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Study in the USA
If you want to study in the United States,
you will need a student visa.
Here is some information to help you understand
the process of obtaining a student visa and
the requirements you will need to meet.
Key Points for USA Student Visa >>>
Do you need a visa to travel to the USA?
Yes, Indians need visas to travel to USA.
USA visa application is made online or offline?
This visa application must be made online from the govt official website
Do I need to give biometrics?
Yes, biometrics are required to obtain a visa.
Is there an interview required to obtain an USA visa?
Yes, there is a visa interview required for Indian citizens who wish to travel to the United States. This interview is typically conducted at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in India and is a mandatory part of the visa application process.
What is the maximum length of stay permitted on a study visa?
The maximum length of stay permitted on a student visa in USA is typically for the duration of the academic program.
What kind of visa will we acquire from USA?
It will be a physical sticker visa, which will be affixed to a page in your passport.
Current Visa fees: (Updated on 16-10-2023)
Study visa:
F1 visa application fee – About $510
M1 visa application fee – About $160
Before Applying:
You must first be accepted by a U.S. school that is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Once you are accepted, the school will provide you with a Form I-20, which is the document you will need to apply for a student visa.
Steps to Apply
Step 1: Know Your Visa Type
- When applying for a visa to the United States, determine the purpose of your visit, such as tourism, business, study, or employment, to select the appropriate visa category.
- Visit the official website of the U.S. Department of State or consult the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for detailed information on visa categories, requirements, and application procedures.
- Review the specific eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and financial obligations for the chosen visa type to ensure a successful visa application for the United States.
Step 2: Complete Your Application
As a Nonimmigrant Visa applicant, you must complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form accurately. Please carefully read the Guidelines for Completing the DS-160 Form before starting your application. Please note that once you submit the form, you cannot make any changes, so make sure all information is correct.
Please note that the call centre cannot help you complete your application. You will need your DS-160 number to book your appointment.
If you have previously been denied a visa, you must complete a new Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form.
Step 3: Pay Your Visa Fees
You must pay the visa fee, which varies depending on your visa type. Please refer to the visa fee page for the current fee in both US dollars and your local currency.
To pay your visa fee, please read the bank and payment options page. This page explains the available payment methods and how to complete your payment. Once you have paid the fee, you will create a profile and receive a receipt number, which you must keep to book your visa appointment.
Step 4: Schedule Your Appointment
You are almost ready to schedule your visa appointment. Here’s what you need to do:
- Log in to Your Profile: Log in to your profile using the same credentials you used to pay your visa fee. Once you are in the system, you will see your dashboard.
- Select the Schedule Appointment Button: Click the “Schedule Appointment” button to start the scheduling process.
- Schedule Two Appointments: You must schedule two appointments, one for the Visa Application Center (VAC) and one for the visa interview at the Embassy or Consulate.
- Schedule Your VAC Appointment: Schedule your appointment at a Visa Application Center. At the VAC, you will have your fingerprints and photo taken. This appointment must be at least 1 day before your visa interview appointment at the Embassy or Consulate.
- Schedule Your Visa Interview Appointment: Schedule your visa interview appointment at the Embassy or Consulate. Same-day appointments are available for certain visa classes. The VAC appointment time must be before the consular appointment time.
- Gather Required Information: You will need three pieces of information to schedule your appointment:
- Your passport number
- The visa application fee receipt number
- The ten (10) digit barcode number from your DS-160 confirmation page
- Complete the Scheduling Process: As you go through the process, you will be able to select your visa type, enter personal data, add dependents, select your document delivery location, confirm visa payment, and schedule your appointment.
Step 5: Attend Your Interview
Before your appointment at the Visa Application Center, make sure to gather the following documents and items:
- A Valid Passport: You must have a passport that is valid for travel to the United States with validity dates at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States(unless country specific agreements provide exemptions). If more than one person is included in your passport, each person desiring a visa must submit an application.
- Your DS-160 Confirmation Page: Bring a printed copy of your DS-160 confirmation page.
- Your Appointment Confirmation Page: Bring a printed copy of your appointment confirmation page.
- One Photograph (If Applicable): If the applicant is under 14 years of age, you must bring one photograph as per U.S. visa specifications. See the photos and fingerprints section of the website for more details.
Make sure to review the specific requirements for your visa type and location. In some cases, you may need to bring additional documents or items. It’s always a good idea to double-check the requirements before your appointment.
Step 6: Track Your Passport
Here’s what you need to know about collecting your visa:
- You will be notified via email and SMS when your passport is ready for pickup at the location you selected during the appointment scheduling process.
- If you prefer, you can also opt for premium delivery services to have your passport and visa delivered directly to your address.
- Please bring the following items with you when you go to collect your passport:
- Your appointment confirmation page
- A government-issued photo ID
- Any other documents as requested during your interview
Double-check that all the information on your visa is correct before leaving the pickup location.
Important Notice: Please be advised that children under the age of 14 are not required to attend the visa appointment at the Visa Application Center or the interview at the Embassy/Consulate. Parents, guardians, or authorized representatives are permitted to present the necessary documents on their behalf.
Process your application:
The consular officer conducting your interview will assess your application, ask questions to verify your eligibility, and determine whether or not to approve your visa.
Receive your visa:
If your visa application is approved, the consular officer will take your passport to stamp the visa into it, and you will usually receive your passport within a few days. If your visa application is denied, the consular officer will return your passport to you and provide you with a letter explaining the reasons for the denial.
You will need the following documents for your visa interview:
- Your passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay)
- Form I-20 provided by your school
- SEVIS fee receipt
- Confirmation page of your DS-160
- Evidence of financial support for your studies
- Academic transcripts and test scores
- Any other documents required by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate
Step 5: Attend Your Visa Interview
At your interview, you will be asked questions about your academic background and your plans in the United States. You will also need to provide your fingerprints and a photograph.
After Your Interview:
If your visa is approved, you will receive your passport with the visa inside. If your visa is denied, the consular officer will provide you with a reason for the denial.
Preparing to Travel to the United States:
You should bring the following documents with you when you travel to the United States:
- Your passport with the visa
- Your Form I-20
- Evidence of financial support
- Academic transcripts and test scores
- Any other documents required by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
To apply for a study visa (F-1 or M-1 visa) to the United States from India, you will typically need the following documents:
1. Form I-20:
- You will need to obtain a Form I-20 from the U.S. educational institution you have been accepted to. The Form I-20 is a certificate of eligibility for nonimmigrant student status and is issued by the designated school official (DSO) of the institution.
2. Valid passport:
- Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States.
3. Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form (DS-160):
- You will need to complete the DS-160 online form and obtain the confirmation page with the barcode.
4. Visa application fee payment receipt:
- You must provide proof of payment for the visa application fee.
5. SEVIS fee payment receipt:
- The SEVIS fee is a separate fee that is required for F and M visa applicants. You must pay the fee and obtain a receipt before your visa interview.
6. Photo:
- You will need to provide a recent, color photograph that meets the U.S. visa photo requirement.
7. Financial documents:
- You will need to provide evidence of your ability to cover your educational and living expenses in the United States. This can include bank statements, scholarship letters, or other financial documents.
7. Academic documents:
- You will need to provide your academic transcripts, degrees, diplomas, or certificates from previous educational institutions attended.
8. Test scores:
- If applicable, you may need to provide standardized test scores, such as the TOEFL or SAT, depending on the requirements of your chosen educational institution.
9. Statement of Purpose:
- A statement explaining your educational background, your intended course of study in the United States, and your future career goals.
11. Additional documents:
- You may be required to provide additional documents depending on your specific circumstances, such as proof of ties to your home country, letters of recommendation, or evidence of English language proficiency.
It’s important to note that the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply may have specific requirements or additional documents, so it’s recommended to check their website for detailed instructions and updates.
The visa application process and requirements can change, so it’s advisable to consult the official website of the U.S. Embassy in India or contact the embassy directly for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
VISA APPLICATION FORMS
To submit our visa application, we need to provide a list of forms as required.
SEVIS Form I-20: After being accepted by a U.S. educational institution, you will receive a SEVIS Form I-20. This form is issued by the school and is necessary for the visa application process.
Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160): This is the standard online application form that must be completed for most nonimmigrant visa categories, including the F-1 Study Visa.
Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160) Confirmation Page: This page confirms the submission of your DS-160 application form.
Note: The above list is a general guide, and the actual forms and documents required may vary based on individual circumstances and the specific educational institution. It is important to carefully review the requirements and instructions provided by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country or on the official U.S. Department of State website.
VISA APPLICATION GUIDELINES:
Please find below a step-by-step guide on the process of acquiring a visa.
- Research and Choose a U.S. Institution: Research and select a U.S. educational institution that offers the program of study you wish to pursue. Ensure that the institution is approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
- Obtain Admission and Receive Form I-20: Apply and gain admission to the chosen institution. Once accepted, the institution will issue a Form I-20, which is a certificate of eligibility for nonimmigrant student status.
- Pay the SEVIS Fee: Pay the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee online through the SEVP website. This fee is mandatory and should be paid before proceeding with the visa application.
- Complete the DS-160 Form: Fill out the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form online accurately and truthfully. Upload a suitable photograph as per the specifications.
- Pay the Visa Application Fee: Pay the non-refundable visa application fee, which can be done online through the designated payment methods.
- Schedule an Interview: Create an account on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website, select the location, and schedule an appointment for a visa interview at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate in India.
- Gather Required Documents: Prepare the necessary documents, which typically include:
- Form I-20 issued by the educational institution
- SEVIS fee payment receipt
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Valid passport
- Photograph as per specifications
- Financial documents to demonstrate your ability to cover tuition fees and living expenses
- Academic documents such as transcripts, diplomas, and standardized test scores
- English language proficiency test scores (e.g., TOEFL or IELTS)
- Any additional documents as required by the specific embassy or consulate
- Attend the visa interview: On the scheduled date, appear for the visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Answer the interviewer’s questions honestly and provide any requested documents.
- Visa processing and decision: After the interview, if visa approved, your passport will be kept by the embassy and returned to you with the visa affixed. If denied, your passport will be returned the same time.
Note: The above steps are a general guide, and the actual process may vary based on individual circumstances. It is essential to carefully review the requirements and instructions provided by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in India or on the official U.S. Department of State website.
DS-160 information
Each applicant – including children – must have their own Form DS-160 visa application. The Form DS-160 must be completed and submitted online prior to your interview at the Embassy or Consulate. The barcode number on the Form DS-160 confirmation page is required in order to book your interview. The Form DS-160 must be submitted online and the printed confirmation page must be brought to the interview. The Embassy or Consulate will not accept handwritten or typed applications and you will not be permitted to attend your interview without a Form DS-160 confirmation page.
When you sign your DS-160 electronically, you are certifying that all the information contained in it is true and correct. Misrepresenting any facts could render you ineligible to enter the United States. Please double-check that all your answers are accurate and that every question is answered completely.
Note: DS-160 visa application is valid for one year from the date of submission on the Form.
Guidelines for completing the Form DS-160
Complete and submit your Form DS-160 after reviewing the nonimmigrant visa application process. You must submit your DS-160 application online prior to making an appointment for an interview at the Embassy or Consulate.
- The interview Embassy/Consulate you select at the beginning of the Form DS-160 can be different from the Embassy/Consulate where you schedule your interview appointment. However please note that the Embassy/Consulate must be located within India (New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad and Kolkata).
- All questions must be answered in English using English-language characters only, except when you are asked to provide your full name in your native alphabet.
- If you stop working on this application for more than 20 minutes, your session will expire. You will have to start over, unless you have recorded your Application ID Number or have saved your application to a file on your computer. Write down the Application ID displayed on the top right-hand corner of the page. If you need to close the browser before submitting your application, you will need this Application ID to continue your application.
- The completed DS-160 application form will generate an alpha-numeric barcode confirmation page. Print this page. The printed confirmation page is required for the appointment at the Visa Application Center and for the interview at the Embassy/Consulate.
- Once you have printed the barcode confirmation page, hit the “Back” button on your web browser and then email yourself a backup copy of the DS-160. The emailed file will be in PDF format, which requires Adobe Acrobat to view or print.