Documents Required for U.S. Student Visa: Complete List from Start to End

Documents needed for university admission

When you apply to a U.S. university or college, you will need to submit various documents to prove your eligibility for admission. The requirements may vary by institution, but generally, you will need the following:

1. Application Form: The university application must be filled out carefully, and then a copy of that application form must be stored.

2. Passport Copy: A copy of your valid passport is required. The passport must be valid at atleast 6 months beyond your stay in the U.S.

3. High School/Undergraduate Transcripts: Official transcripts of your secondary and senior secondary education must be provided. The transcripts need to be in English; if not, an official translation needs to be provided along with the original copy.

4. Standardized Test Scores: If you are a non-english speaker, then you need to qualify for the english proficiency exams like TOEFL or IELTS. For graduate programs, you need to qualify exams like the GRE or GMAT. Those qualifying exam marksheet copies are also needed.

5. Letters of Recommendation: Most universities require 2-3 strong recommendation letters from your teachers, professors, or working professionals who know you well and can speak of your academic ability.

6. Statement of Purpose (SOP) or Personal Statement: A well written personal statement that specifies your motivation to do the course, your career goals, and why you want to study in the U.S.

7. Resume or CV: For graduate programs, resume or CV with your skills and qualifications is required.

8. Financial Documentation: Bank statements, affidavit of support, or scholarship proof to show financial ability.

9.Application Fee: Non-refundable fee (varies by institution, usually $50-$100).

10. Portfolio: Required for creative fields like design, architecture, or fine arts.

11. Health and Immunization Records: Some institutions require medical records and vaccination history.

12. Passport-size Photos: Needed for identification or student ID card.

13. Visa Documents (Post Admission): Form I-20 (F-1/M-1) or DS-2019 (J-1), issued after admission.

Visa application requirements

To apply for a U.S. student visa, you will need the following:

• Valid passport (should be valid for at least six months beyond your stay in the U.S.)

• Form I-20 (for F-1/M-1 visa) or DS-2019 (for J-1 visa) issued by the U.S. school or sponsor

• Completed DS-160 visa application form

• Visa application fee payment receipt (SEVIS I-901 fee and DS-160 fee)

• SEVIS ID number from the I-20 or DS-2019

• Passport-size photograph (as per U.S. visa specifications)

• Visa appointment confirmation letter

• Academic transcripts and certificates

• Standardized test scores (like TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, SAT, etc.)

• Proof of financial support (bank statements, scholarship letters, sponsor affidavit)

• Statement of Purpose or Letter of Intent (in some cases)

• Evidence of strong ties to your home country (optional but recommended)

• Any previous U.S. visa documentation (if applicable)

Documents for the visa interview

You must carry the following documents when attending your U.S. student visa interview:

• Valid passport (must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay)

• Visa appointment confirmation letter

• DS-160 confirmation page with barcode

• SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt

• Form I-20 (F-1/M-1) or DS-2019 (J-1) signed by both student and school/sponsor

• Passport-size photograph (as per U.S. visa requirements)

• Visa application fee payment receipt

• Academic transcripts, mark sheets, and certificates

• Standardized test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, GMAT, SAT, etc.)

• Proof of financial support (recent bank statements, fixed deposits, loan approval, sponsor affidavit)

• Proof of relationship to sponsor (if applicable)

• Any previous U.S. visa or immigration documents (if applicable)

• Statement of Purpose or SOP (optional but helpful)

• Strong ties to home country (documents showing assets, family ties, job offer, etc.)

Post-visa approval documents and steps

After your visa is approved, follow these steps and keep the documents ready for a smooth entry and transition:

• Collect your passport with the visa stamped.

• Double-check visa details (name, visa type, SEVIS number, validity).

• Keep the original I-20 (F-1/M-1) or DS-2019 (J-1) document safe.

• Print your SEVIS fee receipt.

• Book your flight tickets (arrive within the 30-day window before the course starts).

• Arrange accommodation (temporary or permanent).

• Carry all academic and visa-related documents in hand luggage.

• Prepare Port of Entry documents.

  • Passport with visa

  • I-20/DS-2019

  • SEVIS receipt

  • University admission letter

  • Proof of finances (bank statements, sponsor letter)

• Attend pre-departure orientation if your university/embassy offers it.

• Get an international SIM card or U.S. SIM card for communication.

• Currency exchange (carry USD in cash and forex/travel card).

• Scan and save digital copies of all documents in the cloud/USB.

Documents you will need once you arrive in the U.S.

Keep these documents accessible and safely stored once you have landed in the U.S.:

• Passport with valid U.S. visa

• Original I-20 (for F-1/M-1) or DS-2019 (for J-1)

• I-94 Arrival/Departure Record

• SEVIS fee receipt

• University admission/acceptance letter

• Proof of finances (bank statements, affidavits, scholarship letters)

• Housing lease agreement or proof of accommodation

• Immunization and medical records (some universities require this)

• Travel insurance or health insurance documents (if applicable)

• Student ID (once issued by the university)

• Local U.S. address proof (once available)

• Emergency contact list (U.S. and home country)