Classmates, are you already eager to fly to the land of dreams and opportunities in the United States to start your exciting and diverse study abroad life? Don't worry, I know that when you are eager to try, the hurdle of applying for a US visa may put a lot of pressure on you. As a senior consultant for Binle, Xiaobin will introduce you to the types of US visas, application processes, and required materials, allowing you to easily overcome this hurdle and embark on your dreams!

一、Type of US visa
F-1 Visa: Full time Student Visa
This is something that most buddies need to apply for, suitable for students who are taking full-time academic courses in the United States, including high school, university, graduate, and language learning courses.
J-1 Visa: Exchange Scholar Visa
This applies to students and scholars participating in education and cultural exchange programs approved by the US government. The purpose of such projects is to promote mutual understanding and cooperation among nations.
M-1 Visa: Vocational Skills Training Visa
If you want to study vocational skills training in the United States, this visa is applicable to you. Usually, these types of courses do not involve the awarding of academic degrees.

二、US visa application process
1. First, obtain the admission letter and I-20 or DS-2019 form
Firstly, you need to apply to an American school and receive an admission letter. After successful admission, the school will provide you with an I-20 (F-1 or M-1 visa) or DS-2019 (J-1 visa) form. This form is very important and needs to be kept well!
2. Pay SEVIS fees
This SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is a database used by the US government to track international students and exchange visiting scholars. Before submitting a visa application, you need to pay SEVIS fees. Don't forget to save the payment receipt and use it later.
3. Fill out the DS-160 form and pay the visa fee
Next, you need to fill out the DS-160 form online, submit personal information and the necessary documents for visa application. After submitting the form, you will receive a confirmation page with your application ID. Safely keep this confirmation page as it is important for subsequent processes. Then, pay the visa fee and don't forget to keep the payment voucher.
4. Schedule a visa interview
Take the DS-160 confirmation page, visa fee payment voucher, I-20 or DS-2019 form, and go to the US embassy or consulate to schedule a visa interview! Attention, interview appointments may have to wait in line for a period of time, especially during summer vacation and the start of school season. So, after receiving the I-20 or DS-2019 form, hurry up and schedule an interview!
5. Prepare the necessary materials for the visa interview
After scheduling an interview, you need to prepare the following materials:
a) Valid passport
b) DS-160 Confirmation Page
c) Visa application fee payment voucher
d) Original I-20 or DS-2019 form
e) SEVIS fee payment receipt
f) 2-inch white background color photo (must meet the specifications for US visa photos)
g) Academic transcripts, certificates, TOEFL/IELTS/ACT/SAT and other exam transcripts
h) Proof of funds (bank deposit certificate, scholarship certificate, etc.)
i) Other documents that may be required, such as admission letters, proof of enrollment, internship certificates, etc
6. Attend visa interviews
On the day of the interview, bring all the prepared materials to the US embassy or consulate. The interviewer will ask you questions about the school, major, study plan, and financial situation you are applying for. Don't be nervous, answer questions truthfully and confidently, and demonstrate that you have enough motivation and ability to complete your studies in the United States.
7. Visa results
After the interview, you will receive the visa result. If your visa is approved, congratulations! A visa sticker will be attached to the passport. Before arriving in the United States, remember to check the information on your visa for accuracy. If you find any errors, please contact the consulate immediately to correct them.

三、matters needing attention
Visa validity and entry time: These two concepts are not the same. The validity period means that you can travel back and forth to the United States multiple times during this period, and the time of entry is the earliest time you can arrive in the United States. Normally, F-1 visa holders can enter the United States within 30 days before the start of the school year, while J-1 visa holders can do so within 30 days before the start of the school year.
Maintaining contact with the school: Throughout the visa application process, it is important to maintain contact with the school. If there are any problems or changes, inform the school in a timely manner. At the same time, the school will also provide you with a lot of useful information and advice, so it is important to maintain smooth communication.
Internship and job opportunities during study abroad: Different visa types offer different internship and job opportunities. F-1 visa holders can intern and work through CPT (Curriculum Practical Training) and OPT (Optional Practical Training). J-1 visa holders can participate in internships and work related to academic programs through the Academic Training program. Understand the internship and job opportunities allowed by your visa type, and ensure that you obtain the corresponding permits before participating in the internship or work.
Keep your visa valid: During your study abroad period, please ensure that your visa remains valid at all times. If your visa is about to expire, you need to apply for an extension of Form I-20 or DS-2019 to the school in advance and reapply for the visa according to regulations. Similarly, if you change schools or majors, you will also need to reapply for the corresponding I-20 or DS-2019 form and update your visa as needed.
Understanding the impact of identity changes: In your study abroad career, if there are any identity changes, such as marriage, birth of children, etc., please update your personal information in a timely manner and understand the impact of these changes on your visa status. In some cases, you may need to apply for a supplementary visa for your family members (such as an F-2 or J-2 visa).

（图：圣母大学）

summary
Alright, study abroad friends, the above is the US study visa guide prepared by Xiaobin for you. Although it may seem cumbersome, as long as you plan ahead, understand the visa type, application process, and required materials, I believe you will be able to pass the visa process smoothly. Throughout the process, remember to maintain contact with the school in order to receive timely help and guidance when encountering problems. Finally, I wish you all the best in your visa application and an early start to this dream land of the United States, embarking on a wonderful life of studying abroad! Come on!