Applicants aiming to study in the United States face a detailed process to secure a student visa. The journey begins with applying to an institution participating in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Upon acceptance, students are registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and are required to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. Only thereafter will they receive Form I-20 from their educational institution.
Once equipped with Form I-20, students must complete the DS-160 form and pay the associated application fee. Following completion, they are tasked with scheduling an interview at a U.S. Embassy.
For the interview, several documents are essential. These include a valid passport, the DS-160 confirmation page, Form I-20, academic records, and evidence of financial support. A consular officer will assess these documents to determine if the requirements set out by U.S. immigration law are satisfied.