Congratulations! You have decided to enroll in a course of study in the US, and selected a school that fits your needs. Now, there is the matter of applying for your student visa, which is truly your "ticket" to the United States. The purpose of the student visa is to classify your motive for traveling and staying in the US as seeking educational training…you are not coming here to travel or to visit family, although that may be a feature of your stay also.

Here is a summary of what to expect in the application process, as well as some tips to help everything go as smooth as possible.

After having been accepted, your school will send you an I-20 Form. This form is the legal acceptance document, and is the verification to US consular officials that you have been accepted and enrolled at an approved institution.It is the actual application for an F-1, or student, visa.

TIP: make sure the details are correct, especially the spelling of your name as it appears on your passport and your date of birth. More than one student has faced rejection at the embassy due to simple spelling mistakes.

Then you will have to make an appointment for a visa interview oat your local US embassy or consular office. Check the website for the location in your country nearest you at http://usembassy.state.gov/ . You will need to pay $131.00 for the visa application fee. Pay this online and be sure to print the receipt.

TIP: make sure to allow enough time for your appointment before you want to travel, especially prior to peak travel times such as the summer. This is usually the part that takes the longest, and countries vary greatly in terms of expected wait time for an interview.

Prepare for your interview

You will only have a minute or two in front of the US official, so you need to demonstrate quickly and efficiently why you should be granted a student visa. Remember, he or she is very busy, and may even seem impatient to you. If it cannot be demonstrated why they should award the student visa, they will not hesitate to reject you.

Follow these tips to help ensure that you give yourself the best opportunity to get the F-1 visa!

TIP: dress nicely. It may seem like common sense, but first impressions are extremely important in this case. Do not overdress or wear anything that would be a distraction…dress professionally as if it were a job interview.

TIP: state specifically why you want to study in the US. Perhaps you want to assimilate the American accent, or study US Business English…whatever the reason, you need to make a case of why this is better done in the US than at home.

TIP: have good financial information. Only confirmation of a certain balance is requested, but if you can provide a letter from a bank official attesting to a solid relationship, this will serve you better.

TIP: students may often be rejected because they do not prove adequate intent to return to their home countries. Officials want to make sure you are not going to the US to work illegally (which is what employment with an F-1 visa is). Have a business, real estate, a spouse, or a family back home will calm the fears of the official in this regard.

Above all, stay relaxed, and remember it is in the interest of the US to bring students to our country.