How to Prepare Personal Documents for Studying in the USA: What You Need to Know in 2025?
For international students planning to study in the USA, it is crucial to properly prepare and legalize their documents so that they are recognized by American educational institutions. In 2025, the procedure remains standard, but it is important to consider nuances related to apostille, notarization, and certified translations.
1. What Documents Are Required for Studying in the USA?
Depending on the educational institution and the level of education (school, college, university, graduate program), the following documents may be required:
• High school diploma or higher education degree
• Academic transcript with grades
• English language proficiency certificates (TOEFL, IELTS)
• Recommendation letters (if required)
• Passport
• Financial documents (bank statements proving the ability to pay for tuition and living expenses)
• Student visa (F-1 or J-1)
2. Do Documents Need to Be Certified?
Apostille or Consular Legalization:
• If the country issuing the document is a signatory to the Hague Convention, an apostille is required. This confirms the authenticity of the signature and seal.
• If the country has not signed the Hague Convention, consular legalization is required – a more complex process involving certification by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the U.S. consulate.
Certified Translation:
• All documents must be translated into English. The translation must be done by a certified translator. In some cases, the university requires notarized translation.
• Translations can be done by accredited agencies, and sometimes the educational institution may recommend a specific company.
3. How to Obtain a Student Visa?
After admission to an educational institution, the student receives Form I-20 (for F-1 visas) or DS-2019 (for J-1 visas). The next steps include:
1. Paying the SEVIS Fee (registration fee for the student system).
2. Completing the DS-160 online visa application form.
3. Scheduling an interview at the U.S. consulate.
4. Bringing all original documents to the interview.
4. How to Verify University Requirements?
Each educational institution may have its own requirements for submitting documents. Therefore, it is important to:
• Check the university or college website under the International Students section.
• Contact the admissions office to clarify the details regarding translations and legalization.
• Use evaluation agencies, if diploma validation is required.
