US Student Visa

Top Universities & Career Opportunities Await

Obtain your US student visa under the guidance of licensed immigration consultants and experienced education advisors, ensuring a seamless application from university admission to visa approval.

Family Options

Available for eligible programs

Language Requirement

IELTS Academic or TOEFL

Processing Time

3 – 8 weeks

Estimated Cost

1,100 – 1,400$

Immigration to US

آیکون مهاجرت تحصیلی

Skilled Worker Immigration

US work visas include various types such as the H-1B visa (specialized workers), the L-1 visa (intra-corporate transfer), and the EB-3 visa (skilled and unskilled workers).

 

Eligibility And Opportunities

  • Have official acceptance from a SEVP-approved educational institution (I-20 or DS-2019 issued)
  • Can prove financial means to cover tuition and living expenses
  • Hold English language certification (IELTS Academic or TOEFL)
  • Provide translated copies of previous academic certificates
  • Have no criminal record
  • Can demonstrate intent to return to your home country after graduation

Study Options in Canada

  • Undergraduate (Bachelor’s) programs
  • Graduate (Master’s) programs
  • Doctoral (PhD) studies
  • Vocational & technical courses
  • Cultural and educational exchange programs

Work & Career Prospects

  • On-campus work: up to 20 hours/week during semesters, up to 40 hours/week during breaks (F1 visa)
  • Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for F1 students
  • Post-study H-1B sponsorship leading to long-term employment and potential Green Card
  •  

Main Document Checklist

  • Form DS-160 (online visa application)
  • Form I-20 (F1 & M1) or DS-2019 (J1)
  • Valid passport (minimum 6 months beyond entry date)
  • Biometric photo (white background, 51x51mm)
  • Academic certificates & transcripts (original + translated)
  • English language certificate (IELTS Academic or TOEFL)
  • Proof of financial means (bank statements, sponsor letters, scholarships)
  • SEVIS fee payment receipt
  • SOP (Statement of Purpose) & recommendation letters (if requested)
  • TB test certificate & health records
  • Parental consent (under 18, if applicable)
  • F1 & M1 visas valid for full study period + 60 days after graduation
  • J1 visa validity depends on exchange program length
  • Apply for visa extension through USCIS if studies are prolonged
  • Post-graduation work opportunities via OPT or CPT
  • Potential pathway to H-1B work visa and eventually permanent residence

Financial Transparency

Visa Application Fee

185$

Living Expenses

1,100$

SEVIS Fee F1 & M1

350$

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work in the US while studying?

Yes, F1 students can work up to 20 hours/week on-campus. Off-campus work requires OPT or CPT approval.

At least 3–5 months before your study start date to complete all documentation and embassy procedures

Yes, after graduation through OPT/CPT and securing an employer willing to sponsor an H-1B visa

Provide evidence like family ties, property documents, or job commitments in your home country.

Not sure if you qualify ?

Get a free assessment of your US student visa eligibility before starting your application.

Step-by-step guide to obtaining a US student visa

A study visa, also known as a US student visa, is a type of non-immigrant visa that allows foreign students to travel to the United States to study at accredited educational institutions and universities.
To obtain a US student visa, applicants must first be accepted by an educational institution, college or university and then go through the visa application process. This process includes completing the required forms, paying fees and attending an interview at the US embassy. By carefully following these steps and providing complete documents, you can succeed in studying in the US. We have explained all these steps below.

Types of US student visas

Iranian students, regardless of their level of education, can be accepted to various courses and majors at American universities. Immigration to the United States and obtaining a study visa fall into the following three main categories.

F1 Visa, General Student Visa

This is the most common U.S. student visa and is issued to students who plan to study at universities, colleges, high schools, language schools, and other accredited educational institutions in the U.S. Holders of this visa are usually allowed to do limited student work on campus.

M1 Visa, Vocational Education Visa

This visa is for students who intend to study at technical and vocational institutions. Unlike the F1 visa, students with an M1 visa are not allowed to work while studying in the United States and must cover all of their tuition and living expenses.

J1 visa, cultural and educational exchange visa

This type of US student visa is issued to individuals who intend to participate in cultural exchange programs, research, or specific educational opportunities. Eligible individuals include researchers, professors, scholarship students, and participants in short-term educational programs. Holders of this visa are usually required to return to their home country after completing their course.

Requirements for obtaining a US student visa

To obtain a US student visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Acceptance from an accredited educational institution (university, college, language school or technical institute) approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program
  • Financial means to pay for education and living expenses (especially for people who do not have funds or scholarships)
  • Submit the original and translated version of all previous educational certificates such as diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, etc., along with transcripts.
  • Prove that you have no intention of permanently immigrating to the United States by providing solid evidence of returning to your country of origin.
  • English language certificate IELTS Academic or TOEFL
  • No criminal record
  • Completing the I-20 or DS-2019 form

Documents required for a US student visa

To apply for an F1 visa, M1 visa, or J1 visa, the following documents are required:
  • Form DS-160: Online nonimmigrant visa application form that must be completed and submitted.
  • Form I-20 (for F1 and M1 visas) or Form DS-2019 (for J1 visas): This form is issued by a university or educational institution and indicates acceptance into that institution.
  • Valid Passport: The passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of entry into the United States.
  • Personal photo: white background, size 51 x 51 mm
  • Previous educational qualifications: including transcripts, diplomas, and TOEFL, IELTS, or GRE/GMAT language certificates if required.
  • Letter of financial support and bank documents: To prove financial ability to pay for university tuition, health insurance, and living expenses in the United States, which must be paid before applying for a US student visa.
  • SEVIS fee payment receipt
  • SOP (Statement of Purpose) and Letters of Recommendation: In some cases, the university or US embassy may also request these documents.

US student visa costs

The costs associated with obtaining a US student visa include several parts:
نوع هزینههزینه به دلار
هزینه SEVIS برای ویزای F1 و M1350 دلار
هزینه SEVIS برای ویزای J1220 دلار
درخواست ویزای دانشجویی آمریکا185 دلار
Other incidental costs include:
  • Cost of translating official documents and certificates
  • English language test fees (TOEFL/IELTS) and required tests such as GRE or GMAT
  • Cost of traveling to a third country (because Iranians must travel to neighboring countries for interviews at the US embassy)
Thus, to obtain a US student visa, the applicant must have received official academic admission, meet the necessary requirements, and submit the required documents. Also, fees such as SEVIS payment and visa application fee must be paid. Failure to provide complete documents or failure to prove financial means can result in the rejection of the US student visa application.

All fees above are non-refundable and will not be refunded if the US student visa is rejected.

Key tips for passing the interview

The US student visa interview is one of the most important steps in obtaining an F1 visa, M1 visa, or J1 visa. In this interview, the consular officer decides whether you are eligible for a student visa or not. In addition, following these tips can increase your chances of being accepted at the embassy interview:

Providing complete and valid documents

مدرک مورد نیازتوضیحات
فرم DS-160فرم آنلاین درخواست ویزا باید تکمیل و ارسال شود.
تکمیل فرم‌های مرتبطاین فرم از سوی دانشگاه یا موسسه آموزشی صادر شده و نشان‌دهندۀ پذیرش در آن مرکز آموزشی است.
پاسپورت معتبربابد حداقل شش ماه اعتبار پس از تاریخ ورود به آمریکاداشته باشد.
عکس بیومتریکمطابق با استانداردهای ویزای آمریکا
تمامی مدارک تحصیلی همراه با ریزنمراتاصل همراه با ترجمه
مدرک زبان آیلتس آکادمیک یا تافل
نامه تمکن مالی و اسناد بانکیبرای دانشجویان بدون فاند
رسید پرداخت هزینه SEVISپیش از درخواست ویزای تحصیلی باید پرداخت شود.
نامه SOP (بیانیه هدف) و توصیه‌نامه‌هاامکان دارد آفیسر نیاز به بررسی این مدرک داشته باشد.

Preparing for the embassy interview

The officer will usually ask questions about the purpose of your study in the United States, the reasons for your chosen major, your future plans, your financial situation, and your reasons for returning home. It is important to keep a few important points in mind during your student visa interview:

  • Clearly state the purpose of studying in the United States.
  • Have a specific plan for returning to your country.
  • Have sufficient information about the field and university.
  • Be confident and have a professional demeanor.
  • Be sure to wear formal and appropriate clothing.
  • Be honest and do not provide false or untrue information.
  • Speak loudly, clearly, and concisely.

Some examples of frequently asked questions

Some of the most frequently asked questions in the US student visa interview include:
1. Why did you choose this university and major?
2. How will you pay for your education and living expenses?
3. Will you return to your home country after graduation? Why?
4. Do you have close relatives in the US?
5. What are your plans for after graduation?

To be successful in your US student visa interview, you must have complete documents, logical answers, confidence, and honesty. Adequate preparation, showing your intention to return to your country, and a clear explanation of your educational goals will significantly increase your chances of getting a visa. For more preparation, you can contact our specialized US visa consulting team.

Remember to avoid making mistakes when visiting the US Embassy, ​​such as providing fake documents or false information, any ambiguity in financial means, expressing a desire for permanent residence, and maintaining stereotyped and repetitive answers.

Student visa validity period and renewal conditions

The validity period of a US student visa depends on the type of visa. F1 and M1 visas are usually issued for the entire period of study plus an additional 60 days of stay after graduation.
The J1 visa may also have a different duration depending on the exchange program.
To extend a visa or extend a stay, students must apply for a visa extension through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before the expiration of their I-20 or DS-2019. If the duration of their studies is extended, visa extensions require proof of financial support, satisfactory academic progress, and a valid reason for continuing their studies. In some cases, students may also be able to remain in the United States after graduation through OPT or CPT.

Possibility of working and studying at the same time in the United States

The US F1 and M1 student visas have restrictions on student work. International students on an F1 visa can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during semesters and up to 40 hours per week during breaks. Off-campus work is only permitted under certain conditions, such as OPT (Post-Graduation Operational Option) and CPT (Course-Related Practical Experience).

To obtain an off-campus work permit, students must apply and receive the necessary approval through the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

In general, the M1 visa does not allow work, except in special circumstances related to technical and vocational courses.

Common reasons for US student visa rejection

Rejections in the US occur for reasons such as ambiguity in documents, insufficient financial means (for students without funds), and even ambiguity on the part of the officer regarding the student’s return to his/her own country. The table below lists the most common reasons for rejection of a student visa:

دلیل ریجکتیتوضیحات
ناتوانی در اثبات قصد بازگشت به کشور مبداارائه مدارکی مانند اسناد ملکی، روابط خانوادگی یا شغلی نشان ‌می‌دهد قصد بازگشت دارید.
تمکن مالی ناکافی
ارائه صورت ‌حساب بانکی، فیش حقوقی، نامه حمایت مالی از اسپانسر یا بورسیه تحصیلی معتبر برای تمکن لازم است.
مدارک ناقص یا نادرستبر اساس چک‌لیست مدارک را مرتب کنید.
ضعف در مصاحبه ویزادر مصاحبه مسلط صحبت کرده و برای تحصیل در آمریکا دلایل قانع‌کننده آماده کنید.
سوابق تحصیلی ضعیف یا عدم ارتباط رشته انتخابی با تحصیلات قبلیارائه انگیزه‌ نامه قوی (SOP) و توضیح منطقی درباره تغییر رشته یا گپ تحصیلی توضیح دهید.
سابقه سفرهای مشکوک یا ریجکتی ‌های قبلیبرای ریجکتی‌‌های قبلی توضیح داده و در صورت نیاز ارائه مدارک تکمیلی ارائه دهید.
مشکلات امنیتی یا سوءپیشینههرگونه سوسابقه کیفری و جنایی موجب ریجکتی ویزا می‌شود.

Benefits of a US student visa

The possibility of living in the land of opportunities, namely America, is one of the main reasons for Iranian students to immigrate to this country. It is a wonderful opportunity to continue working, studying, and growing as a person, which requires a lot of effort to obtain. In addition, among the most important reasons for the popularity of studying in America, we should also mention the following important things:

Top universities and high educational quality

The United States is home to some of the world’s top universities, including Harvard, MIT, Stanford, and Yale. With a US visa, students benefit from advanced educational facilities, distinguished professors, and extensive research opportunities.

Career opportunities and professional development

The US student visa allows for student work while studying, practical training (CPT) programs, and post-graduate employment (OPT). These opportunities help students gain practical experience and increase their chances of employment in the US job market after graduation.

International environment and networking opportunities

American universities attract students from all over the world, and this cultural diversity provides a wonderful opportunity to expand international relations, learn about different cultures, and build business connections.

Flexibility in choosing a major

Unlike many countries, the American education system allows students to change their majors throughout their studies, take different courses, and learn a diverse mix of skills that are definitely useful for their future careers.

Research and innovation opportunities

American universities are at the forefront of scientific research and technological innovation. Many students can participate in research projects, apply for research grants, and even work in startups and innovation centers.

Possibility of obtaining permanent residence after studying

Studying in the US can pave the way for a US work visa (H-1B) and eventually, permanent residency (Green Card). Many graduates have been able to continue living and working in the US through this process.

Aval Visa Services for US Student Visa

Studying in the US is not a distant dream and with proper planning and professional guidance, it is quite achievable. At Aval Visa, we are here to make this complicated journey a simple, clear and reliable experience, from university admissions to document preparation, expert advice, embassy appointments and letter writing, all done in consultation with you and by our team. Your future is important, and we are committed to building it with our hearts and minds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Yes, international students on F-1 visas can work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) on campus. Off-campus work requires special permits such as OPT or CPT.

It is recommended that you apply for a visa at least 3 to 5 months before the start of your study period to allow enough time to gather documents, book an embassy appointment, and complete the necessary checks.

After completing your studies and using the OPT or CPT programs, you can apply to change your visa status if you find an employer willing to sponsor you for an H-1B work visa.

How do I prove that I will return to my country after completing my studies?

By providing evidence such as family ties, property documents, job commitments, or strong reasons for returning to Iran, you can assure the officer that you will return to your country after graduation.