US Student Visa from India

The United States is a popular destination for international students, with India being the second-largest source of international students in the US. If you are an Indian student looking to pursue higher education in the US, this guide will walk you through the process of obtaining a US student visa from India.

Step-by-Step Process for US Student Visa from India

Get Accepted and Receive Your I-20:

• First, you need to get accepted into a degree program at an accredited US institution of higher education. Once accepted, you will receive an I-20 form, which documents your study plans and provides supporting information about your stay.

Pay the SEVIS Fee:

• The $350 SEVIS fee is a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) processing fee. This fee is mandatory for all international students.

Complete Your DS-160 Visa Application:

• All prospective international students must complete a DS-160 form to receive a visa application confirmation page.

Schedule Your Visa Interview:

• Wait times vary by country and can take several months. Schedule your appointment as early as possible to allow for delays.

Attend Your Visa Interview:

• In this step, the US consulate or embassy confirms that you are coming to study as a legitimate, serious student.

Documents Required for US Student Visa from India

• Passport: A valid passport with at least six months’ validity.
• DS-160 and I-901 SEVIS Payment Confirmation Pages: These confirm your visa application and SEVIS fee payment.
• I-20: The I-20 form, which documents your study plans and provides supporting information about your stay.
• School Transcript and Official Test Scores: These are used on your university application.
• Diploma (if applicable): If you have a diploma, bring a copy of it.
• Bank Statements: These are used to fill out your college application.

Cost and Interview Process

• Cost: The total cost of obtaining an F-1 student visa is approximately $535 USD, broken down into the I-901 SEVIS fee ($350) and the DS-160 form fee ($185).
• Interview Process: The interview is not a document review, but you may wish to take documentation to support your application. Be prepared to describe your reasons for studying in the US, your program of study, and your long-term goals.

Additional Tips and Considerations

• Expedited Interviews: If you are late to the application process, you can request an expedited interview. Contact the embassy or consulate where you will conduct your interview to schedule an expedited appointment.
• Health Insurance: While not mandatory, having health insurance is highly recommended. Many universities require students to enroll in an active insurance plan before classes begin.
• Extension of Stay: If you need to stay in the US beyond your authorized period, you can apply for an extension through the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) form I-539. The fee for extending your stay is $370, with the $85 biometric services fee exempted if your application is postmarked October 1, 2023, or later.

Conclusion

Obtaining a US student visa from India is a straightforward process if you follow the necessary steps and provide the required documents. With the latest information available, this guide aims to help Indian students navigate the process and make the most of their higher education experience in the US.