Many individuals are actively looking into their visa options to study in the United States. Making the move is huge and it’s important to complete your application completely and correctly. Aside from that, it’s important to know how long it will take for your US student visa will take to process. Below you can learn more about processing times, your student visa options, and how to apply!
Related Article: US Student Visas
US Student Visa Processing Time
The US student visas are normally one of the fastest visas to process. In fact, sometimes your study permit is processed directly after your immigration interview which is the last step of the application process. By the end of the interview, the consular officer should tell you whether or not your application was approved. Your student visa in the United States will on average take 3 days to a few weeks long.
Learn more about US Visa Processing Times in 2021.
Can I Get Premium Processing?
Unfortunately, there isn’t premium processing available for student visas in the United States as it is only for work-related visas. Luckily, the processing time isn’t long at all!
International Student Visa Options
F-1 Visa
The F-1 visa also known as the “Academic Student” visa is for individuals who plan to study at an academic institution (including accredited colleges, universities, seminaries, conservatories, and academic high school and elementary schools) or a language training program. To qualify, the program in which you are enrolled must culminate in the receipt of a degree, diploma, or certificate and the school must be authorized by the US government to accept international students.
M-1 Visa
An M-1 Visa or “Vocational Visa” is for international students who are enrolled in vocational and non-academic studies in the US. This includes cooking classes, language programs, flight school, cosmetology or mechanical education, and other programs that come under “vocational study”.
How to Apply
To apply for a student visa, you must first be accepted into a school that is approved by SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program, meaning you will first apply to the institution itself. After you have been accepted, you will decide which student visa you need and will apply based on the requirements you qualify for. Then you will fill out all online application forms and then schedule an immigration interview. Make sure you apply far enough in advance to your school’s start date, so that you receive your visa in time to begin your studies. While your visa may be issued up to 120 days prior to the start of the academic year, as a new student you will not be permitted to enter the US more than 30 days prior to your start date. Continuing students may enter at any time, as long as their visa is valid.
Do You Need Help Applying for Your Student Visa Application?
If so, Contact VisaPlace today. All our cases are handled by competent and experienced immigration professionals who are affiliated with VisaPlace. These professionals consist of lawyers, licensed paralegals, and consultants who work for VisaPlace Legal an award-winning immigration firm that adheres to the highest standards of client service.
Ready for the next step? Book your 1 on 1 consultation now or call us at 1-888-317-5770.
Have a Question related to your Immigration Needs?
Fill out the FREE Immigration Assessment form and get a response within 24 hours to see if you’re eligible.
The assessment form should take approximately 5-7 minutes to complete. We will get back to you within one business day to let you know if we are able to help.
VisaPlace Immigration News Contributor
Hi there! I am one of VisaPlace’s immigration content writers. If you have any questions regarding this article, please comment below!
English 
Azerbaijani