USA Student Visa Guide for Pakistani Students
Among the world’s leading countries providing quality education, exposing a student to research and technology, and cultural diversity are included in the United States. The USA comprises a number of top-ranked universities and colleges like Harvard, MIT, and Stanford, which, according to a record, have always drawn the highest number of foreign students towards themselves. This is the reason Pakistani students are now inclining toward tech, medicine, engineering, and arts in which U.S. universities lead the way.
Importance of a Student Visa
To obtain an official document for entry purposes into the U.S. to attend school, for Pakistani students, they must acquire a student visa. It is the visa that enables you to take classes, not to be deported from the country. Yes, the application may not be so easy but with the right preparation, you can do it.
Types of USA Student Visas
Know the different types of student visas available before you begin the application process.
F-1 Visa
The F-1 visa is one of the most sought-after student visas by Pakistani students. It is a visa intended for those who express their desire to study academic courses at educational institutions, including but not limited to universities, colleges, and language schools. This visa provides an opportunity for the students to stay in the country for the duration of their study period.
M-1 Visa
The M-1 visa is a document that is granted to every students who wish to pursue non-academic or vocational programs. These could be technological, trade, or career-oriented courses. M-1 students are not permitted to work during their study but they can take practical training after completing their course.
J-1 Visa
The J-1 visa is a cultural exchange visa meant for students who want to be in exchange programs. Such programs are internship, research, and training programs that are academically and professionally beneficial to the students. J-1 students may also be bound by law to return to Pakistan when their program of studies is completed depending upon the terms of the visa.
Eligibility Criteria for Pakistani Students
To be qualified for a USA student visa, it’s necessary for you to meet certain eligibility criteria.
Academic Qualifications
Your eligibility is connected to your academic background in your original country. Many students apply after they have finished high school for undergraduate programs or after getting a bachelor’s degree for a graduate program.
English Ability
You must demonstrate your proficiency in English through tests such as TOEFL, or Test of English as a Foreign Language, and IELTS, which is the International English Language Testing System. You also must have a minimum required score that may vary depending on the university and program that you are applying to.
Financial Proof
You are required to prove that you can afford to pay the tuition fees, your expenses for accommodation, and travel needs by giving these financial resources. It can be evidenced by bank statements, an affidavit of support, or scholarship documents.
How to Apply for a USA Student Visa
- Get Accepted by a SEVP-Approved School: The first step in your journey is to apply to U.S. colleges that are approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Once they accept you, the institution will issue you a Form I-20, without which you cannot apply for a visa.
- Pay the SEVIS Fee: Before proceeding with your visa application, pay the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee, which is used to track student records. You can pay the fee at the SEVIS website.
- Complete the DS-160 Form: This web-based application form is very important when it comes to obtaining a student visa. You are required to complete personal, educational, and travel information.
- Schedule a Visa Interview: Book an appointment at the U.S. Embassy, which is located in Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, for your visa interview. Officially the available appointment dates might vary, so book in advance.
- Attend the Interview: Dress neatly, prepare your documents, and answer the interview questions confidently. Furthermore, you should convince the consular officer that you will return to Pakistan after your study.
The Role of the SEVIS System
The SEVIS system is a database of information about international students in America which makes sure that students follow the rules of their visas and go to the correct institutions. In order to make sure that you are able to keep track of students’ whereabouts in the U.S., you will have to pay a fee called the SEVIS. This fee will not only help maintain this system but it will also make it easier for the U.S. government to track students.
How Does SEVIS Impact Your Visa Application?
Now, you will get a document called Form I-20 that the school will issue to you in order to let you know your SEVIS ID. It is imperative for your visa application, and you have to take it with you when you go to your visa interview.
The DS-160 Form: Completing the Application
How to Fill Out the DS-160 Form
The DS-160 form holds the key to the success of your application, so it is mandatory for you to complete it properly and to provide only the actual details. The form will ask you about your background, your plan of study, and your intended period of stay in the U.S. Also, Make sure that you upload a recent passport-size photograph throughout the process.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Providing incorrect or misleading information
- Failing to upload the correct photo
- Missing fields in the application form
- Not submitting the form before the interview
Scheduling and Preparing for the Visa Interview
How to Schedule Your Visa Interview
Once you’ve completed the DS-160 form, schedule your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy. Be prepared for long waiting times, especially during peak application periods like the summer.
What to Expect During the Interview
During your interview, the consular officer will ask questions to verify your eligibility for a student visa. They’ll assess whether you have sufficient financial resources, ties to Pakistan, and the intent to return home after your studies.
Visa Fee Payment and Receipt
How Much Does the USA Student Visa Cost?
The application fee for a U.S. student visa is typically around $160, but additional fees may apply, depending on the type of visa and country of origin.
Where and How to Pay the Visa Fee
You can pay the fee at designated bank branches in Pakistan or online, depending on the embassy’s requirements.
What Happens After the Interview?
Once you’ve attended your visa interview, the consular officer will make a decision. If approved, your passport and visa will be returned to you, allowing you to travel to the U.S. If denied, you can reapply or appeal the decision.
How to Prepare for Traveling to the USA
Booking your flight early can help you save money, and preparing for your accommodation in the U.S. is equally important. Make sure you have all necessary documentation for entry into the country.
Arriving in the USA: What to Do First
Upon arrival in the U.S., you’ll go through immigration, where you’ll show your visa and Form I-20. After clearing customs, head to your designated school orientation, where you’ll learn about campus resources, health insurance, and other essential services.
