The US is home to many of the world's top universities and offers a varied and exciting place in which to study. But before you can take your bite out of the American pie you will need to get a visa. QS Top Universities looks at visa requirements to study abroad in the US.

Unless you are a US citizen, you will need a student visa in order to study in the US.The US tag line on immigration and visa policy is 'Closed Borders, Open Doors.' Since the September 11 attacks the borders are more firmly closed than ever and the doors are increasingly harder to get through. However, with due diligence and a little planning, it is possible to complete the necessary applications, obtain a US Student Visa and become an international student at a top US university.

The first thing to know about obtaining a student visa is that it is a long slow process and can take months of planning. Almost all visa applications will involve an interview with a consular officer at the US embassy in your country of residence. The consular officer will assess your eligibility for a visa as well as verifying your intent to return home after you have finished your period of study (rather than stay in the US.) You will not be granted a visa if, in the judgment of the consular officer, you have not met all of the necessary criteria.

Contact your nearest US Embassy or consulate at http://www.usembassy.gov/ for details on approximate wait time for appointments and visas as well as what you are allowed to bring with you when you visit the embassy.
Types of Visa:
There are three types of visa for studying in the US: F-1, M-1 and J-1.

F-1, or non-immigrant student visa: This visa is for international students who want to study at an accredited US college or university or who wish to study English at a university or intensive English language institute.

M-1, or student visa: This visa is for those who will be engaged in non-academic or vocational study or training at an institution in the US.

J-1, or exchange visitor: This visa is for people who will be participating in a foreign exchange program in the US. Study in the US is usually for a short period of time of only one or two semesters.

For all visa applications, you will need to submit a SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) generated document (either an I-20 or DS-2019), which is provided to you by your school. Your school is responsible for entering your information for the I-20/DS-2019 form into SEVIS once you have been academically admitted to the institution or accepted as a participant in a foreign exchange program. You and your school official must sign the I-20 form. Students will also have to pay an SEVIS I-901 fee for each program of study.
Visa costs:
The visa application cost is $131 per person (payable by the principle applicant, their spouse and/or dependents wishing to travel with them.)

There may also be an additional 'reciprocal' fee on top of this. Check the following link for a country by country list of fees: http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/reciprocity/reciprocity_3272.html The SEVIS I-901 is currently priced at $100 per principle applicant (not applicable to spouse or dependents). There is however a move in place to increase this fee to $200 for F and M non-immigrants and $180 for most exchange visitors.
What to bring to your interview:
You must provide the following in your interview with the consular officer: - Visa-qualifying document (I-20 or DS-2019) - A completed application, Non-immigrant Visa Applicant (Form DS-156), together with a Form DS-158. Both forms must be completed and signed. Some applicants will also be required to complete and sign Form DS-157 - A completed visa application form - A Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee receipt to show payment of the visa application fee. - A 'reciprocal' fee receipt (if applicable) - A separate SEVIS I-901 fee receipt - A passport valid for travel to the US and with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the US - One (1) 2x2 photograph. See http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/info/info_1287.html for photo requirements You may also have to provide: - Transcripts and diplomas from previous institutions attended - Scores from standardized tests required by the educational institution such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT, etc. - Financial evidence that shows you or your parents who are sponsoring you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period of your intended study



During the visa interview, an ink-free, digital fingerprint scan will be taken as well as a digital photo.

No assurances regarding the issuance of visas can be given in advance. Therefore final travel plans or the purchase of non-refundable tickets should not be made until a visa has been issued.
Entry to the US:
The U.S. Embassy/Consulate cannot issue an F-1 or M-1 visa more than 120 days before the actual start of the program in the US. (J-1 visas may be issued at any time.)

You will not be allowed to enter the country more than 30 days before the start of your program on your student visa, if you are an initial entry student. If you want to come to the US more than 30 days prior to your course start date you must qualify for and obtain a visitor visa.

Continuing students may enter the U.S. at any time before their classes start.
On arrival in the US:
Upon arrival in the US you will have to fill an Arrival-Departure Record (Form I-94) and a Customs Declaration Form (CF-6059). Since Form I-94 documents your authorized stay in the US, it's very important to keep in your passport

You should also have the following documents with you: - Your passport, valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected stay - SEVIS Form I-20 or the sealed envelope that contains your DS-2019

In addition, it is strongly recommended that you also hand carry the following documentation: - Evidence of financial resources ' Evidence of student status, such as recent tuition receipts and transcripts - Paper receipt for the SEVIS fee - Name and contact information for your 'Designated School Official', including a 24-hour emergency contact number at the school - If you are an exchange student then a letter from your home university stating your intent to return to your home university

Always hand-carry your documents, do not put them in your checked baggage. If your baggage is lost or delayed, you will be unable to present the documents at your port of entry. As a result, you may not be able to enter the US.

Student visitors must have their Form I-20/DS-2019 in their possession each time they enter the US. If you take a vacation outside of the US you will need you I-20/DS-2019 to re-enter the country.
What next:
Students should report to the office in their school that is responsible for assisting international students and scholars within 30 days of the date that appears on the SEVIS I-20/DS-2019 form to register for courses or to validate their intended participation. It may be called the Office of International Services, the Office of International Education, the International Programs Office, or some other similar name. That office must report your arrival within the SEVIS system. If this report is not submitted, you may be considered to be in violation of your status in the US.
How long can you stay in the US:
When you enter the US on a student visa, you will usually be admitted for the duration of your student status. This means you may stay as long as you are a full time student, even if the visa in your passport expires while you are in the country.

However, if you depart the US with an expired visa, you will need to obtain a new one before being able to return and resume your studies. A student visa cannot be renewed or re-issued in the US; it must be done at an Embassy or Consulate abroad.

Once you have completed your duration of study, as outlined on your I-20/DS-2019 then you are allowed the following additional time before you must leave the US:

F-1 student - An additional 60 days, to prepare for departure from the US or to transfer to another school. M-1 student - An additional 30 days to depart the US J-1 student - An additional 30 days to depart the US

It is important that you depart the US on or before the last day you are authorized to be in the US on any given trip, based on the specified end date on your Arrival-Departure Record, Form I-94. Failure to depart the US will cause you to be out-of-status. Being out-of-status in the US is a violation of immigration laws, and may cause you to be ineligible for a visa in the future. For more information on maintaining your visa status: http://www.ice.gov/sevis/sevisfactsheet.htm
Some other things to consider:
The US does not have a socialized health care system. It will almost certainly be a requirement of enrolment at you US institution that you provide proof of having purchased private health insurance to cover you for medical treatment. The international department at you US institution may be able to advise you on insurance options.

Below are a few websites that may help you find more information on student visas for the US:

http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov/index.html

http://www.educationusa.state.gov/

http://www.ice.gov/