How to Get a US Student Visa
If you want to study in the US and are not a US citizen you will need to obtain a student visa. Applying for a US student visa can be a long process, so make sure you start preparing well in advance at least three to five months before your course is due to start. There are usually several steps to apply for a US student visa. These steps vary at each US embassy or consulate so its important to consult the instructions on the website of the embassy or consulate where you intend to apply.
In general, prospective students will go through five stages when applying for a US student visa:
Apply to and be accepted by a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-approved school in the US (six to twelve months prior to US study);
Pay the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee;
Complete a US student visa application along with recent photo(s);
Pay the visa application fee;
Schedule and attend a visa interview.
Read on for detailed advice on each of these five steps.
如何获得美国学生签证?
如果你想要在美国学习，但是你不是一名美国公民的话，那么你将需要获得学生签证。申请美国学生签证可能是一个比较漫长的过程，所以请务必确保你已经提前准备好至少在你专业课程开始之前的3个月到5个月就开始申请。申请美国学生签证通常需要几个步骤，而每一个美国大使馆或者领事馆的签证申请步骤各有不同，所以从你计划申请签证的大使馆或者领事馆的官网上面找到详细的签证申请指导是很重要的。
一般情况下，意向学生在申请美国学生签证的时候，将会历经以下五个阶段：
申请并且获得美国学生和交流访问者项目(SEVP)指定学校的录取(在美国学习之前的6-12个月);
支付学生和交流访问者信息系统费用;
完成美国学生签证申请表，并且附好最近的照片;
支付签证申请费用;
安排和参加签证面试。
1. Apply to an SEVP-approved institution
As an international student, you should ensure you choose an institution and program accredited by the US governments Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
Accreditation is important as it ensures your degree is recognized by other universities, professional associations, employers and government ministries worldwide. Only SEVP-approved institutions can enroll students in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and provide you with the documents necessary to apply for a US student visa. Use the governments Study in the States website to identify accredited institutions.
Unlike some countries, the US does not have a centralized university application system, so you will need to apply to each institution you are interested in separately. Youll need to fulfill each institutions admissions requirements, and usually will also be asked to provide proof of sufficient financial resources.
Once you have been accepted by an institution, the university will enroll you in the SEVIS system and you will be sent a SEVIS-generated document called Form I-20 if you are eligible for an F or M visa, or Form DS-2019 if you are eligible for a J visa.
The SEVP manages international students in the F and M visa classifications, while the Department of State (DoS) manages Exchange Visitor Programs and international students on J visa classifications. Both SEVP and DoS use SEVIS to track and monitor institutions, exchange visitor programs and international students.
1、申请一所SEVP指定学校
作为一名国际学生，你应该保证你所选择的学校以及专业都是美国政府的学生和交流访问者项目(SEVP)认可的。
官方认可是很重要的，因为它保证了你的学位是否获得世界上其他大学、专业协会、雇主或者是政府部门的认可。只有SEVP-认可的学校可以在学生和交流访问者信息系统(SEVIS)下招收学生，并且提供给你所需要的文件来申请美国学生签证。
与一些国家不同，美国没有一个集中的大学申请系统，所以你需要单独申请每一个你感兴趣的学校。你将需要满足每一个学校的具体入学申请条件，并且通常将会要求你提供足够的经济来源证明。
一旦你已经获得了某一学校的录取通知，该大学会将你的信息登记在SEVIS系统中，然后你会收到一个SEVIS-生成文件，如果你符合F或者M签证申请资格的话，你会收到I-20文件，而如果你具备申请J签证的话，你会收到DS-2019表格。
SEVP管理着F和M签证类别下的国际学生，而美国国务院(DoS)负责交流访问者项目以及J类签证下的国际学生。SEVP以及DoS都使用SEVIS来跟踪和监督各个大学、交流访问项目以及国际学生。
2. Pay the SEVIS fee
You must pay the SEVIS fee at least three days prior to submitting an application for a US visa. In order to pay the fee youll need to file either an online or paper form. Both can be accessed through the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) SEVP website. Take care to input the required details exactly as they appear on your I-20 or DS-2019 form.
At the time of writing the I-901 fee is US$200 for F/M visa holders and $180 for J student visa holders. J visa holders working as camp counselors, au pairs or in summer work/travel pay $35 instead. The website explains the procedure for different types of payment including debit or credit card, check, international money order and Western Union Quick Pay. Having paid the fee you can return to the website to check on your payment status if desired. A third party (such as your sponsor) can also pay the fee for you. If the fee is paid on your behalf you should receive a receipt from that third party.
You can obtain and print a payment confirmation from the website at any time after processing your payment. Youll need this confirmation as proof of fee payment at your US student visa interview. You may also be required to show the confirmation to the customs officer at your chosen US Port of Entry, if ever you change your non-immigrant status, or if youre applying for any other US immigration benefits.
2、支付SEVIS费用
你必须在递交美国签证申请之前的至少3天就支付SEVIS费用。为了支付该费用，你需要在线填写一个表格，或者是填写一个纸质表格，这两个表格都可以在美国移民和海关执法局(ICE) SEVP官网上面获得。认真填写所需要的信息，确保其和I-20或者DS-2019表格上的信息完全一致。
目前，F/M签证持有者的I-901费用是US$200，而J学生签证持有者的I-901费用是$180。作为夏令营辅导员、夏季工作/旅行中的换工住宿者的J签证持有者需要支付$35。官网上面介绍了不同类型的支付方式的具体支付流程，包括借记卡、信用卡、支票、国际汇票以及西联快捷付款。在支付完成之后，你可以返回官网查看自己的支付状态。第三方(例如你的赞助者)也可以为你支付该费用。如果这个费用是以你的名义支付的，那么你应该从第三方获得凭据。
你可以在完成了支付过程以后的任何时候，从官网上面获得或者打印支付确认。在美国学生签证面试的过程中，你将会需要这个支付确认书来证明你的费用支付情况。你也需要在你所选择美国入境口岸，向海关官员提供该确认书，如果曾经你改变了你的非移民状态的话，或者是正在申请任意其他的美国移民福利的话。
3. Complete a US student visa application
Once you have received your SEVIS form and paid the SEVIS fee, you can make an appointment with a US consulate or embassy in your country for a US student visa application. Its best to apply as early as possible, regardless of when your program is due to start, as visa processing times can vary. Your visa can be issued up to 120 days before youre due to enter the US.
Most countries have their own dedicated website for everything to do with making a US student visa application, which can be accessed from this main page. If you cannot find your country in the list, you may still be able to find the US embassy or consulate in your country using the US embassys website.
Online visa application: DS-160
In all cases youll need to complete the online visa application form DS-160. Youll need to select the location from which you wish to apply and ensure you have all the documents and information you need to fill in the application. After selecting and answering a security question, youll be taken to the pages of the form. At the top youll find your application ID. Youll need this ID to retrieve your form if you need to exit the application and return to it later.
Personal details required to complete the DS-160 form include:
Name and date of birth
Address and phone number
Passport details
Details of travel plans, and travel companions
Details of previous US travel
Your point of contact in the US
Family, work and education details
Security, background and medical health information
SEVIS ID and address of US school/program you intend to enroll in (as printed on I-20 or DS-2019 form)
Youll also need to upload a suitable recent photo of yourself in the format explained in the photograph requirements. If your photo upload fails youll need to take a printed photograph, which meets the requirements, to your visa interview.
Take care to answer all the questions accurately and fully as you may have to reschedule your visa interview appointment if you make any errors. If you get confused when filling in the application form you may find answers to your questions on the travel.state.gov website.
Once the visa application form is completed, youll need to electronically sign your DS-160 by clicking the Sign Application button at the end. After your application is uploaded youll be sent a confirmation page with a barcode, barcode number and your application ID number which youll need to print out and take to your visa interview appointment. You do not need to print the full application.
3、完成美国学生签证申请
一旦你获得了你的SEVIS表格并且支付了SEVIS费用的话，你可以和你原籍国的美国大使馆或者领事馆约定一个美国学生签证申请的时间。无论你的专业是什么时候开始，最好是尽早的进行签证申请，因为签证处理时间各不相同。你的签证可以在你计划进入美国之前的最多120天获得。
大部分国家有他们自己的专门网站，说明进行美国学生签证申请的一切相关信息。如果你不能在这个列表中找到你的国家的话，那么你仍然可以找到你所在美国的美国大使馆或者领事馆，使用美国大使馆的官网来了解相关信息。
在线签证申请：DS-160
在所有情况下，你都需要完成在线签证申请表DS-160。你将需要选择一个你想要申请的地址，并且保证你已经准备好所有签证申请过程中需要的文件和信息。在选择和回答一个安全提问之后，你将会看到这个表格。在表格顶部，你可以找到你的申请编号。你需要这个编号来检索你的表格，如果你需要退出申请并且稍后再返回的话。
完成DS-160表格，你需要提供以下个人详细信息：
姓名和出生日期;
地址和电话号码;
护照详细信息;
出行计划和出行同伴的详细信息;
之前的美国旅行的详细信息;
你在美国的接触点;
家人、工作或者是教育详细信息;
安全、背景以及医疗健康信息;
SEVIS ID以及你将要进入的美国学校/专业地址(正如I-20或者DS-2019表格上的信息)。
你也将需要按照照片要求的形式上传合适的最近一段时间内的照片。如果你的照片上传失败的话，你将需要获得打印照片，用于签证面试。
注意全面准确的回答所有的提问，因为如果你出现错误的话，就可能需要重新约定你的面试时间。如果你在填写申请表的时候有任何的疑问的话，你也许可以在 travel.state.gov网站上找到答案。
一旦完成了签证申请表，你将需要通过点击最后的申请签名按钮来在你的DS-160表格上电子签名。在你的申请表上传之后，你将会收到一个带有条形码、条码号以及申请编号的确认函，你需要将其打印出来，带上其去参加签证面试。你不需要打印完整的申请。
4. Pay the visa application fee
The visa application fee is also called the Machine Readable Visa Fee, or MRV fee. Make sure to review the fee payment instructions available on your embassy or consulate website as methods may vary. In general, however, there are three ways to pay the non-refundable, non-transferrable visa application fee:
In person at an approved bank
By phone (youll receive a fee confirmation number)
Online (youll need to print your receipt)
During your research, dont worry if you come across the term visa issuance fee based on reciprocity this does not apply for F1, F2, M1, M2, J1 and J2 visa applicants.
Youll be asked for the MRV fee receipt when you get to your visa interview appointment. Some J visa applicants will not need to pay application processing fees if participating in a US Agency for International Development (USAID) program or a federally funded educational and cultural exchange program with a program serial number beginning G-1, G-2, G-3 or G-7.
4、支付你的签证申请费用
签证申请费用也叫做机器可读的签证费用，或者MRV费用。请在你原籍国的大使馆或者领事馆官网查看支付方式，因为这里有多种支付方法。但是，一般情况下，主要有3种方式来支付这个不可退还、不可转化的签证申请费用：
在一个指定银行亲自支付;
电话支付(你将会收到一个费用确认号码);
在线支付(你需要打印出你的收据)。
在你的研究期间，如果你遇到基于互惠原则的签证手续费用，请不要担心这个原则不适用于F1, F2, M1, M2, J1以及J2签证申请者。
在你进行你的签证面试的时候，可能会要求提供MRV费用支付凭据。一些J类签证申请者将不需要支付签证处理费用，如果参与了美国机构的国际发展项目或者是联邦基金教育和文化交流项目与G-1, G-2, G-3或者G-7开始的序列号专业的话。
5. Schedule and attend a US student visa interview
The final step in getting a US student visa is to arrange and attend a visa interview. You can do this either online or using the phone, by calling your nearest US embassy or consulate. In either case, you should complete the MRV fee payment first, as you may need to give your MRV fee number.
The visa application process cannot be completed until you appear for an interview with a consular officer. Dont worry if you need to schedule your interview appointment at a different US embassy or consulate than the one you used to apply for your visa. The barcode from your DS-160 can be used to retrieve your information in any US embassy or consulate. However, be aware that it may be difficult to qualify for a visa if you apply outside your place of permanent residence. Wait times for visa interview appointments vary by location, season and visa category.
5、安排和参加美国学生签证面试
获得美国学生签证的最后一个步骤就是安排和参加签证面试。你可以在网上或者是电话预约，打电话给离你最近的美国大使馆或者领事馆约定面试。无论是哪一种方式，你都应该首先完成MRV费用支付，因为你可能需要在面试的时候提供MRV费用号码。
直到你通过了与领事馆官员的面试之后，你的签证申请过程才算是完成了。如果你约定面试的美国领事馆或者大使馆不是你之前申请签证的那一个的话，你也完全不必担心。你的DS-160表格上的条形码可以从任何一个美国大使馆或者领事馆获得你的信息。但是，如果你在你的永久居住地之外的地方申请签证的话，这可能会有些麻烦。不同地方、不同季节以及不同的签证类别需要等待的签证面试时间各不相同。
Documents for the visa interview
Check the website of the embassy or consulate where you will apply to make sure you have all the required documents needed for your interview. These documents may include:
Passport valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the US. If more than one person is included in your passport, each person who needs a visa must submit a separate application. You may also need to bring all your current and old passports.
Signed SEVIS Form I-20 or DS-2019 (including individual forms for spouse/children)
Form DS-7002 (for J-1 Trainee and Intern visa applicants only)
SEVIS fee receipt
DS-160 application confirmation page with barcode and application ID number
MRV fee payment confirmation receipt
Printed copy of visa interview appointment letter
1-2 photographs in the format explained in the photograph requirements. Should be printed on photo quality paper.
You should also be prepared to provide the following documents:
Transcripts and diplomas from previous institutions attended
Scores from standardized tests required by the educational institution such as the TOEFL, LSAT, GRE, GMAT, etc.
Financial evidence showing you or your sponsor (i.e. parents or a government sponsor) has sufficient funds to cover your tuition, travel and living expenses during your stay in the US.
You can also bring along a separate written list of all your previous employers and schools you have attended for reference.
Any derivative visa applicants will need to take:
A copy of the marriage and/or birth certificate for proof of relationship
A copy of the principal applicants visa (i.e. F-1, M-1, J-1), or official documentation from the USCIS confirming the principal applicants status.
A copy of the personal data page from the principle applicants passports.
签证面试所需要的文件：
浏览你预订面试的美国领事馆或者大使馆的官网，保证自己已经准备好签证面试所需要的所有文件。签证面试可能会要求申请者提供以下文件：
护照(保证其在自己待在美国的至少钱6个月的时间内是有效的)，如果你的护照中包含了不止一个人，需要签证的每一个人都必须递交申请。你可能还需要提供现有的和之前的护照;
签好的SEVIS表格I-20或者DS-2019(包括配偶/小孩的单独表格);
表格DS-7002(仅限J-1见习和实习签证申请者);
SEVIS费用支付收据;
带有条形码和申请编号的DS-160申请确认页面;
MRV费用支付确认收据;
签证面试约定信的打印件;
按照照片要求的形式提供1-2张照片，应该打印出来。
你还需要准备提供以下一些文件：
从之前就读的学校提供成绩单或者文凭;
教育机构要求的标准化考试成绩，例如托福考试成绩、LSAT、GRE、GMAT等等;
经济证明(例如父母或者政府赞助者)，说明自己有足够的资金支持自己在美国留学期间的学费、交通费用、以及生活费用的证明;
你也可以将你之前就读的所有学校以及所有的雇主列出来，以供参考;
任何衍生签证申请者将需要提供以下材料：
证明关系的结婚以及/或者出生证明复印件;
主申请人签证(例如F-1, M-1, J-1)复印件、或者从USCIS获得的确认主申请人状态的正式文件;
从主申请人护照获得的个人信息页面的复印件。
Attending the visa interview
Its important to be on time for your visa interview late applicants may be asked to reschedule for another day. In most cases only applicants with a scheduled appointment will be admitted inside the US embassy or consulate. Exceptions include a parent for children under 18, translators, and assistants for the disabled youll need to contact your chosen embassy or consulate to give them the name of the parent, translator or assistant who will accompany you.
The purpose of the visa interview is for the consular officer to determine whether you are qualified to receive a US student visa and, if so, which visa category is appropriate for you. Be prepared to answer questions regarding ties to your home country, your English language skills, your academic background, the program in the US to which you have been admitted, and proof of your financial resources. You may also be asked to explain your plans for when your studies are finished.
Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans will be taken as part of your application process. This usually happens at your visa interview.
After your interview the consular officer will tell you if your application requires further administrative processing this can mean additional time for you to wait to receive your visa. Wait times will vary depending on country. You will also be informed how and when your passport with the visa will be returned to you (usually pick-up or delivery by courier). In some countries the courier company will send you an email with a tracking number which you can use to track the delivery of your passport.
F-1 and M-1 visas can be issued up to 120 days in advance of your study start date, but you will not be allowed to enter the US earlier than 30 days before your start date. J-1 visas can be issued at any time. If you want to enter the US before these 30 days, you must qualify for and obtain a visitor visa. The 30 day limitation does not apply to students returning to resume studies they may enter the US at any time provided they have a valid visa.
参加签证面试：
准时的参加你的签证面试是十分重要的迟到的申请者可能需要重新安排另外的时间进行面试。在大多数情况下，只有预约面试的申请者是美国大使馆和领事馆允许进入的。例外情况包括18岁以下小孩的父母、翻译人员、残疾人的帮助者你需要联系你所选择的大使馆或者领事馆，告诉他们父母、翻译者、陪同你的帮助者的姓名。
签证面试的目的在于让大使馆的工作人员判断你是否有资格获得美国学生签证，以及如果符合要求的话，那么你适合哪一类签证。请做好准备回答与你的原籍国、英语语言能力、学术背景、在美国录取的专业、以及经济来源证明相关的问题。你可能还需要解释自己在完成学习之后的计划。
无油墨的数字指纹扫描将会是签证申请过程中的一部分。这通常在签证面试的时候进行。
在面试之后，面试官会告诉你你的申请是否还需要进一步的行政处理这意味着你可能需要更多的时间来获得签证，不同国家的等待时间会不一样。还会告诉你你的护照和签证会在什么时候如何返还给你(通常是自取或者快递)。在一些国家，快递公司会发给你一个单号，以保证你可以通过这个号码来查询快递状态。
F-1和M-1签证可以在你学习开始时间之前的之多120天的时间里签发，但是在你的专业开始之前，允许你进入美国的时间不会早于30天。J-1签证可以在任何时候签发。如果你想要在30天之前进入美国的话，你必须申请获得一个访问者签证。30天的时间限制不适用于返回恢复学业的学生如果他们的签证有效的话，可以在任何时间进入美国。
Using your visa
As there is no guarantee you will be issued a visa, do not make final travel plans or buy tickets until you have a visa. Be aware that a valid visa does not guarantee entry into the US: it only allows you to travel to a US port-of-entry and request permission to enter the US. Permission to enter is given by a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official.
Always carry your visa-related documents in your hand luggage, as youll need to be able to present the documents at your port of entry. Documents you should keep with you include:
Passport
SEVIS Form I-20 or DS-2019
Evidence of financial resources
Evidence of student status (such as recent tuition receipts and transcripts)
Name and contact information for your Designated School Official (DSO), including a 24-hour emergency contact number at your chosen institution.
If youre an exchange student: letter from your home university stating your intent to return to your home university.
You must have your Form I-20/DS-2019 every time you enter the US if you take a vacation outside of the US you will need the SEVIS form to re-enter the country.
使用你的签证：
因为不能够保证你一定可以获得签证，所以直到你获得签证之前，请不要做最后的出行计划或者购买机票。另外，有效的签证也不能保证你一定可以进入美国：它只是允许你通过美国入境处，获得进入美国的许可。入境许可由美国国土安全部海关与边境保护局决定。
将你的签证相关的文件随身携带，因为你需要在入境处出示这些文件。你应该携带的文件包括：
护照;
SEVIS表格I-20或者DS-2019;
经济来源证明;
学生状态证明(例如最近的学费收据和成绩单);
指定学校代表的姓名和联系信息，包括你入学学校的24小时紧急联系号码;
如果你是一名交换学生：一封来自你原来大学的信，说明你将会回到原来学校的意愿。
每次进入美国，都需要提供I-20/DS-2019表格如果你在美国之外的地方休假的话，那么你返回的时候需要提供SEVIS表格。
Arrival in the US
If arriving in the US by plane, youll need to fill in a Customs Declaration form (CF-6059) before you land. You can ask a flight attendant for help if you dont understand the form. You will also need to fill in an Arrival/Departure Record I-94 form, online or paper form. Your US student visa is valid until the date shown on your visa. The CBP officer will record a separate date or D/S (duration of status) on your I-94 form. This is the date by which you must leave the US. You may stay in the US until this date even if your visa expires during your stay. 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 a US embassy or consulate abroad.
If you are given a paper I-94 form, the date will be noted on the paper. If you are given an electronic I-94, the CBP officer will provide an admission stamp on your passport which serves as proof of your electronic I-94 and write the D/S on the stamp.
If you are given a paper I-94 form make sure to keep it safe in your passport as youll need to return it to a CBP official when you leave the US. If you have an electronic I-94, a CBP official will instead record your departure using manifest information obtained from the air or sea carrier with which you are travelling.
到达美国：
如果你是乘飞机前往美国的话，那么在你着陆之前需要填写海关申报单(CF-6059)。如果你不理解这个表格的话，可以向空中乘务员寻求帮助。你还需要在线或者纸质填写抵达/离境纪录I-94表。直到签证上标明的最后一天之前，你的签证都是有效的。CBP工作人员将会在你的I-94表格上记录一个单独的日期或者D/S(身份有效期)。这就是你必须离开美国的时间。即使在留学期间签证到期，你仍然可以在这个时间之前待在美国。但是，如果你带着无效的签证离开美国，你将需要在返回恢复你的学习之前获得一个新的签证。在美国，学生签证不能更新或者重新签发，必须在国外的美国大使馆或者领事馆进行。
如果你递交的是纸质的I-94表格，离境时间将会显示在上面。如果你填写的是电子版的I-94表格，CBP的工作人员会在你的护照上面提供入学印章，作为你的电子档I-94表格的证明，并且在印章上面写下D/S(身份有效期)。
如果你填写的是I-94表格，请务必确保其安全，因为在你离开美国的时候，你需要归还它给CBP工作人员。如果你填写的是电子版的I-94表格，CBP工作人员会使用舱单信息记录你的离境情况。
Departure from the US
F-1 visa holders may remain in the US for an additional 60 days following the completion of their course, while M-1 and J-1 visa holders can only remain an additional 30 days following the completion of their course. This is called a grace period and allows the applicant to prepare for their departure from the US.
All students must depart before the date on their I-94 form/stamp. 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. If you wish to extend your stay youll need approval from USCIS. If youre a continuing student you may renew your visa at any time, as long as you have maintained your student status and have current SEVIS records.
离开美国：
F-1签证持有者在完成课程学习之后，仍然可以在美国停留额外的60天时间。而M-1以及J-1签证持有者在完成课程学习之后，可以在美国停留额外的30天时间。这叫做宽限期，是为了让申请者为离开美国做好准备。
所有的学生必须在其I-94表格/盖章日期之前离开美国。没能离开美国会产生一个失去身份的问题。在美国失去身份是违反移民局法律的，并且可能会让你在以后失去获得签证的资格。如果你想要延长你的听力时间，你需要获得USCIS的批准。如果你是一名老生，你可以在任何时候更新你的签证，只要你维持你的学生状态，并且有目前的SEVIS记录的话。