Getting ready to study abroad in the United States? Read on to find out information on applying for a US Student Visa from Malaysia.
Types of Student Visa
According to travel.state.gov, there are generally two types of student visa, F visa and M visa. Based on your course of study and type of school you plan to attend, you can determine which visa you will need.
Students who plan to attend a US university or college is required to apply for a F-1 visa. This visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows international students to temporarily live in the US while studying at institutions certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
F-1 Visa Application Process
Before you begin your F-1 visa application, the first step is to apply to SEVP-approved institutions and be accepted.
When to start? The application process for an F-1 student visa is very complex and time-consuming, so we advise our students to begin the process as soon as your Form I-20 from the institution.
You can follow the following steps to apply for a F-1 visa:
- Apply and get accepted at an SEVP-approved institution.
- Receive Form I-20 and pay SEVIS I-1901
- Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160) and pay the visa application fee.
- Schedule visa interview.
- Attend visa interview.
As of October 2023, the visa application fee for F-1 visa is $185. Find out more about how to pay application fee for Malaysian students here.
F-1 Visa Requirements
Before attending the visa interview, students are usually required to gather and prepare the following documents:
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- Passport
- Photo
- Non-immigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page
- I-901 and DS-160 payment receipts
- Form I-20
- Bank statements or other proof of finances to show how will you pay your educational, living and travel costs
- Transcripts, certificates, standardized test scores
