So how do you get an F-1 or M-1 student visa to study in the US?

At first, you might think that googling “U.S. student visa” or a similar phrase would put you on the definitive path to student visa applicant success. Well, not necessarily. There are plenty of websites out there that mask themselves as key resources to guide you through the student visa process; but they’re nothing more than informative at best (I even found one site that was selling information as a $45 USD download.).

The simple truth is that if you want to learn how to get a student visa to attend a US college or university, it’s imperative that you visit the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ and the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s websites on student visas and read, read, read.

US Department of State’s Bureau of Consular Affairs

Visiting http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html will feel like one-stop shopping. In one, concise webpage you’ll find answers to questions on qualifying for, applying to, and obtaining a student visa. You can access required documents to download (for free!), as well as links to more comprehensive info (published by the US Department of State) for student visa applicants.

US Immigration and Customs Enforcement

The pages at this site provide information on Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP) schools, tips for international students once they’ve arrive to the US, and a wealth of links from US government entities that will help you better understand your rights and obligations as an international student visitor. There’s even a page of frequently asked questions (FAQs) that range from the most basic nonimmigrant student issues (like legal status and driving in the US), to finding temporary internships or employment in the US with a student visa. For more information, visit: http://www.ice.gov/pi/topics/index.htm , click “Student/Exchange Visitors” listed at the bottom of the column on the left, and expand the list to find “SEVP Students” and “SEVP FAQ”. You’ll also find a few other pages like “Factsheets” and “International Students” that you’re sure to find helpful too.

It would be great to hear from those of you who have already completed the student visa process. Sharing your experiences may help your fellow peers and future colleagues as they embark on their journey to become an African scholar in the US.

* Topics for nonimmigrant students who intend to study in the US will be posted regularly on this blog.