A few years ago, the United States welcomed more international students than ever. In fact, the number recently reached an all-time high. Also, as Covid restrictions ease, the number of international students in the U.S. is expected to grow even more. Because of this, many individuals are considering their options for a visa. Here’s how long it takes to get an F1 visa in the United States.
Processing Time for a Student Visa
United States student visas are usually one of the fastest visas processed. In some cases, the visa processing department will put a student’s visa through following the immigration interview. The interview is the final step of the application process. When you get to the end of your immigration interview, your consular officer will let you know if your application has been approved or requires additional review.
In the United States, the average time that it takes to receive a student visa is three days to several weeks.
After Your University Acceptance
You will need to choose your university before you can apply for an F1 visa in Las Vegas. To apply for a visa, you’ll need an acceptance letter from the school.
Some schools in the United States provide visa application assistance for their students. If you have questions about the visa application process, be sure to ask the counselors at your university for help.
Determine the Type of Student Visa that You’ll Need
The United States offers three different types of student visas. They are:
• F1 Visa
• J1 Visa
• M1 Visa
F1 Visa
The F1 visa is for students who have made arrangements to attend an English language program or an academic one. Once you receive approval for an F1 student visa, you’ll be able to remain in the country until your study program is complete.
F1 visas are the most common kind of visas processed in the United States. Any student who is not a United States citizen must request an F1 visa in the United States to learn at a college or university in the country.
Keep in mind that to qualify for a student visa, the education program that you’re attending must result in your getting a degree, certificate, or diploma. Also, the United States government must authorize the school to accept international students.
J1 Visa
The United States issues the J1 visa to exchange students.
M1 Visa
You’ll want to apply for an M1 visa if you’re planning to attend a school or vocational program that’s non-academic. This may include cooking classes, flight school, mechanical education, and cosmetology programs.
Student Visa Criteria
You’ll need to meet certain criteria to receive approval for your F1 student visa in Las Vegas. For instance, students are required to have a home in their country of origin, which they intend to return to after completing their study program.
Students must take courses from the accredited educational institution where the visa was granted. Also, those who are applying for a student visa must show that they have the proper financial support to cover their expenses while they are attending school. Keep in mind that the amount of financial support needed will be based on your home country.
Visa applicants must confirm that they are strongly connected to their home country. For instance, you may need to share confirmation that you have a job waiting for you at home or that you have family or property that you wish to return to.
The visa approval department may ask you to provide additional documentation to approve your visa. You don’t have to speak English to qualify for a student visa, but you will need to speak English for your college admission, and you’ll also need to speak English for your student visa interview.
When Should You Begin Applying to Schools?
If you’re planning to attend an academic program requiring an F1 visa, start reaching out to colleges at least one year before your study program starts. The school year typically begins in August or September.
Competition for college acceptance in the U.S. is intense, especially with famous schools like Stanford, Yale, or Harvard. Be prepared to submit anywhere from five to 10 applications to a variety of universities.
If it’s your plan to go to a school with a vocational program that will require you to get an M1 visa, the school year start time may vary. You’ll need to contact the schools you’re considering attending directly to obtain detailed information on each one’s admission process and schedule.
When Should You Reach Out to the U.S. Consulate for a Student Visa?
A significant visa application risk is waiting too long to apply. The consulate may only approve your visa on the day that you have your interview. In 2021, the United States Department of State posted that consular officers had the authority to waive some visa interview requirements for particular F1, M1, and academic visa applicants.
Keep in mind that some student visa applications require additional administrative processing. If yours does, it may take the department 60 days or more from the time of your interview to fully process your visa. Be sure to ask your consulate for information on approval timeframes and application procedures. Most advise visa applicants to apply three to six weeks before the start of their educational program in the United States.
Can You Extend Your Stay in the United States?
International students learning in the United States under an F visa must leave the country within 60 days of their program’s completion date. This includes any approved practical training.
If you need an extension, visit the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services website. Once there, click on the page to extend your stay. You must leave the country on time with an extension to avoid being considered out of status. According to law, the visas of those who are out of status become void automatically.
Multiple entry visas that become void because of an out of status standing will not be permitted for future entry into the U.S. Failing to leave the country on time may make you ineligible for a future visa.
If you experience a change of status during your time in the United States, such as receiving an employment offer or marrying a citizen of the United States, then you may ask to change your non-immigration status to a different category.
Is Premium Student Visa Processing Available? While premium visa processing is available for work visas, this is not an option for those who are applying for a student visa. The good news is that student visas are usually processed pretty fast.
F1 Visa in Las Vegas
Be sure to apply for an F1 visa in the United States when planning to attend the UCEDA School of Las Vegas. At the UCEDA School, we employ instructors who teach English at the beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. When you decide to learn English in Las Vegas, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the city’s nightlife and outdoor spaces. Contact us to learn more about the UCEDA School today.