USA Study Visa Guide for Pakistani Students (2024)
The United States hosts many of the world’s top-ranked universities, making it a prime destination for higher education. Pakistani students pursuing studies in the USA need to meet specific visa requirements, including obtaining a student visa, demonstrating financial stability, and providing academic qualifications.
Key Highlights of the USA Study Visa
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Eligibility: Admission from a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified institution.
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Proof of Funds: Evidence of financial capability to cover tuition and living expenses for the first year.
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Visa Type: The F-1 Visa, for full-time academic studies, is most common, with options for post-study work under OPT (Optional Practical Training).
Step-by-Step USA Study Visa Application Process
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University Research and Selection: Start 12-18 months before intended intake.
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University Applications: Apply to universities around 10-12 months in advance.
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Acceptance and I-20 Form: Receive an I-20 form upon acceptance, which is necessary for the visa application.
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Document Preparation: Collect all necessary documents for the visa interview (1-2 months).
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Financial Proof: Bank statements showing enough funds for tuition and living expenses for one year.
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English Language Proficiency: Complete IELTS or TOEFL based on university requirements.
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SEVIS Fee Payment: Pay the SEVIS fee ($350) to register in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System.
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DS-160 Form Submission: Complete the DS-160 form online and pay the visa application fee.
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Visa Interview at the U.S. Embassy: Attend an in-person interview at the U.S. Embassy.
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Visa Decision: Typically provided immediately after the interview or within a few days.
Academic and Admission Documents
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I-20 Form: Issued by the admitting institution in the USA.
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Academic Transcripts: Records from previous education.
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Reference Letters: Two or more academic or professional references.
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Minimum Grades:
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Bachelor’s: Minimum of 70% in secondary school.
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Master’s: Minimum GPA of 2.7/4.0.
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English Language Proficiency:
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IELTS: Minimum overall score of 6.5 (some universities accept 6.0).
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TOEFL: 79-90, depending on program and institution requirements.
Financial Requirements
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Proof of Funds:
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Bank Statements: Show sufficient funds to cover tuition and living costs (approximately $25,000 - $35,000 per year).
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SEVIS Fee: $350 for SEVIS registration.
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Visa Application Fee: $185 (non-refundable).
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Health Insurance: Required by most universities; costs can range from $500 to $2,000 annually, depending on the coverage
Additional Required Documents
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Statement of Purpose (SOP): Reasons for choosing the USA, intended program, and career goals.
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Work Experience: Evidence if applicable, such as letters from previous employers.
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Family Information: Details of dependents if accompanying.
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Document Attestation: Official attestation for educational documents from Pakistan, if necessary.
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Return Intention Letter: Indication of intent to return to Pakistan upon completion of studies.
Additional Visa Application Details
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Visa Interview at U.S. Embassy: Schedule an in-person interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in Pakistan. Bring the I-20 form, passport, DS-160 confirmation page, and proof of finances.
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Biometrics and Photo: Collected during the visa interview.
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Visa Processing Time: Immediate decision at the interview or within a few days.
Pathvisas offers expert guidance and comprehensive support for individuals seeking study visas, helping students unlock global education opportunities with confidence. Our services include:
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Visa Eligibility Assessment
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Pathvisas evaluates applicants’ qualifications, objectives, and resources to determine the most suitable study pathway in the USA.
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University and Program Selection
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Assistance with finding accredited universities, completing applications, and navigating admission requirements.
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Financial Documentation Preparation
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Support with compiling financial documents that meet U.S. visa standards, including proof of funds and affidavits.
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Visa Interview Preparation
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We provide guidance on preparing for the visa interview, helping applicants practice commonly asked questions and ensure they meet embassy requirements.
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Post-Arrival Assistance
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Pathvisas offers initial orientation, helping students adapt to life in the USA and understand work options under OPT after graduation.
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With Pathvisas’s expertise, students can feel assured that their study visa process is in capable hands, letting them focus on their academic journey.
University Name: University of Arizona
Location: Tucson, AZ
Bachelor's Fee Annum: 32,000 - 38,000
Master's Fee Annum: 20,000 - 30,000
Language Requirement: 6.5 ( IETLS )
01
University Name: University of South Florida
Location: Tampa, FL
Bachelor's Fee Annum: 21,000 - 25,000
Master's Fee Annum: 15,000 - 20,000
Language Requirement: 6.5 ( IETLS )
02
University Name: Kent State University
Location: Kent, OH
Bachelor's Fee Annum:19,000 - 23,000
Master's Fee Annum: 17,000 - 25,000
Language Requirement: 6.5 ( IETLS )
03
University Name: San Francisco State University
Location: San Francisco, CA
Bachelor's Fee Annum: 20,000 - 28,000
Master's Fee Annum: 18,000 - 27,000
Language Requirement: 6.5 ( IETLS )
04
University Name: Texas State University
Location: San Marcos, TX
Bachelor's Fee Annum: 17,000 - 23,000
Master's Fee Annum: 16,000 - 22,000
Language Requirement: 6.5 ( IETLS )