Visas for students in the US: price, requirements, duration and how to process

A cyclist wearing a facemask rides her bike at the University of Southern California (USC) in Los Angeles, California on August 25, 2020 where coronavirus cases have seen an alarming increase with more than 100 students in quarantine from cases originating in off-campus housing .

(Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP) (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)

(CNN Spanish) --

Are you thinking of studying abroad?

The United States is one of the most requested destinations, receiving thousands of students from all over the world every year.

In 2021 alone, just under 1 million international students were enrolled in educational institutions in the US, according to the Institute of International Education.

And while a large majority of those students came from Asian countries—China (317,299) and India (167,582)—some Latin American countries also make the list.

For example, in 2021, 14,000 Canadian students, 12,986 Mexicans, 7,107 Colombians and 6,122 Venezuelans were registered.

• How long can I work in the US with a temporary visa and nine other common questions about visas

In fact, California is home to the majority of international students, thanks to educational institutions like the University of Southern California (USC) and the University of California system, which are home to a majority of international students.

If you have plans to study abroad, here's what you need to know to apply for a US student visa.

Types of visa to study in the United States

The most common visa category to enter the United States as a student is the F-1, which allows the applicant to be a full-time student at an academic institute, university, seminary, conservatory, high school, or other institution, as well as a language program.

In 2021, the US issued 357,839 F-1 visas.

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Likewise, there is the option of the M-1 visa that is less common since it is intended for students of vocational or non-academic programs.

In 2021, the US issued 4,554 F-1 visas.

Finally, the J-1 category is exclusively for people who will participate in exchange programs such as

, camp counselors, government or international visitors, short-term interns, among others.

How to process the different visas

The first step is to apply to a school approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

Once the international student has been accepted, it is necessary to register in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and pay the corresponding fee.

The school will issue a Form I-20, once received the student can apply for a student visa at a US Embassy or Consulate.

Students will need to complete the DS-160 form online, print the application confirmation page, and attend the interview at the US Embassy or Consulate.

For the interview, the applicant must bring: Form I-20, a valid passport, confirmation of form DS-160, receipt of payment of the application fee, documentation showing that they meet the minimum education requirements and/or or work experience, documentation that shows how you will pay for all education and living costs during the program, and you will need to bring documentation that supports your intention to leave the US upon completion of your studies.

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Duration

New students on F-1 and M-1 visas can be issued up to 120 days before the course start date, but the student will only be able to enter the US 30 days before the course start date.

And the duration of the visa depends on the duration of the program they are about to attend.

However, foreign students will have 60 days to leave the country once the program ends, the date listed on Form I-20.

Failure to leave on the date indicated may result in the person being ineligible for future visas.

• What to do if you are denied a visa to the United States?

Price of the student visa for the USA

The price of the visa application is US$160. However, there are additional costs that the international student must take into account, such as the SEVIS I-901 fee, which can be up to US$350.

Work as a student

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is an available benefit that is available to an F-1 student.

Students may apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before and/or after completing their studies.

To do this, authorized students must have an endorsed Form I-20 for OPT and apply to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). ).

Students in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields can apply for a 24-month extension of their OPT employment authorization.

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