Avoid These Common Mistakes in Your Student Visa Application
Before you can pack your bags for postgraduate studies in the U.S., you’ll need to apply for your international student visa. A student visa gives you permission to live and study in the U.S., so it’s crucial to get your application right. Even small errors, like forgetting a document or missing a deadline, can lead to delays or outright denials. Here are common application mistakes to avoid so you can have a smooth and successful visa process.
1. Filling out Form DS-160 incorrectly
To apply for your international student visa, you’ll need to fill out Form DS-160 online and submit it to the U.S. Department of State. Most questions are mandatory, and you have to fill out the form in English.
The form asks for detailed information and takes about 90 minutes to fill out. It’s essential to fill it out accurately, as errors can cause your application to be delayed or rejected.
Double-check the form for accuracy before you hit submit. Make sure your personal information, school name, SEVIS ID and other details match what’s on your official records to avoid a student visa rejection.
2. Not paying fees on time
You’ll have to pay two fees to get your U.S. student visa: the visa application fee and the I-901 SEVIS fee. The international student visa application fee costs US$185, while the SEVIS fee is US$350 for F-1 students and $220 for J-1 students.
Both fees must be paid before your interview, and you’ll need to bring your receipts to the visa interview to prove you paid them. Forgetting to pay one or both of these fees could delay your visa application.
3. Scheduling your visa interview too late
To get your international student visa, you’ll need to set up an interview at your local U.S. embassy or consulate. There can be long wait times, so schedule your interview as soon as possible.
You can schedule your visa interview once you’ve been accepted to a university and have received your I-20 form. You’ll also need to complete the DS-160 application and pay visa fees.
Your visa can be issued up to 365 days before your program begins, but you can only enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the start date. If you wait too long to apply, though, you might not get your visa in time.
4. Skipping your interview prep
The interview is an important part of the student visa process, so it’s worth preparing for your visa interview in advance. Review some of the common questions a consular officer will ask, such as:
- What school are you attending, and what do you plan to study?
- How will you support yourself financially in the U.S.?
- What are your plans following graduation?
Your interviewer wants to make sure you’re being honest about your plans, have sufficient funds and will return to your home country after your visa expires. The interview also helps confirm you have the English language skills to study in the U.S.
Skipping out on interview prep could leave you flustered in the moment. Taking the time to get ready – and to review what not to say in a student visa interview – can help ensure everything goes smoothly.
5. Missing documents
You’ll need to bring several important documents to your visa interview. U.S. student visa requirementsinclude:
- Valid passport
- Form DS-160 confirmation page
- Form I-20
- SEVIS fee receipt
- Visa application fee receipt
- Passport-sized photo, if you weren’t able to upload it online
You may also need to provide additional documentation, including:
- Academic records, such as transcripts and standardized test scores
- Proof of funds that show you can cover your educational, living and travel costs
- Proof that you intend to leave the U.S. after graduating
Download a checklist of all the documents you need, and make sure you have everything on hand before heading to your interview. Missing key documents could disqualify you from getting an international student visa and may mean you have to start the process over again.
Navigate the international student visa process with confidence
Applying for an international student visa is an important step in your study abroad journey, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By avoiding these common visa application mistakes, you can save yourself unnecessary delays or rejections. Stay organized and review U.S. student visa requirements to give yourself the best chance of securing your visa without complications.
If you need support along the way, MPOWER Financing is here to help. MPOWER offers international student loans without a cosigner so you can finance your education. MPOWER students also have access to its Path2Success program, which offers personalized support for your U.S. or Canada student visa application.
The MPOWER Path2Success program offers a free visa support letter and prep course so you’ll be fully prepared to ace your F-1 visa interview. Other financial benefits include a prequalified U.S. credit card and bank account and expert guidance for F1 students to help you jumpstart your career.
With the right preparation and support, you’ll be a huge step closer to studying in the U.S. and achieving your goals.
