Introduction
The United States remains one of the top destinations for Bangladeshi students seeking higher education. To study in the U.S., you will need an F-1 Student Visa (for academic studies) or a J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa (for exchange programs). This guide provides a step-by-step process to secure a U.S. student visa from Bangladesh.
- Types of U.S. Student Visas
| Visa Type | Purpose |
| F-1 Visa | For full-time academic studies at SEVP-approved institutions (universities, colleges, high schools, etc.) |
| J-1 Visa | For exchange programs (research scholars, professors, short-term training) |
| M-1 Visa | For vocational/non-academic studies |
Most Bangladeshi students apply for the F-1 Visa.
- Step-by-Step Visa Application Process
Step 1: Get Accepted into a SEVP-Approved U.S. Institution
- Apply and receive an I-20 Form (for F-1 visa) or DS-2019 Form (for J-1 visa) from your U.S. school.
- Pay the SEVIS Fee (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) at FMJfee.com (F-1: *$350, J-1: *$220).
Step 2: Complete the DS-160 Form
- Fill out the Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160) online: https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/
- Upload a recent passport-sized photo (5cm x 5cm, white background).
- Print the DS-160 confirmation page (required for interview).
Step 3: Pay the Visa Application Fee
- Pay the MRV (Machine-Readable Visa) Fee ($185** for F-1 visa) via:
- Standard Chartered Bank (online or in person)
- City Bank (online)
- Keep the payment receipt for scheduling the interview.
Step 4: Schedule Visa Interview
- Create a profile on the U.S. Visa Information Service: https://www.ustraveldocs.com/bd/
- Book an appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka (Gulshan).
Step 5: Gather Required Documents
Mandatory Documents:*
✅ Valid passport (at least 6 months validity)
✅ DS-160 confirmation page
✅ MRV fee payment receipt
✅ SEVIS fee payment receipt
✅ I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1) form
✅ Visa appointment confirmation
Supporting Documents:
✅ Academic certificates & transcripts
✅ Standardized test scores (TOEFL/IELTS, SAT/GRE/GMAT if applicable)
✅ Proof of financial ability (bank statements, scholarship letters, sponsor’s affidavit)
✅ Ties to Bangladesh (property documents, family details, future job prospects)
✅ Passport-sized photographs (as per U.S. visa requirements)
Step 6: Attend Visa Interview
- Dress formally and arrive 30 minutes early.
- Answer questions confidently about your study plans, university choice, and post-graduation intentions.
- Common questions:
- Why did you choose this university?
- What will you study?
- How will you fund your education?
- Do you plan to return to Bangladesh after studies?
Step 7: Visa Approval & Passport Collection
- If approved, your passport with the visa stamp will be returned via VFS Global (usually within 5-7 working days).
- If denied, you may reapply with stronger documentation.
- Financial Requirements
- You must prove sufficient funds for tuition + living expenses (varies by university and location).
- Acceptable proof:
- Personal/family bank statements (minimum 6 months)
- Fixed deposits (with maturity dates)
- Education loans (sanction letter)
- Scholarship/sponsorship letters
- Common Reasons for Visa Denial & How to Avoid Them
❌ Insufficient financial proof → Show strong, verifiable funding sources.
❌ Weak ties to Bangladesh → Highlight family, property, or job prospects in Bangladesh.
❌ Visa officer doubts intent to return → Clearly explain your career plans in Bangladesh.
❌ Inconsistent answers in interview → Practice mock interviews and stay truthful.
- Post-Visa Approval Steps
✔ Book flights (only after visa approval).
✔ Attend pre-departure orientation (if offered by your university).
✔ Arrange accommodation (on-campus or off-campus).
✔ Carry all important documents in hand luggage (I-20, passport, financial proofs).
- Important Resources
- U.S. Embassy Dhaka: https://bd.usembassy.gov/
- SEVIS Fee Payment: https://www.fmjfee.com
- DS-160 Form: https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/
- Visa Appointment: https://www.ustraveldocs.com/bd/
- Conclusion
Securing a U.S. student visa requires careful preparation. Follow this guide, maintain transparency in your application, and present yourself confidently during the interview. With proper documentation and a clear study plan, your chances of approval are high.
Best of luck with your U.S. studies!🎓🇺🇸
Would you like assistance with SOP (Statement of Purpose) or interview preparation? Let us know!
