US Study Visa

Types of US study visas

US study visas are among the US non-immigrant visas. If you wish to study in the United States for more than six months at the country's educational institutions, you must apply for a US study visa, meaning that you are permitted to enter the United States until the end of your period of study, but you are not permitted permanent residence in the country.

The US study visa comes in three types, F, M and J, which are determined according to your study purpose:

• F Study at a university or college, high school, private elementary school, seminary, private conservatory, or other academic institutions such as language training programmes
• M Vocational and technical institutions and other non-academic institutions, other than language training programmes
• J Taking advantage of sabbatical/research opportunities, summer work-study travel, or completing an internship or traineeship

US study visa F1

The most common and best type of US study visa is the F1  study visa, which has the following characteristics:

• Applicants must apply for this type of study visa after obtaining admission from US educational institutions.
• The US F1 study visa is for study stays of more than 6 months.
• Students holding an F1 visa can take up part-time work (20 hours per week) on campus (during the first year).

 US study visa F2 and how it compares with the F1

• A person who holds a US F1 study visa may be accompanied by their spouse and children under 21. Therefore, a US F2 study visa is issued for their family, which is essentially intended for the companions of the person studying in the United States.
• If a person receives a US F1 study visa, in addition to being able to study in the United States themselves, their family can also study in the United States with a US F2 study visa.
• The US F2 study visa is dependent on the F1 visa holder, and if the F1 visa is cancelled, the F2 visas under it also become invalid.
• US F2 visa holders are only permitted to study in the United States and are not able to work in the United States.

US study visa M1

In terms of requirements, the US M1 study visa is exactly the same as the F1 visa; the only difference is that it is for training at vocational and technical institutions.

US study visa J1

This type of J1 study visa is for research and teaching or sabbatical/research opportunities, and has the following characteristics:

• The validity period of this type of visa varies depending on the circumstances. A J1 study visa holder is required to leave US soil after 2 years and apply again to enter the United States.
• A J1 study visa holder can apply for their spouse and children under 21 to accompany them and reside with them, which is called a J2 visa.

Requirements for obtaining a US study visa

• Obtaining admission from accredited US educational institutions:
  • Checking that your chosen university admits international students (Iranian nationals).
  • Providing a language certificate
  • Paying attention to the accreditation of that university or college
  • Translation of the academic CV

• US study visa without a language certificate

To obtain admission from US universities you must have an international language certificate (TOEFL or IELTS), but if you do not have a certificate you can obtain language admission at a university and, after learning the language, continue your studies in your chosen field at the same university. Below we have described the advantages of a study visa without a language certificate:

• • No age limit
  • Minimum required qualification: high school diploma
  • Visa interview in Persian
  • After completing the language course, continue your studies in another field at the same university

• • Proof of funds required for a US study visa

• Age requirements for obtaining a US study visa

You can apply for a US study visa at any age; this type of visa has no age limit. However, to obtain admission from US universities, at least a 12-year high school diploma is required, meaning that a minimum age of 17 is required for admission to US universities.

Process of obtaining a US study visa

1. Obtaining admission from SEVP-certified educational institutions
2. Registering your information in the SEVIS system and paying its fee
3. Applying for the visa and completing the online application steps
4. Booking an appointment at the embassy and preparing for the in-person interview
5. Attending the in-person interview

Documents required for obtaining a US study visa

• A printed I-20 form
• Receipt of payment of SEVIS fees
• Receipt of online application submission (DS-160 form)
• Two recent colour photographs
• A valid passport
• Submission of all old passports
• Academic documents
• Proof of funds certificate

Cost of obtaining a US study visa

In addition to variable costs such as accommodation, tickets, living expenses and so on, applicants wishing to study in the United States must pay fixed costs, including the fees for the DS-160 form and the visa issuance process ($160) and the SEVIS fee (SEVIS fee) of $350.

Obtaining permanent residence in the United States through a study visa

Given the principle that US study visas are US non-immigrant visas and individuals are permitted to stay in the United States until the end of their studies, it is good to know that the best way for Iranians to obtain US permanent residence is through a US study visa, converting it to an immigrant visa and  then obtaining a US Green Card. After completing their programme in the United States, students can work for one year. Then, after one year of work in the country, they can convert their study visa to an H1-B work visa. If successful, by working in the country (for 5 years) they can obtain US permanent residence and a US Green Card.

In this article we learned that by obtaining a US study visa, in addition to benefiting from the excellent facilities of US institutions and universities, you will have a good opportunity to work in the United States and also to obtain permanent residence in the country. In addition, the possibility for other members of your family to study by obtaining an accompanying study visa is considered one of the important advantages of studying in the United States. So if you are looking for an educational and career future and a life with a high standard of living for yourself or your children, it is good to know that obtaining a US study visa is the most ideal choice for you. However, because of the political relations between Iran and the United States, as well as other points and details of the process of obtaining a visa from the United States, the experienced consultants of Iranoca Immigration Marketing Company will be by your side so that you can obtain the best immigration plan in the most cost-effective way.

If you need consultation, you can meet our consultants in person or online and learn about the process of obtaining your US study visa . You can also, right now and through our free assessment form, which is managed by expert consultants, check your eligibility for this type of visa.

Steps to obtain a US study visa

Dear applicant, if you wish to obtain a US study visa, please follow the steps below

Assessment form and consultation

First, by completing the free assessment form, you can submit your initial circumstances and details for review by the lawyers. If your general circumstances are suitable, a call time will be scheduled for your consultation. Please note that this entire process is free of charge and is reviewed and assessed by specialists

Receiving a confirmation letter

After the consultation and completion of the immigration case process, a letter of approval or non-approval will be sent to you by the licensed lawyers. This letter specifies whether or not you are eligible to immigrate, the type of immigration visa, and the route and conditions through which you can immigrate.

Registering for visa processing Frequently asked questions some users have had about the US study visa