If you want to study in the United States, the first step is to find a school that offers the kind of program you need, apply for admission and be accepted. You can find more official information about studying in the United States here, and almost all U.S. universities and colleges maintain their own websites where you can find information on your own. Here in Singapore, you can find out more about American schools at the United States Education Information Center (USEIC). The USEIC is located at:

There are two types of student visas: F-1 visas are for students in an academic program, and M-1 visas are for students in a non-academic program, such as vocational training. Your school in the United States will let you know whether you need an F-1 or M-1 visa. The application procedures are the same for both.

Do I Need a Student Visa?

If you will be enrolled as a full-time student in a program that leads to a degree, you will need to apply for a student visa. If you are in the United States already on a Tourist (B-2 or B1/B2) visa, you will only be allowed to change to student status if you declared your intention to do so when you entered the U.S., and you will not be allowed to begin your program until the change of status is approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). The approval process often takes a long time, so it is not a good idea to try this.

J-1 Exchange Visitor visas are also commonly used for structured academic and vocational programs, though generally not for full-time programs that lead to a degree.

If you are going to the United States for some kind of educational activity but will not be a full-time student, you may not need to get a student visa.

How Long Will The Process Take, And When Should I Apply?

Normal processing time for student visas is 5 to 10 working days, the same as for other non-immigrant visa categories. Depending on your nationality and course of study, however, we may need to get special clearances, and this can take some additional time.

To make sure that you can arrive on time if your visa is approved, you should apply for your visa early. You are allowed to apply as soon as you have received your I-20 form from your school. Note that we are only allowed to issue a student visa—that is, actually print it and put it in your passport—120 days or less before the date that you are supposed to report to your school. This date is printed on your I-20. If you apply for your visa more than 120 days prior to your report date and we decide to approve your application, you will be advised to re-submit your passport at a later date so that we can print your visa. Also, if your case requires any special clearances or other processes, we can use this "extra time" to get them done.

How Do I Make An Appointment?

The U.S. Embassy in Singapore utilitizes a web-based appointment system.

What Are The Requirements For Getting A Student Visa?

All student visa applicants must demonstrate that they:

* are entering the United States for a temporary stay only for the purpose of pursuing a full course of study at a recognized institution of learning;
* have a residence outside the United States to which they intend to return following their studies;
* have sufficient resources available to provide for the total cost of their education; and
* have sufficient command of the English language or will enroll in intensive English language courses in the United States.

In addition, the school must report to the State Department that you have been accepted to study there by entering your data into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). See below for more about SEVIS.