Learn more about SEVIS fee and F1 visa information along with potential interview questions and tips in this article.
SEVIS
Student and exchange visitor information system(SEVIS) is a mandatory fee students have to pay before attending to visa interview for USA. The cost of SEVIS fee is USD 350. The I-901 SEVIS Fee, required by Congress, funds the program office and the automated system responsible for monitoring students and exchange visitors, ensuring they comply with their status while in the United States.
After paying the SEVIS fee, even if your visa is rejected you don’t need to pay the SEVIS fee again if you are applying within 1 year i.e it is valid for a year.
How to pay SEVIS fee from Nepal
You can pay it from nepal through the NIMB bank or online via (https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/). Carry your passport and i-20 received from the university if you are paying through NIMB bank (Photocopy of both will be kept as supporting documents by the bank). Make sure to double check all the information like School code, SEVIS ID, Name etc are correct before paying the fee. You will then receive the confirmation of SEVIS payment, make sure to keep it safe. You will need to provide the proof of SEVIS payment in the USA embassy while you are attending for interview.
F1 visa
It is a non-immigrant visa issued by united states for students willing to pursue their education in USA. F1 visa allows students to study their desired subject at their desired university in USA. Since, its a student visa you are not allowed for extended stay/work in USA. To get F1 visa you must be an elligable student:
1. F1 visa eligibility
- Enroll in a program at any university or college that is approved by Student and exchange visitor program(SEVP).
- Provide proof of your english proficiency test (IELTS, PTE, DUOLINGO etc) that shows you have sufficient score and you are eligible.
- Provide Financial sufficient proofs that supports your tution cost and other expenses while you are in USA.
- Get your i20 from the university.
2. Visa Application process
- Fill the DS-160 form (non-immigrant form)
- Pay visa application fee 185$.
- Schedule a interview date(Interview date are always harder to get in nepal, so check for updates from USA immigration and visa services for openings of interview dates).
- Pay the SEVIS fee.
- Get all your necessary documents ready and attend the interview.
Documents students should take for interview
It is very necessary for every students to be careful about all the documents they are required to take to US embassy for their interview. A missing document can cause huge trouble and potential rejection of your application. A student should take their i20 received from the university, DS-160 confirmation(visa application form), Proof of SEVIS payment, passport, financial documents, photograph, academics and english proficiency documents, visa appointment letter. Please be careful about not missing any of the documents mentioned above.
USA visa Interview
Visa interview is the most crucial step while applying for USA. If you are applying for any other country hefty documentation is needed and visa application process is hectic compared to USA. Whereas, USA has easier visa application process and doesn’t require hefty documentation like other countries. The most important thing is visa interview, just remember “confidence is the key“. On the day of your interview please wear neat and tidy clothes and reach the interview location ahead of your given time. Please take all the required documents and focus on your interview. Learn about few potential question visa officer might ask you from below:
Potential questions?
Why do you want to study in USA?
–> Mention your reasoning for choosing USA.
Why this university?
–> Clearly state why did you choose the following university (your answer may include ideas like better modules for your course, ranking, scholarships, great faculty etc).
why this course?
–> Mention why did you choose the course, provide ideas on how choosing this course aligns with your future goals.
Who is funding your study in USA?
–> Clearly state your financial sponsors. You should never hesitate in this question as any hesitancy will make visa officer think you are providing incorrect information. Clearly state your sponsors what they do and how they plan to fund your education with confidence.
Why didn’t you choose any other country beside USA?
–> Clearly mention why this course was better for you in USA. Try to be diplomatic in this question and never say anything negative about any other country for eg : i didn’t choose Australia or UK because i didn’t like courses there, Tuition cost was very high, bad univeristies, faculties etc providing such answer could lead to denial of visa.
Potential answer you could say to these type of question could be: Countries like the UK, Australia, and New Zealand were certainly among the options I considered. I did research on universities and programs in these countries. However, I found the module content of my chosen course here particularly appealing. It aligns closely with my career goals. Additionally, the advanced teaching methodologies utilized by the university are invaluable, equipping me with the skills and knowledge that will be useful for me in future.
Did you apply to any other university? If yes, why did you choose this one in particular?
–> If Yes, clearly mention if you applied to any other university and why did you choose your university in particular. You may provide ideas like better module, better on-campus opportunities (part-time work, assistantships etc), programs, scholarships etc.
Future vision and plans after completing your degree?
–> Mention your future goal, provide genuine answer that will make visa officer think you will return to nepal. Provide ideas like why your course has potential better future in Nepal, what you want to do, your ties with family members etc.
The above are few questions visa officer might ask to you. These are some basic questions which you should be confident answering to. Don’t be hesitant to ask visa officer repeat the question if you didn’t hear what visa officer asked(Asking him/her to repeat question wont make any bad impact in your approval/denial of visa).
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