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USA Student Visa Guide for Pakistani Students

USA Student Visa Guide for Pakistani Students
The following Student Visa Guide to the USA for Pakistani Students highlights various ways through which the particular process of obtaining a visa can be understood by every Pakistani student studying in the U.S. Indeed studying in the U.S. is an eye-opening experience and an outstanding opportunity to enhance one’s professional and personal growth. The post explains every step of the process in visa application and offers many recommendations to make the process smooth.

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 needed for you to meet following eligibility criteria.

Academic Qualifications

Your background is based on your academic history in your native country. Most of students apply after intermediate for an undergraduate degree and those who have passed out bachelor’s degree apply for a master’s degree.

English Ability

You need to be highly proficient in English have taken TOEFL. You also need to have a minimum required score in either TOEFL or IELTS which can differ based on the university and program that you are applying in.

Financial Proof

It is also necessary to provide prove that you can afford to pay the tuition fees in the respective university, your expenses for accommodation in foreign country, and travel expenses like travel expenses. Your financial strength must be shown in your bank statements, an affidavit of support, or scholarship documents.

How to Apply for a USA Student Visa

  • Get Accepted by a SEVP-Approved School: This journey starts from applying to U.S. colleges approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Upon acceptance, the institution issues you a Form I-20 without which a visa application cannot be made.
  • Pay the SEVIS Fee: This is to proceed with the process of applying for a visa. Kindly pay the SEVIS fee to track student records. This form is available on the SEVIS website.
  • Complete the DS-160 Form: This is the online form application which is serial in acquiring student visa. On this form, personal, learning and travel information is required to be filled.
  • Schedule a Visa Interview: At one of the U.S. Embassies located in Islamabad, Lahore, or Karachi, schedule your visa interview appointment. The appointment dates may not be the same officially, so make sure to book well in advance.
  • Attend the Interview: Dress neatly, prepare your documents, and answer the interview questions with confidence. Also, you should convince the consular officer that you will return to Pakistan after your study.

The Role of the SEVIS System

SEVIS stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. It is a database that tracks information on international students in the United States. It helps ensure that students are abiding by their visa rules as well as attending the correct school. “In order to be able to track students traveling within the U.S., you have to pay a fee known as SEVIS”. This fee helps in the maintenance of the system, making it easier for the U.S. government to track students.

How Does SEVIS Impact Your Visa Application?

You will now receive a document known as Form I-20, which will include your SEVIS ID. This is very important when applying for the visa. Please be sure to bring it with you to your visa interview.

The DS-160 Form: Completing the Application

How to Fill Out the DS-160 Form

The DS-160 form is proof 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 in all the processes.

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.

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