If you are a Pakistani student, you will need an F-1 student visa to study in the United States. This visa is created specifically for students like you who are ready to start their study abroad adventure in the United States. Learn the best information about the F-1 student visa process to decide if studying abroad in the United States is right for you.
What is the study visa?
An F-1 visa is a type of student visa issued to nonimmigrants who intend to study in the United States at an accredited U.S. university or college. Generally, an F-1 visa is valid for the duration of your undergraduate degree, which can range from two to five years. Once you complete your degree, you can stay in the United States for up to 60 days.
Before you can apply for an F-1 visa as an international student from Pakistan, you must first be accepted into a U.S. college or university certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Using School Search, you can identify whether your university or college is eligible for the F-1 visa.
How to Get a USA student visa without ielts from Pakistan
Studying in the United States is a dream for many students around the world. However, for Pakistani students, the process of obtaining a US student visa can be challenging. One of the biggest obstacles students face is the requirement to pass the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Fortunately, there are alternative ways for Pakistani students to get a US student visa without IELTS. In this article, we will discuss the step-by-step process of how to get a US student visa from Pakistan without IELTS.
Understand the US student visa requirements
Before applying for a US student visa, it is essential to understand the requirements. The US government requires that all international students must demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Usually, this is done by passing the IELTS test. However, there are alternative methods to demonstrate your English proficiency, such as the TOEFL, PTE or the Duolingo English Test. Some universities may also waive the English language proficiency requirement for students who have completed their education in English.
How to Apply for a US Student Visa from Pakistan
Here is a step-by-step procedure to apply for an American visa from Pakistan. For a more detailed explanation of the F-1 visa application process and required documents, check out our in-depth guide to US visas for international students.
Enroll in your US university or college and receive the I-20 form
Once you secure a spot at your university or college, they will send you an I-20 form which you will need during the F-1 visa process. This includes information such as your SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) ID, the start and end dates of your academic program, and your funding source. It is important to double-check all the information in the Form I-20 before signing the document.
Before moving to the next step of the F-1 visa process, you need to make the payment of SEVIS fee ($350, which is approximately Rs 54,000). Make sure you print a copy of your receipt – you’ll need it for your visa interview!
Complete the required DS-160 application
For the DS-160 application, you must submit information online via the application portal. (You can learn more about the DS-160 on the U.S. Department of State website.)
After completing the DS-160 form, pay the visa fees ($160, or about Rs 24,700) to receive a confirmation page with a barcode.
Schedule an interview
Once you have completed and submitted the I-20 and DS-160 forms, find the U.S. embassy or consulate closest to you and book an interview.
Here is a list of US embassies and consulates in Pakistan:
• American Embassy in Islamabad
• US Consulate General in Karachi
To find out how long you will have to wait for an interview, you can check the US State Department website. By keeping an eye on available US visa appointment dates and wait times, you can plan ahead.
Prepare for your visa interview
For the final step of the F-1 visa application process, make a list of all the documents you should bring to the interview. This includes:
• Your passport
• Forms I-20 and DS-160, including I-20 Payment Receipt and DS-160 Confirmation Page
• A copy of your visa photo
• Any supporting documents demonstrating intent to return to Pakistan after graduation
• Before your interview, remember to practice answering mock interview questions with a friend or your Shorelight enrollment advisor.
US study visa from Pakistan
The United States is the most popular destination chosen by international students to pursue their studies. However, once you gain admission to an undergraduate or postgraduate program at an American university, the next step is to obtain a student visa. A US study visa allows international students to pursue higher education in the United States. To get one, students must apply to a U.S. institution, obtain a letter of acceptance, and meet specific financial and academic requirements, with the visa facilitating their legal stay during their studies.
Main steps to take for the American student visa
Here’s what Pakistani students need to do to get a student visa that will allow them to study in the United States:
You need to pay the visa application fee and submit Form DS-160 online. Next you need to make an appointment. To schedule your appointment you will need three pieces of information: your passport number, MRV fee payment receipt number, and the ten (10) digit barcode number from the DS-160 confirmation page. Visit the US Embassy or Consulate in Pakistan on the date and time of your visa interview. You will need to bring with you a printed copy of your appointment letter, the DS-160 confirmation page, a recent photograph, your current passport and any old passports. Applications without all these elements will not be accepted.
Pakistani students will be required to provide biometric data during the visa application process. Your biometric data are, basically, additional identifications (e.g. fingerprints and images) that countries use for security purposes.
You may have to attend a visa interview during the application process.
The F-1 student visa from the United States is valid for the duration of study + 2 months. In order to stay throughout your entire degree, you may need to renew your visa every year. If you want to stay in the United States after graduation, you will need to apply for a different visa, or visa renewal, through immigration.
What documents are required for my student visa?
When applying for your visa, one of the most important things you need to prove is that you have enough money to support yourself during your study program. you need enough money to support yourself during your studies
Pakistani students will need to demonstrate that they speak English well enough to study at an international university in the United States. These language skills ensure you can succeed in your classes and get around the United States.
Pakistani students will not need to take a medical test before arriving in the United States.
Pakistani students will not need to open a limited bank account. This type of bank account limits the amount of money you can withdraw each month and allows you to access it only when you arrive in the United States.
Nonimmigrant visa applicants are encouraged to apply at least three (3) months in advance of their intended travel date. So remember, apply early!
Requirements for Applying for a Student Visa to the USA from Pakistan
• Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form (DS-160)
• Passport with residual validity of at least 6 months
• A photograph (5*5 cm).
• Receipt for payment of the non-refundable visa application fee of US$160
• An approved I-20 form issued by the US university
• List of siblings
• Validity of student visa after break in USA
How to Apply for a Study Visa from Pakistan
• Complete the Electronic Nonimmigrant Visa Form (DS-160)
• Pay the SEVIS fee of US$350
• Pay the visa application fee: Pay the application fee of US$160 at any allied bank
• Schedule/book an appointment online, you need below for appointment confirmation
• Your passport number
• Visa fee receipt number
• 0-digit barcode (found on the DS-160 form)
• Appear for an interview at the US Embassy in Islamabad on the specified date and time
How much will I have to pay for the student visa?
To apply for the F-1 American student visa, you will also have to pay a fee of 160 USD. Depending on your situation, American authorities will allow you to pay this fee online, on site at a visa application center in Pakistan, or via bank transfer.
You must pay the SEVIS fee of $350.
Pakistani students will not need to purchase health insurance for the American visa.
FAQ
What happens if my visa is rejected?
Unfortunately, there is no appeal process if your F-1 visa is denied. However, this does not mean that you will not be able to apply again!
If your visa is not approved by the US Embassy, it is important to find out why. Once you know the reason, it is easier to reapply for the student visa with any additional documents required.
What happens if my visa interview is delayed?
If your program of study will begin within 60 days and there are no interview appointments available before it begins, you can request an expedited appointment. You will need to bring your I-20 form and SEVIS fee receipt with you.
Can I travel with my student visa?
Once they arrive at a U.S. college or university, Pakistani students with an F-1 visa can travel within the United States and abroad. To do so, a travel signature is required on page two of the I-20 form, provided by the Designated Education Officer (DSO), who often works in the university’s International Student Services department.
Additionally, visas and passports must be valid and I-20 forms must be updated. For more information on documentation required for re-entry and travel restrictions, please refer to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website.
Can I work while studying on the F-1 visa?
Work is permitted on an F-1 visa only under certain conditions.
For students on F-1 visas, work is generally limited to on-campus jobs. Students can work a maximum of 20 hours per week. To look for work outside of university, you can apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT), if applicable to your program.
Can I transfer to another university or college on an F-1 visa?
Yes you can. But you will need to speak to your DSO before applying. To maintain your F-1 visa status, your selected university or college will need to issue a new Form I-20.
Do I need travel insurance or health insurance?
Not all universities require travel insurance when traveling to the United States, but it is often recommended, as an insurance plan could potentially save you a lot of time and money, especially in the event of unexpected travel delays or medical emergencies.
Most universities in the United States require students to obtain medical insurance to complete enrollment. Students can enroll in a university-sponsored health insurance plan, which is commonly included in tuition fees. For more information on health and travel insurance plans, contact a Shorelight advisor.
For Pakistani students hoping to study in the United States, the F-1 visa process may seem long and challenging, but with the right amount of research and preparation, you can increase your chances of success.