USA Student Visa
Visa Requirements for USA
A student visa is a must if you want to study in United States. Your program and type of school you plan to attend determines whether you need F-1 visa, J-1 Visa or M-1 visa.
Visa Application Fee
Non-Immigrant Visa Application Fee US $160 in Indian Rupee equivalent at a consular rate of exchange. The visa fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
Online Appointments
- Create a profile at www.ustraveldocs.com.
- Complete the DS- 160 Visa application form at www.ceac.state.gov. The form must be completed and submitted online prior to your interview. The barcode number on the form DS - 160 confirmation page is required to book your interview.
- Before confirming a visa interview appointment online, you need to pay the visa application fee which can be paid by IMPS or NEFT or Cash over Counter (Axis Bank and Citibank)
- Proceed to schedule two appointments.
- Pay SEVIS fee of $200 (non-refundable) online through www.fmjfee.com. This fee may vary for J-1 visa type.
- First, schedule your Offsite Facilitation Center (OFC) appointment.
- Second, schedule your visa interview appointment at the Embassy or Consulate.
- OFC appointment must be scheduled at least one day before the interview appointment date at the Embassy or Consulate.
List of Original Documents Required
Check out the list of original documents required for a US Student Visa.
- Passport should be valid for at least six months. Carry all old passports as well.
- Visa fee receipt, DS-160 confirmation page and interview appointment letter.
- Form I-20 in original, approved and signed by the University authority.
- Relevant standardized test scores e.g. GRE/GMAT/SAT/TOEFL/IELTS/PTE
- Original printout of receipt of SEVIS fee payment.
- Original degree certificates along with mark sheets of previous institutions attended. (10th, 12th & Bachelors).
- Experience Certificates from the previous and current employer if any.
- Evidence of financial resources proof of liquid assets sufficient to pay for the entire first year of education and living expenses as well as proof of readily available funds to cover the remaining year(s) of studies.
- If you are going to cover your expenses through any scholarships, carry all relevant letters.
How to Apply for US Student Visa (F1 Visa)
There are several steps to apply for a USA Study Visa:
- Your visa process starts when you receive Form I-20 from your college. Though you can pay the SEVIS fee anytime during the application, it is strongly recommended that you pay the SEVIS I-901 fee before you start your US visa application.
- After paying the SEVIS fee and getting a receipt, you can apply for a DS-160 visa form. It is an online application form.
- Print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
- Pay the visa fee through NEFT or any other MODE OF PAYMENT
- Schedule a Biometric appointment and Interview appointment.
- For the Biometric appointment, you will be required to appear in person to get your photograph clicked for the visa and get your fingerprints scanned.
- At the Personal interview, the interviewer will ask you questions about your choice, of course, college, finances, and intent of coming back. If s/he is convinced, they will keep your passport with them to get the visa stamped. Here is a guide to help you prepare for your F1 Visa Interview.
Remember, F1 student visas can be issued up to 120 days before the starting date of your course of study. However, you will not be allowed to enter the United States on F1 status earlier than 30 days before your start date.
Visa Stamping
The decision about one's case can be known after an interview. If you are issued a visa, your passport will be returned to you by the Blue Dart courier service or that can be delivered to your designated address on the charge.. This needs to be selected while scheduling the visa appointment.