The US welcomes foreign nationals who come to the country to study. Before applying for a visa, you must be accepted and approved by a school or program. Once accepted, the educational institutions will provide you with the necessary documentation that is presented when applying for a student visa. Student visas (F and M) for first-time applicant students may be issued up to 365 days prior to the start date of study and students may travel within 30 days of the start date of the Form I-20.
F-1 visa
This is the most common type of student visa. If you want to study in the US at an approved educational institution, such as an accredited US college or university, or in an approved English language study program, then you need an F-1 visa.
*Effective May 30, 2023, the application fee for US visitor visas and other non-immigrant non-petition visas will increase from $160. at $185.
Required documents
To apply for an F or M visa, you must pay a visa fee and provide the following documents:
- Electronic Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form (DS-160).
- A passport valid for travel to the US with a validity date of at least six months beyond the intended period of stay.
- One 2 x 2 inch (51 x 51mm) photograph taken within the last six months.
- An approved original Form I-20 from the US school or program.
- In addition to these documents, you must submit a letter to schedule an interview date and time, which confirms that you have booked your appointment through this service.
- You may also attach supporting documents that you believe corroborate the information provided to the consular officer.
Validity of student visa after completing your education
After you complete a program of study and any authorized period of practical training, you may remain legally in the US for up to 60 days (the program end date on your Form I-20).
Validity of student visa if you interrupt your studies
If you interrupt your studies for more than five months, you must apply for and receive a new F-1 or M-1 student visa to return to school after traveling abroad.
We can offer you the following assistance in the US student visa application procedure:
- Consultation regarding the necessary documents;
- Completing the application and assisting in the preparation of the full set of documents;
- Compliance with the deadlines for submitting and receiving the visa;
- Scheduling an interview date at the Visa Center in Sofia
* The package price for all services is BGN 150