The student visa, explained step by step

Which visa does my child need?

High school students travel on either an F-1 visa (private school, full tuition paid, no time limit) or a J-1 visa (public or private exchange placement, usually one academic year). We advise which route fits your goals during your consultation.

The sequence

1. 01

   School acceptance

   The school issues an acceptance letter and either a Form I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1).

2. 02

   Pay the SEVIS fee

   Paid online before the interview; keep the receipt safe — the embassy will ask for it.

3. 03

   Complete the DS-160

   The online application form. Every answer must match your documents exactly.

4. 04

   Book and attend the interview

   At the US embassy or consulate in your country, usually with a parent present for younger students.

Documents to bring

• Valid passport (at least six months beyond your travel date)
• Form I-20 or DS-2019, signed by the student and a parent
• SEVIS fee receipt and DS-160 confirmation page
• School acceptance letter and recent transcripts
• Proof of funding: bank statements, sponsor letter, scholarship award letter
• Evidence of ties to your home country

Interview preparation

We run mock interviews using the question patterns officers actually use in Lagos, Accra, Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Kigali, Dakar and Johannesburg. Students practise answering calmly, briefly and truthfully in English.

• Why this school and why the United States?
• Who is paying for your education and what do they do?
• What will you do after you graduate?
• Do you have family in the United States?

If a visa is refused

A refusal is not the end. We review the reason given, correct the weakness in the file and prepare a stronger reapplication. No adviser can guarantee a visa — anyone who does is not being honest with you.