Student Visa USA - Definitive Guide

Normally, it is not possible to extend the student visa as it is issued for the particular duration of the course. As a result, you will have to exit the country after the permit expires. However, one way you can get an extension is to complete an OPT (Optical Practical Training) program which will allow you to work in the US with the student permit for up to 12 months, following which you may apply for an H1-B work permit. 

Once your permit has expired and you have not been issued with an extension or OPT, you must leave the country within the next 60 days. This is the grace period allowed for the student permits. Staying back after this period is considered as an offence, and can lead to you being deported. 

Being a type of the Non-Immigrant Visa (NIV), there are no mandatory medical test required for this category. However, there are a few basic health requirements you would need to meet for your admission procedure at the institution. It is also recommended that you get a medical test done before travelling to the US for your own safety

You may not directly convert your student visa to a work permit. However, you can apply for a work permit after your studies provided that you have a sponsor and that you meet all the conditions. While you are on an F1 permit, you are allowed to take part in part-time work for permitted number of hours.

‘Administrative processing’ is simply one of the terms used for a reason why your application is on hold. It does not mean your application is rejected. It simply means that the application needs more time for processing and verification. Once approved, you will be notified of the status. 

A US visa rejection is considered as a major factor in determining application status. Even though multiple rejections will significantly reduce your chances of successful approval, you are not banned from re-applying again. However, this again depends mainly on the reason for your rejection. If you have been rejected due to minor faults, your application may be approved as long as you have corrected those. However, if the reason is major such as fake documents, false information, etc, you will most likely be rejected again. 

As per the eligibility criteria, you will need an English proficiency test score to be able to apply for a student permit. However, this is not a direct requirement by the embassy or consulates. You need the test scores in order for the institution to issue you with an I-20 form. And without this, you will not be able to apply for the visa. The minimum scores depend on the test you are taking, the course level, as well as the university or institution. For example, for a Masters level course at a top US university, you would need a minimum IELTS score of 7. However, the same at a lower ranking university would require only a score of 5 or so on.

US student visa interviews can be a stressful experience. However, there are a few ways you can avoid this and have a pleasant experience. The first thing you need to do is to be honest during an interview. If the consular officer sees that you are lying, this can affect your application. The questions will revolve around the purpose of the visit, the course you are studying, as well as your plans after the studies. Be sure to be ready with everything regarding the student visa, your institution, and the course you are studying. 

Yes, you can apply for an F1 permit from another country. However, you must be living on a resident permit in that country. You cannot apply if you are on a short term visa in a particular country. If you are a resident, you can apply to the US embassy over there, provided that you meet the conditions. 

As a matter of fact, this can definitely affect your application in most cases. Every country has a steadfast rule on not overstaying in the respective country after expiry unless you did it in extreme circumstances. The US consular department can have records of your overstay and hence, use it in processing your application. However, since there is no certainty that they will reject it, you may apply for the F1 visa. 

No, passing an IELTS is not automatic eligibility for an F1 permit. As per the requirements, you will need an I-20 form for your application. And in order to get an I-20, you will need an English proficiency. This can be IELTS, PTE, or other accepted scores by the respective institution. Apart from submitting the test scores, you will require several other documents as well to apply for the permit. These are mentioned in this guide. 

You will be refused a permit if you do not have sufficient funds. One of the main conditions for applying for an F1 visa is that you possess enough funds to support your stay. Failure to do so is almost as an automatic visa rejection. During the interview, you will be asked about the source of funds. If you do not possess them, these will prove to the consular officer that you are incompetent to be issued with the student visa. 

You can do part-time work while on a student permit. However, there are a few conditions attached to this. You cannot work off-campus, meaning, your work must be done within the institution you are studying it. However, you may apply to the USCIS for doing off-campus work under certain conditions. You cannot work for more than 20 hours a week during the regular school session. You may work up to 40 hours during vacation periods. 

Yes, you are allowed to apply for the student permit regardless of the ECR stamp. The ECR is only for people travelling for work permits, and only to a list of countries, The US does not come under this, and as a result, the ECR status is irrelevant to the application.