USA Study Visa from Pakistan, Types and Requirements
Introduction
USA study visa from Pakistan is very important for students because Over 9,000 Pakistani students studied in the US in the last few years; most were enrolled in undergraduate programs. Each had to apply for an F-1 visa to travel to the US for college.
Everything Pakistani students need to begin the application process to study in the USA is covered in this one-stop shop, including the paperwork required for the F-1 visa and the visa application cost.
What are the Various types of student visa in US?
1.F-1 student visa
2.J Exchange visa
3. M student visa
1. Why Do I Need an F-1 Visa and What Does It Mean?
A form of student visa, an F-1 visa, is given to nonimmigrants who intend to attend an authorized US university.
For the duration of your degree program, which can last anywhere from two to five years, an F-1 visa is typically valid.
Through Optional Practical Training (OPT), you may be able to remain in the United States for a maximum of 60 days after completing your degree program.
You get an extra 24 months to prolong this term if you study a STEM-related field.
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified US college or university must accept you before you may apply for an F-1 visa as an international student from Pakistan.
You may determine whether your institution or university qualifies for the F-1 visa by using School Search.
Be patient if you need clarification on which college and degree programs are best for you. Speak with Edify’s counsellor about possible majors and universities that fit your long-term objectives.
2. How Can I Get a Student Visa From Pakistan to the US?
Take these actions to get a US student visa from Pakistan:
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Apply to and be accepted by a US university that has received SEVP approval.
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Obtain Form I-20 from your institution and pay the SEVIS cost.
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Fill out Form DS-160, the Online Non-immigrant Visa Application.
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Pay the fees and expenses of your visa application.
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Make an appointment and attend a visa interview at the closest US consulate or embassy.
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Be ready to present the necessary paperwork, such as Form I-20, academic transcripts, and proof of financial stability.
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Prepare to respond to inquiries regarding your course of study and desire to study in the United States.
F-1 Student Visa:
Students pursuing academic studies at recognized US schools or universities may apply for the F-1 Student Visa.
It is also appropriate for people who wish to improve their English language proficiency by enrolling in English language schools.
The J Exchange Visa
It is intended for individuals involved in exchange programs and provides coverage for various educational options, such as high school and university studies.
It makes international collaboration and cross-cultural interchange between US and foreign institutions easier.
The M Student Visa
It is designed for people who want to study in the US for non-academic or vocational purposes.
It is appropriate for students enrolled in vocational schools, technical schools, or other non-degree-granting educational establishments.
3. Enroll in Your US University and Receive Your I-20 Form
Your institution or university will send you an I-20 form once you’ve been accepted, which you’ll need for the F-1 visa application procedure.
This contains details about your funding source, your academic program’s beginning and ending dates, and your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) ID. Before signing the I-20 form, you must verify all of the facts.
You must pay the $350 SEVIS fee (about Rs 98,200) before proceeding to the next stage of the F-1 visa application process. You will require a copy of your receipt for the visa interview, so be sure you print it off!
4. Finish the necessary DS-160 application.
You must use the application portal to submit your information online for the DS-160 application. (The U.S. Department of State website has additional information regarding the DS-160.)
Pay the visa fees ($185, or roughly Rs 51,900) after completing the DS-160 form to obtain a confirmation page with a barcode. This page needs to be printed out for the interview.
5. Set Up an Interview
Find the US embassy or consulate nearest you, fill out the I-20 and DS-160 forms, and submit them. Then, schedule an interview.
The US consulates and embassies in Pakistan are listed below:
The American Embassy in Islamabad
General U.S. Consulate in Karachi
American Consulate General in Lahore
General U.S. Consulate in Peshawar
6. Be Prepared for the Interview for Your Visa
Make a list of all the documents you must bring to the interview for the last phase of the F-1 visa application process. This comprises:
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Your identity document
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I-20 and DS-160 documents, such as the DS-160 confirmation page and I-20 payment receipt
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A copy of your passport photo
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Any documentation proving the intention to return to Pakistan following graduation
7. Can an F-1 Visa Holder Work and Study?
On an F-1 visa, employment is only allowed in specific situations.
Students on F-1 visas can usually only work on campus. A student’s weekly labour hours are limited to 20 hours.
If your program allows it, you can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT) to look for work outside the institution.
8. Can I use my student visa to travel?
Pakistani students may travel domestically and abroad with an F-1 visa once enrolled in their US college or university.
To accomplish this, the designated school official (DSO), who frequently works in the university’s international student services department, must provide a travel signature on page two of the I-20 form.
Furthermore, passports, visas, and I-20 forms must all be current.
Visit the Immigration and Customs Enforcement website for additional details regarding travel restrictions and the papers needed for re-entry.
9. What is my visa get rejected?
Sadly there exist no process if your visa gets rejected but if does not mean you cant apply again.
Conclusion
A Pakistani student’s visa to the US needs to be carefully planned, documented, and prepared for.
You may increase your chances of having a successful visa application procedure by paying attention to the instructions and making sure all requirements are completed.
At Edify, a presidential award-winning consultancy, we are committed to empowering Pakistani students to pursue higher education abroad.
Our dedicated team of counsellors provides comprehensive support and guidance, assisting students at every stage of their study abroad journey.
FAQ’s
Can I travel outside the US on a student visa?
Yes, you can travel outside the US on a student visa.
How much does applying for a study visa in the USA from Pakistan cost?
The visa application fees ($185, or around Rs 51,900)
Does a USA student visa require the IELTS?
Although not required for admission to all American universities, IELTS is widely regarded as essential for applicants to higher education.