If you are a Bangladeshi international student looking to pursue your studies in the US, you will first need to apply for a US student visa. Although the application process may seem complex at first, this guide will go through all the steps required to apply for your USA student visa from Bangladesh.
Read on to learn everything you need to know about a student visa USA from Bangladesh, including the American student visa requirements for Bangladeshi students, the step-by-step process of applying for a visa, the cost of studying in the US, and common questions you may have.
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>
Types of Student Visas Available for Bangladeshi International Students in 2025
As a Bangladeshi international student looking to study in the US, you can choose from three main student visa categories, F-1, J-1, or M-1, to pursue your academic or vocational studies in America.
F-1 Visa - The F-1 visa is the most common option for international students who want to pursue full-time academic programs in the US. With an F-1 visa, you can attend a college or university and may also be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) during your studies or Optional Practical Training (OPT) during or after graduation, both of which offer valuable work experience related to your degree.
J-1 Visa - The J-1 visa is for international students participating in an approved study- or work-based exchange program at a US college or university. These programs must be recognized by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and typically receive funding from educational or nonprofit organizations. While J-1 students do not qualify for OPT, they may be eligible for Academic Training (AT) once their program is complete.
M-1 Visa - The M-1 visa is designed for students enrolling in vocational studies or non-academic programs at SEVP-certified institutions in the US. Funding for your studies may come from personal savings, family, or friends. While M-1 students can take part in practical training after finishing their program, the guidelines differ from those under the F-1 visa and are more limited.
Now that we have looked at the different student visas available to you, let us look at American student visa requirements for Bangladeshi students.
Visa Requirements for International Students from Bangladesh
As a Bangladeshi international student looking to study in the US, you will need to attend a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka. You must bring the following to your interview:
A passport valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States
Passport-sized photo(s) meeting US visa specifications
Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrants, Form I-20
SEVIS I‑901 fee payment receipt
Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page
Visa application fee receipt
School transcript and official test scores you used on your university application
Diploma and other certificates (if applicable)
Proof of financial support, such as bank statements or scholarship letters
Evidence of ties to Bangladesh, such as family, property, or job prospects
If you need help preparing the required documents for a US student visa interview, you can reach out to a Shorelight advisor for help.
Having looked at the student visa USA requirements, let next go over the step-by-step process to apply for your US student visa from Bangladesh.
Step-by-Step Guide for a Student Visa from Bangladesh to the USA
There are several steps that need to be taken prior to receiving your student visa USA from Bangladesh, which allows you to study in the US.
1. Research and Enroll in a US University
The first step to getting your student visa is to research universities and programs that align with your academic and professional goals. The university you plan to apply to has to be an SEVP-accredited institution, and SEVP institutions can be identified by going through the School Search Map tool on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security website.
Wondering about the best universities in the US? Connect with a Shorelight advisor for personalized guidance and support, every step of the way >
As part of the admission process, you will also need to meet your chosen institution’s English language proficiency requirements. Required scores may vary depending on the university, academic program, and degree level you are applying for.
2. Enroll and Receive Your I-20 Form
After you are accepted to a US university or college, you will receive a Form I-20 (or DS-2019 for J-1 students). This document is your official Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status and includes important details like your SEVIS ID number, your program’s start and end dates, and information about your funding sources.
Be sure to review your I-20 carefully before signing it; this form confirms that you are enrolled in a US institution and will be frequently referenced throughout your visa application journey.
Before moving forward with your F-1 visa application, you must pay the SEVIS fee of $350 (43,750 BDT). Do not forget to print a copy of the payment receipt, as you will need to bring it with you to your visa interview.
3. Complete the Required DS-160 Application
As part of the visa application process, you will need to complete the DS-160 form online. This is the official Nonimmigrant Visa Application, and it must be submitted through the U.S. Department of State application portal. You can visit the official website to learn more about the DS-160 process.
Remember to enter correct and accurate details. Once the form is submitted, you cannot make any changes.
After submitting the form, you will be required to pay the $185 (23,125 BDT) visa application fee. Once the payment is complete, you will receive a confirmation page with a barcode. Be sure to print this page and bring it with you to your visa interview, as it is a required document.
4. Schedule an Interview
Once you have received the I-20 and completed the DS-160 form, you can book an interview at the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka. Remember to enter the same barcode number on your DS-160 application while scheduling your visa interview. If the DS-160 barcode does not match the one in your appointment profile, you will not be able to attend your interview.
You can check the U.S. Department of State website to see current interview wait times. Monitoring US visa appointment availability and estimated wait times can help you plan your application timeline effectively.
5. Prepare and Attend the Visa Interview
The final step in your visa application process is to attend the visa interview, where you will need to present all required documents.
At the interview, the officer will ask questions to determine your intention for studying in the US and your ability to finance your stay in the US. Before the interview, remember to practice answering mock interview questions with a friend or your Shorelight enrollment advisor.
Once you have obtained your student visa USA from Bangladesh, you will need to prepare for the expenses you will incur while studying abroad in the US.
Costs of Studying Abroad in the US in 2025
It is important to plan ahead for the various expenses associated with studying in the US. The main cost you will need to account for is tuition for the program you enrolled in, and pricing can vary depending on whether you study at a college or university, location, type of program you enroll in, and institutional fees.
Other expenses that students need to take into account are:
Housing and meals – students can choose to live on campus with the option of enrolling in a meal plan or students can live off campus, depending on their preferences.
Transportation – this includes public transportation passes, ride-sharing services, or the cost of owning a car.
Textbooks and supplies – books and supplies can be purchased at the campus bookstore, online, or can even be rented.
Health insurance – most universities require international students to have health insurance coverage.
Personal expenses – these include entertainment, clothing, and other miscellaneous expenses.
The cost of living in the US can vary based on where you live and your personal lifestyle, so it is important to budget your expenses for each month to ensure you stay on track. To get help with budgeting more effectively and explore scholarships and financial aid or budget-friendly schools, consider reaching out to a Shorelight advisor.
Now that we have looked at the costs associated with studying in the US, let us consider other factors that can affect your study abroad experience.
What to Expect about Studying in the US if You Are Coming from Bangladesh
As a Bangladeshi student, studying abroad in the United States can be a rewarding and transformative experience. While the journey offers many exciting academic and personal opportunities, it may also present a few challenges, especially during your first few weeks on campus. For a short while after you arrive, you may experience culture shock. This is a natural part of adjusting to a new environment. You may notice differences in the grading system compared to what you may be used to in Bangladesh, you may hear dozens of unfamiliar slang words being used around campus, and even see differences in professional culture and the way people communicate. These experiences can also vary based on whether you live in the countryside or in a large city.
It is normal for international students to take time to adjust to US university life, and you are not alone in the process. To support your transition, your university’s orientation program will introduce you to student life, available resources on campus, and academic expectations at your US university.
Outside the classroom, you will have the chance to explore American culture through food, travel, and everyday life. From trying out American cuisine to experiencing different climates and seasonal changes, each region in the US offers a unique lifestyle.
Throughout your journey, support is always available. Your university’s international student office and Shorelight advisors are here to guide you, whether you need help adjusting to a new routine, navigating campus services, or simply settling into life in the US.
Bangladeshi International Student Visas FAQ
Can a Bangladeshi International Student Work in the US?
Yes, Bangladeshi international students may work in the US, and work restrictions will depend on your visa type and status.
F-1 Visa: Students on an F-1 visa may work part-time on campus during the academic year and full-time during official school breaks. After completing one academic year, eligible students may apply for off-campus training opportunities such as CPT or OPT.
J-1 Visa: J-1 students may qualify for part-time, on-campus employment. Off-campus work requires approval from their program sponsor. After graduation, students may pursue Academic Training (AT) to gain hands-on experience.
M-1 Visa: Students holding an M-1 visa are not permitted to work while enrolled. Practical training is only available after program completion and must be directly related to one’s field of study.
For questions about your employment eligibility in the US as a Bangladeshi international student, speak with your Designated School Official (DSO) or connect with a Shorelight advisor for personalized support.
How to Check the Status of My Visa Application?
To check the status of your visa application, visit the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Status Check tool and enter your application number, passport number, and the first five letters of your surname in the relevant fields. You can also check your status via telephone by calling +88-09610202040.
It is important to monitor your visa status regularly so you can take timely action based on the outcome of your application.
If your application is approved, you will receive an SMS and email that your passport and visa are “Ready for Pick Up” from the location you selected when scheduling your interview appointment.
If your visa does not get approved by the US embassy, it is important to find out why. Once you know the reason, it is easier to reapply for the student visa with any additional documents required.
How to Maintain F-1 Visa Status
Once you receive your visa, you must follow the rules and regulations of your educational institution and the US government to maintain your student visa status. These include:
Pursuing a course of study at a SEVP-accredited institution
Meeting the minimum number of hours required by your program per week
Adhering to work restrictions
Informing your DSO regarding any changes to your program, school, major, education level, and address
Study at the Best US Universities with Shorelight’s Guidance!
If you are a Bangladeshi international student looking to pursue your undergraduate or graduate studies in the US, Shorelight advisors can help. They can assist with identifying the right-fit program and supporting you in obtaining your USA student visa from Bangladesh. Shorelight advisors can also provide you with on-campus services, which include academic tutoring, cultural guidance, and help in securing part-time work.
Ready to take the first step toward studying in the US? Speak to a Shorelight advisor today >
