket
- Pack clothes based on the weather
- Take your documents in hand luggage:
- Passport with visa
- I-20 form
- SEVIS and visa fee receipts
- Admission letter
- Address of your school
You may enter the U.S. up to 30 days before your course starts.
9. At the Airport in the USA
Once you land, go to immigration.
They may ask:
- Why are you here?
- Where will you study?
- Who is paying?
Show them:
- Passport with visa
- I-20 form
- Address of your school
After they check everything, you will get a stamp. Keep it safe.
10. First Steps After Arrival
After reaching your school:
- Report to the international student office
- Attend orientation
- Open a U.S. bank account
- Buy a SIM card
- Learn local bus or train routes
- Get student ID and insurance
Keep all your documents safe.
11. Follow the Rules of Your Visa
Once in the U.S., you must:
- Study full-time
- Attend classes regularly
- Keep your I-20 valid
- Do not work off-campus without permission
- Tell your school if you move
Breaking rules can cancel your visa.
12. Travel During Holidays or Breaks
You can travel during breaks. But follow these steps:
- Ask your school’s DSO to sign your I-20 for travel
- Make sure your visa is still valid
- Carry I-20, passport, and visa when you return
Without a signed I-20, you may not be allowed back.
13. Can You Work on a Student Visa?
Yes, you can work part-time on campus.
- 20 hours per week during school
- Full-time during holidays
For off-campus jobs, apply for:
- CPT (Curricular Practical Training)
- OPT (Optional Practical Training)
You need school approval for these.
14. After Graduation: What Next?
You have 60 days to leave or change status.
Options:
- Apply for OPT
- Join another course
- Switch to another visa
- Return home
Plan early. Don’t wait till the last minute.
15. Final Tips
- Keep backups of all important papers
- Read emails from your school
- Use student services for help
- Follow local laws
- Be respectful and safe
Studying in the USA is a big step. Stay focused.
Conclusion
Now you know how to travel USA on student visa. The steps may seem many, but they are easy if you stay organized. Apply to a good school, follow visa rules, and prepare well. Once you land in the USA, make the most of your student life. With the right plan, you can turn your study dream into reality.
