International Students In The Uk: Can They Get Us Visas?

International students in the UK who want to travel to the US temporarily as tourists have a few options. They can apply for a B-1/B-2 visitor visa, which allows stays of up to six months, or they can travel under the Visa Waiver Program, which requires getting travel authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and permits visits of up to 90 days without a formal visa. For longer stays, a formal visa is required. To be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program, students need to show proof of enrollment at a UK university and strong ties to the UK. Additionally, US citizens can study in the UK for less than six months without a student visa.

Eligibility for US visas as a UK international student

As a UK international student, your eligibility for a US visa depends on the purpose and duration of your visit. Here are the key points to consider:

Temporary Visits as a Tourist:

If you are a UK student visa holder and want to visit the US temporarily as a tourist, you have two main options:

• B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa: This visa allows you to stay in the US for up to six months. You will need to apply for this visa at a US Embassy or Consulate.
• Visa Waiver Program (VWP): The VWP allows you to visit the US for up to 90 days without needing a formal visa. To be eligible, you must complete the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) and provide proof of enrolment at a UK university and strong ties to the UK. Please note that under the VWP, you cannot work or study in the US.

Student Visas:

If you plan to pursue academic or vocational studies in the US, you will need to apply for a US student visa. There are two types of student visas:

• F-1 Visa: This visa is for those wishing to attend a university, primary or secondary school, or a language training program in the US. Please note that F-1 visas are not issued for public elementary schools or publicly funded adult education programs. For private elementary or secondary schools, you may apply for an F-1 visa if the school provides you with Form I-20.
• M Visa: This visa is for vocational purposes.

To apply for a US student visa, you will typically need to provide proof of enrolment or acceptance at a US educational institution and demonstrate your ability to cover the costs of your studies and living expenses. You may also be required to undergo a tuberculosis test and provide additional health documentation.

Other Considerations:

As a UK international student, it is important to maintain your UK student visa status. Leaving the UK for extended periods during the academic term can negatively impact your visa. Additionally, if your US visa application is denied, you may receive information on administrative reviews, appeals, or additional documentation you can provide. Maintaining valid visas and understanding the specific requirements for your situation are crucial when planning international travel as a student.

Types of US student visas

International students in the UK can apply for a US visa. The process involves two separate US government agencies: the US Department of State and the US Department of Homeland Security. The former is responsible for the initial visa application process and issuance, while the latter handles the entry of the student into the country and enforces immigration regulations.

Now, here is an overview of the types of US student visas:

F Student Visa (F-1)

The F-1 visa is for full-time international students pursuing academic studies at accredited US colleges, universities, or English language institutes. It is also applicable for primary, secondary, and language training programs, but certain restrictions apply for public schools.

J Exchange Visa (J-1)

The J-1 visa is a type of exchange visitor visa for foreign nationals participating in exchange programs, including high school and university studies. This visa category also covers work-and-study-based exchange programs, such as visiting scholars, camp counselors, au pairs, and research assistants.

M Student Visa (M-1)

The M-1 visa is designed for full-time international students pursuing vocational studies or non-academic training in the United States.

It is important to note that before applying for any of these visas, you must first gain acceptance from a US institution of higher education certified by the Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP). Additionally, specific eligibility requirements and application processes may vary, so it is advisable to refer to official government sources for detailed information.

US visitor visas for UK students

International students in the UK can apply for a US visitor visa, officially known as a B-2 visa. This visa is intended for tourism purposes. To apply for a B-2 visa, you must complete the online DS-160 form and print the confirmation page. You will need to pay the MRV application fee and schedule an interview, during which your photo and fingerprints will be taken.

If you are a UK student intending to travel to the US for academic purposes, you will need to apply for a different type of visa. The two types of student visas are F (for academic purposes) and M (for vocational purposes). If you wish to attend a university or other academic institution, including primary and secondary school, or a language training program, you will require an F-1 visa.

It is important to note that F-1 visas cannot be issued to attend a public elementary school (grades K through 8, approximately ages 5 to 14) or a publicly funded adult education program. While F-1 visas can be issued for public secondary school (grades 9 through 12, approximately ages 14 to 18), students are limited to a maximum of 12 months of high school and must show proof of payment for the full, unsubsidized cost of their education.

On the other hand, if your purpose of travel is to attend a professional education seminar or conference that does not result in academic credit, you may apply for a B-1 visa.

US visa application process

International students in the UK can apply for a US visa. The type of US student visa you need depends on the course of study and the type of school you plan to attend. There are two types of student visas: F (for academic purposes) and M (for vocational purposes).

If you wish to attend a university or other academic institution in the US, including primary and secondary school, or a language training program, you will require an F-1 visa. Please note that F-1 visas cannot be issued to attend a public elementary school (grades K through 8, approximately ages 5 to 14) or a publicly funded adult education program. While an F-1 can be issued to attend public secondary school (grades 9 through 12, approximately ages 14 to 18), students are limited to a maximum of 12 months of high school in F-1 status. They must also show proof that payment has been made for the full, unsubsidized cost of the education at the time they apply for the visa. Private elementary or secondary schools are not affected by this ruling, and provided the school issues you with Form I-20, you may apply for an F-1 visa.

If your spouse and/or children will live with you in the US while you study, they must also enroll in the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), obtain individual Form I-20s from the SEVP-approved school, and apply for a visa (but they do not pay the SEVP fee). Your spouse and unmarried, minor children who intend to reside with you during your study may apply for F-2 or M-2 visas. Although an SEVP fee payment is not required, your school must issue them an individual Form I-20, which is required to apply for their visas. You must provide a copy of your F-1 or M-1 visa and provide proof of relationship. Your minor children are permitted to attend school in the US while accompanying you.

To apply for a US student visa, you must first complete your application online and pay the fee. You will then be prompted to book a biometric enrolment appointment at an Application Support Center (ASC) to have your photo and fingerprints taken. Alternatively, you can attend a VFS Premium Application Centre (PAC) to provide your biometric information and submit your application, but you will need to purchase a Premium Service. At your ASC appointment, you must bring your current valid passport and a copy of your appointment confirmation letter. After your biometrics appointment, a consular officer will interview you to determine whether you are qualified to receive a student visa. They will take ink-free, digital fingerprint scans as part of the application process, usually during your interview. After your interview, the consular officer will inform you if your application requires further administrative processing. Once your visa is approved, you may need to pay a visa issuance fee (depending on your nationality) and make arrangements for the return of your passport and visa. A visa does not guarantee entry into the US, but it allows a foreign citizen to travel to a US port of entry and apply for admission.

US visa application fees

International students in the UK can apply for a US visa. The type of visa depends on the purpose of travel. For instance, if you are travelling for a professional education, seminar, or conference that does not result in academic credit, you may apply for a B-1 visa. On the other hand, if you wish to attend a university or other academic institution in the United States, including primary and secondary school, or a language training program, you will require an F-1 visa.

Now, regarding US visa application fees, there are a few components to consider. Firstly, there is the Nonimmigrant Visa (NIV) application processing fee, which varies depending on the type of visa. As of June 17, 2023, the fee for visitor visas for business or tourism (B1/B2s and BCCs), as well as non-petition-based NIVs such as student and exchange visitor visas (F, M, and J visas), is $185. This fee increased from the previous amount of $160.

Certain petition-based NIVs for temporary workers, such as the H, L, O, P, Q, and R categories, have a higher fee. As of June 17, 2023, this fee is $205, up from the previous $190. Additionally, the fee for treaty traders, treaty investors, and treaty applicants in a specialty occupation (nonimmigrant E category) has increased to $315, a significant jump from the previous $205 fee. It's important to note that these fee increases only apply to visa applications made after June 17, 2023, and any fees paid prior to that date will remain valid.

Moreover, some visas have additional fees on top of the standard processing fee. For example, Blanket L-1 Visa Applicants are required to pay a Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee of $500, and they may also be subject to a Border Security Act fee of $4,500, depending on their employer. These fees are typically paid in cash or by credit card on the day of the visa interview.

It's always recommended to refer to the official websites of US embassies, consulates, and the Bureau of Consular Affairs for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding visa fees and requirements.

Frequently asked questions