If you’re a student from the UK planning to study abroad in the US, obtaining a US student visa is a vital first step. Applying for a visa may seem challenging at first, but understanding the US student visa application process and its requirements can help you stay on track and avoid delays with your study abroad program.
Read on to learn more about how to apply for a US student visa as a UK student so you can prepare well and take the first steps of your higher education journey with confidence.
August 2025 update
Shorelight anticipates increasing availability for visa interviews at embassies worldwide. Be aware of new social media guidelines for all incoming students heading to US universities: Check out our FAQs guide to studying in the US in 2025, or reach out to a Shorelight advisor for personalized guidance. Get in touch to learn more about the US student visa process and requirements for UK students >
Types of Student Visas Available for British International Students in 2025
Before you start the application process, familiarize yourself with the different visa types available to you as a UK student planning to study in the US. The two main visa options you need to consider are the F-1, J-1, and M-1 visas, but which visa works for you entirely depends on what you plan to study in the US.
F-1 Visa — The F-1 student visa is the most popular option for UK students, and is usually what you will need if you’re looking to study full time at a US university. With an F-1 visa, you are allowed to travel freely within and out of the US, but because it’s a non-immigrant visa, you must prove that you intend to return to the UK after your studies in the US are complete. You are also allowed to work part time with certain conditions, as long as you are continuing your studies.
J-1 Visa — The J-1 student visa is designed for UK students who intend to participate in exchange programs at US colleges or universities approved by the U.S. Department of State. With a J-1 visa, you will be able to work on campus for 18 months, or up to 36 months for PhD students. You can also work off campus with permission from your responsible officer (RO).
M-1 Visa — The M-1 student visa is designed for students pursuing non-academic or vocational studies, like technical or trade programs. Unlike the other visas, the M-1 does not allow you to work while studying, and you cannot enroll in academic courses, transfer schools, or extend your course beyond one year. With an M-1 visa, you may open a US bank account, get a driver’s license, and access basic health care services.
Choosing the right visa depends entirely on the type of program you’re enrolling in, but if you’re a student from the UK aiming for a degree at a US university, the F-1 is likely the visa you need.
Visa Requirements for International Students from the UK
To be eligible for a US student visa, you must first be accepted by a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-approved institution in the United States. There will also be many documents that you will need to keep throughout the application process, such as your Form I-20, DS-160 form, a valid passport, and other supporting documents (which we will cover in detail later). You will also need documentation to prove that you can support yourself financially during your studies in the US.
Unlike international students from most other countries, UK students do not need to prove English proficiency or take a medical exam for entry, and you are not limited to a Restricted Bank Account for your financing. You should still consider checking with your university for any additional requirements, as some institutions may have their own requirements for admission.
Step-by-Step Application for a Student Visa from the UK to the USA
The following can be used as a step-by-step guide to the US student visa application process. These steps apply to F-1, J-1, and M-1 student visas, as while the visas are functionally different, the process for applying to them is largely the same.
Get Accepted by a University
Before you can start the application process for a student visa, you must have received an offer of acceptance from a SEVP-approved university or institution in the US. (You can see if an institution is SEVP-accredited by visiting the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s school search page.) Once you accept the offer, your school will issue a Form I-20 document, which confirms your eligibility to apply for a student visa.
For a J-1 visa, you would have to find a legitimate sponsor organization from the U.S. Department of State’s official list to accept you into their program. Once accepted by the sponsor, you will be issued a DS-2019 form, which confirms your eligibility for J-1 status.
Pay Your SEVIS Fees
After receiving your I-20 form, you must pay the SEVIS fee online through its payment portal. Currently, it is $350 for F-1 and M-1 visas, and $220 for J-1 visa applicants. Once you’ve paid it, make sure to save the SEVIS fee receipt, as you will need it for your visa interview.
Complete Your DS-160 Form
The DS-160 is required for all nonimmigrant visa applicants to the United States and can be submitted online through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website. To complete this form, you will need a valid passport, your I-20 form, a travel itinerary for your time in the US once you arrive, and any past US travel history. You will also need to provide a passport-sized photo for your visa and pay a Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee when submitting. Currently, this fee is $185 for F-1 and J-1 visa students. The MRV fee for M-1 visas is $160.
Once you’ve completed your DS-160 form submission, print out the confirmation page as you will also need it for your visa interview.
Schedule a Visa Interview
Once your DS-160 is complete and fees are paid, you can book a visa interview appointment at either the US Embassy in London or the Consulate General in Belfast. If you are eligible, you can submit your application by courier, with students from England, Scotland, or Wales submitting to the US Embassy, and the Consulate General if you are from Northern Ireland. The waiting time for your appointment will vary depending on your country, but it can take up to several months in some cases, so make sure to schedule your appointment as early as you can.
If you need additional support, Shorelight’s expert advisors can help you with interview tips and mock interviews, so you can head in to your visa interview with confidence.
Once you’ve completed these steps, you then need to wait for your application to be processed and officially receive your visa. Most applications are processed in three to five working days, with a few extra days for passport delivery.
Costs of Studying Abroad in the US in 2025
Studying in the US is a major financial commitment for many students, with costs varying by degree program, university, location, and more. Tuition fees for private universities can cost around $50,000 annually on average, with the cost of top-tier institutions being even higher. Keep in mind that tuition is just one part of the total cost, as you also need to consider additional fees like books, supplies, and campus services.
Living expenses such as housing, meals, transportation, and health insurance are also key parts of your overall budget. Many universities offer scholarships and financial support to help reduce the cost and make studying in the US more accessible to students of all backgrounds around the world.
Check out budget-friendly universities enrolling international students with Shorelight >
What to Expect About Studying in the US If You’re Coming From the UK
Compared to most other countries, your experience studying in the US as a student from the UK will be relatively familiar, though there are several noticeable differences in culture and environment. Campus culture may seem fundamentally different: Where UK campuses focus nearly exclusively on academics, US universities offer a more socially oriented campus life and overall student experience, with an emphasis on community, extracurriculars, and school spirit in addition to coursework.
Beyond campus, the day-to-day of student life in the US can vary widely depending on the region. The weather in the US can differ from what you might be used to in the UK, since the country is so large that different regions have their own regional climate. Make sure to check up on the local climate for your campus, and prepare accordingly. The food in America is as diverse as its population, with cuisines available from cultures around the world. You will likely find many of the same foods as you are used to in the UK, but portion sizes are typically much bigger.
UK International Student Visas FAQ
Can a British International Student Work in the US?
British students can work in the US while studying, but there are certain restrictions depending on the visa type. The F-1 student visa allows limited work opportunities, such as only being able to work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the academic year and full time during holidays and school breaks. Off-campus work is allowed under certain programs like Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT), which have their own requirements and must be approved by your university and US immigration services. It’s important to follow these guidelines carefully, since violating them can affect your visa status.
How to Check the Status of My Visa Application
You can check the status of your US visa application through the CEAC site, where you can enter your visa application number to see the latest updates.
How to Maintain F-1 Visa Status
Your F-1 visa will be valid the entire time you are studying in the US, but you need to be careful not to violate any of your university’s rules or the conditions of your visa.
You will also need to keep all your relevant documents valid, like making sure your passport has not expired, and the details of your Form I-20 and SEVIS records stay accurate. If you have to make any significant changes, like extending your visa, transferring schools, or changing your major, you need to communicate that with your designated school official (DSO) and follow all the proper procedures.
Study at the Best US Universities with Shorelight’s Guidance!
Applying for a US student visa can feel like a lot. From guiding you through all the necessary paperwork to preparing for your visa interview, Shorelight’s expert advisors have extensive experience helping international students through every step of the visa application process. Connect with Shorelight today, and get the support you need to fulfill your academic and professional goals in the US.
Contact a Shorelight advisor for more information about how to apply for a US student visa from the UK >
