how to apply for f1 visa from india

• Apply online through the DS-160 form.
• Pay the application fee.
• Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.
• Schedule your F1 visa interview.
• Submit the file with the F1 visa required documents.
• Attend the student visa interview. After you apply and are accepted into the school you want to attend, they will have to complete some procedures so that you can apply ...

Full Answer

How do I apply for an F1 student visa?

Applying for the F1 student visa may vary depending on the U.S. embassy or consulate you are dealing with. You will be required to pay a non-refundable visa application fee. There is an online visa application available, which allows you to complete and print the Form DS-160 to take to your F1 visa interview.

What is an F-1 visa and how does it work?

What Is a F-1 Visa? The F-1 student visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows international students to enter the US and study at institutions certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

How do I schedule my F-1 visa interview?

You can schedule your F-1 visa interview with the U.S. embassy or consulate. Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa early. An F-1 student visa for the USA can be issued up to 120 days in advance of your course of study start date.

Can I transfer F1 visa appointment to another consulate in India?

Transfer F1 appointment from one location to other : They said that you cannot transfer F1 Visa appointments from one consulate/ embassy to other consulates in India. You can only attend an interview at the location where you got the interview.

How much does it cost to apply for F1 visa in India?

Student Visa USA CostVisa typeDescriptionFee amount in rupeesFStudents (academic)Rs. 11520.00JExchange visitorsRs. 11520.00MStudents (Vocational)Rs. 11520.00

How long does it take to get F1 visa in India?

The F1 Visa process is time-consuming, so, it is suggested to start this process as early as possible. At times it can be wrapped up in 15 days or it can also take up to 2 months depending on the availability of the dates. Also, make sure that the college you are applying must be recognized by SEVP.

How much does F1 visa cost?

The total cost for your F-1 student visa will be approximately $510, which includes the cost of the visa itself, plus SEVIS processing and maintenance fees. Make sure to save the I-901 SEVIS fee receipt. You will need it for your visa interview. Your DS-160 is your visa application.

Is F1 visa appointment available in India?

More F1 visa appointment slots are open as the focus is on Spring 2022 students. All US consulates in India continue to operate in limited fashion with limited number of appointments. Regular operations are not yet open.

Is getting F1 visa difficult?

The F1 Visa is an easy enough visa to apply for, however, it is a very lengthy process and it can throw-up all sorts of complications, the best thing for you to do, is to be honest in your application, make sure that you have all of the necessary paperwork and as with everything in life, don't lie, especially when you' ...

Why is F1 visa rejected?

Common Reasons behind Student Visa Rejection Lack of sufficient financial funds or proofs to support foreign education. The inability of confirming a necessary return to India after completion of education. Incorrect or false documents. Inadequate language or communication skills.

Who is eligible for F1 visa?

You may enter in the F-1 or M-1 visa category provided you meet the following criteria: You must be enrolled in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program. Your school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, Immigration & Customs Enforcement.

How many years is F1 visa valid for?

For Indian passport holders, F-1 student visas are generally valid for five years from the start date of your programme. However, although your student visa may be valid for five years, your stay in the United States on your student visa is dependent on your status as a student.

How much bank balance is required for F1 visa?

While there are no rules requiring a minimum bank balance to apply for a student visa for the USA from India, it costs approximately $500 USD to obtain your F-1 student visa.

What is the best time to book US visa appointment in India?

We strongly recommend that applicants begin the application process approximately three months before the scheduled travel date, as appointments are usually filled 1-2 months in advance. Besides, visa applications are now subject to a higher degree of scrutiny than in the past.

How can I get US visa appointment faster in India?

Applying for an Expedited Appointment Pay the visa application fee. Complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form. If the Embassy approves your request then you will receive an email alerting you to schedule your expedited appointment online.

How do I book f1 visa slot?

0:4318:47HOW TO BOOK USA F1 VISA SLOT? STEP BY STEP GUIDE 2022YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIn order to book the visa slot the documents you need are your passport i20 and the ds 160MoreIn order to book the visa slot the documents you need are your passport i20 and the ds 160 confirmation.

How long does it take for an f1 visa to be approved?

Processing with USCIS can take 6 – 8 months plus mailing time or longer depending on USCIS processing times. While the application is pending you may not leave the United States.

What is the wait time for f1 visa?

As per the US Department of State travel Travel.State.Gov website, the appointment for visitor visa in the US consulate at New Delhi is 582 calendar days and 471 days for student visas.

How soon can you apply for f1 visa?

New Students – Student (F and M) visas for new students can be issued up to 120 days in advance of the start date for a course of study. However, you will not be allowed to enter the United States on your student visa more than 30 days before the start date.

How long after visa interview will I get my f1 visa?

If you were advised at the interview that a waiver of ineligibility is required before the visa can be issued, you can expect your application to take up to 8 months to process from the date of the interview.

How to work on a F-1 visa?

The first step to working on a F-1 visa is to talk with your DSO. Your DSO will have to approve and register any employment you take, so it is a good idea to communicate regularly with them throughout your search for work. In addition, your DSO can help answer questions and find eligible positions. For most work, you will have to be enrolled and active in your university program for more than 12 months. Your Shorelight advisor can help you navigate F-1 visa employment restrictions as well, so be sure to reach out with any questions you may have.

What are the visas for students from India to the USA?

There are two types of student visas for exchange students from India to the USA, F-1 visa and M-1 visa. Students enrolling in vocational or nonacademic classes must apply for a M-1 visa. Students enrolling in academic courses from an accredited institution for a degree will require a F-1 visa. The following program types require a F-1 student visa:

How to study overseas?

In addition to applying for a visa, you have to find the right school for your interests and complete all your paperwork before the deadline. Do not worry if you feel overwhelmed. Your Shorelight advisor is experienced — and can share success stories of Indian students excelling at US universities. Reach out to receive help navigating the visa process and the application process, as well as all other aspects of studying in the United States. Schedule an appointment and take the first step to secure your spot at a university in the US.

How long does it take to get a student visa in India?

You must apply for your student, nonimmigrant visa within 120 days of your program start date, but you should not wait too long after you receive your acceptance letter, because it can take several months to complete your USA student visa process from India.

How long can I stay in the US with an F-1 visa?

If you wonder how many years your student visa for the USA from India is valid, it depends on your program. Students on F-1 visas are allowed a 60-day period of stay in the United States after their university program ends, according to the Department of State. Authorized exceptions for work, internships, or continued learning are available. If work or another reason has you staying in the US for longer than authorized on your form I-20, you may apply for an extension through the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) form I-539. The fee for extending your stay is $370, plus an $85 biometric services fee (e.g., the cost to take and process your fingerprints).

How much is the Sevis fee?

Pay your SEVIS fee: The $350 SEVIS fee is a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) processing and maintenance charge.

How long does it take to get a visa interview?

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.

Types of F Visa

F visa can be categorised into 3 different types. The details of the types of F visa and eligibility criteria are provided below:

F1 Visa Application Process

The first move in the application process of F1 visa is a confirmation of enrollment from a SEVP-approved school in the USA.

Dependent F2 Visa

If the spouse or other family members of the applicant intends to stay with the applicant while they study in USA, they can avail the US dependent visa or F-2 visa. The family members will also need to enroll in SEVIS, acquire individual Form I-20s from the SEVP approved school to apply for their visa. The dependents do not need to pay SEVIS fee.

How to Apply

The steps of applying for the US student visa are variable and depend on the U.S. Consulate or Embassy. The application process is provided below:

F1 Visa Interview Wait Time

It is recommended to apply for the F-1 visa at the earliest to avoid any delay in the admission process. The wait time for US student visa interview appointments differ by season, location and visa category.

F1 Visa Fees

Students need to pay a non-refundable F1 visa application fee of 160 USD (~11,840 INR) before the interview. If the visa application is approved, students might need to pay a visa issuance fee if applicable on their respective nationality.

Documents Required for F1 Visa

International students need to gather the following documents before applying for a F1 visa:

How to apply for an F-1 visa?

Before you begin your F-1 visa application, you must take the following steps: Get accepted by a SEVP-certified institution before submitting your visa application. When you are accepted, you will receive your I-20 form, which you will need to apply for your F-1 visa. Pay your SEVIS fee.

What is the process of getting an F-1 visa?

The F-1 student visa process starts when you get accepted to a SEVP-certified US university. SEVP certification is the US government’s way of proving that your university is accredited and has the proper resources to provide you with an education.

What are the requirements for an F-1 student visa?

You must meet these requirements for your application to be accepted: Institution certification —The college or the university where you plan to study needs to be approved by SEVP Immigration & Customs Enforcement.

How old do you have to be to get a visa interview?

Attending your visa interview in person is required, though there are a few rare exceptions (e.g., if you are younger than 14 or older than 80 years of age, or if you meet certain visa renewal requirements). Cost: Your DS-160 payment covers the cost. Where to apply: Scheduling portal for your visa interview.

When will Shorelight update the F-1 visa?

advice for students. By Shorelight Team. Last updated on April 15, 2021. Get ready to study abroad in America with our step-by-step guide to F-1 visa rules. Students wishing to study in the United States need to learn about the F-1 student visa application process.

What is an F-1 student visa?

The F-1 student visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows international students to enter the US and study at institutions certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). It is the most popular type of student visa for students seeking to study at a US university or college, and you can only apply for your F-1 visa after an accredited US institution accepts your application.

How long can I stay in the US with an F-1?

As a F-1 student, the duration of your stay will vary based on the program in which you enroll. The I-20 form provided by the university you wish to attend will list the expiration date of your program. You will need to earn your degree before the listed expiration date, and this will give you an outline of how long you will be able to remain in the US.

What determines what type of visa is required?

The purpose of your intended travel and other facts will determine what type of visa is required under U.S. immigration law. As a visa applicant, you will need to establish that you meet all requirements to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.

How long is a visa application valid for?

There is no fee to change an appointment and visa application fees are valid for one year in the country where the fee was paid. The purpose of your intended travel and other facts will determine what type of visa is required under U.S. immigration law.

How to request an expedited appointment?

How to Request an Expedited Appointment: Applicants can request an expedited appointment through our online appointment system at https://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/expedited-appointment.html. You must already have a confirmed interview appointment date in order to request an expedited appointment. If your expedited appointment request is approved, you will be notified with instructions via email. You should not cancel your existing appointment unless you receive a confirmation that your request for an expedited appointment has been approved. If you have not yet received an approval or denial, your request is still under consideration.

When did Biden suspend travel to India?

On April 30, President Biden signed Presidential Proclamation 10199 suspending most nonimmigrant travel from India. In light of the travel suspension and due to the current pandemic situation in India, most other routine nonimmigrant visa and VAC appointments at U.S. Embassy New Delhi and the consulates in Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, ...

Is there a drop box for visa renewal in India?

Drop Box Appointments: Consular sections across India are now accepting a limited number of drop box applications for renewals of H, L, C1/D, O, I, F, M, and J visas at our Visa Application Centers. Please visit our website to determine whether you are eligible for drop box processing and schedule an appointment for document drop-off. A list of drop-off locations is available on our website.

What is an F1 visa?

The F1 visa is a student visa that is given to international students who want to attend educational institutions in the United States. It covers levels from elementary school to university and graduate school, including other degrees. If one of these institutions accepts you, then you apply for the F1 visa.

How much does it cost to get a student visa?

The application fee for the student visa is $160. You must pay this fee and get the receipt, which you will need later for your interview documents. You might have to pay additional fees based on your country of origin and the US Embassy you are applying from.

Can I Stay Longer Than My Visa Allows?

After your visa expires, you have a 60 day grace period to prepare for your departure to your home country. If your visa doesn’t cover the whole time that you will be in school in the US, you will have to apply for renewal or extensions. The extensions are approved only if you can prove you will be completing your degree in the US and you intend to return as soon as it is over.

Can F1 Students Apply for Permanent Residence?

Even though you have proved that you have strong ties to your home country, if you want to apply for a Green Card, you are allowed to do so on an F1 visa. It is a complicated procedure, though. You must either self-petition as a person with extraordinary abilities, get married in the US or prove that you will invest $500,000 in the US economy.

How much does it cost to get a SEVIS I-901?

To have full registration, there is a SEVIS I-901 fee. For the F1 visa, this fee is $200.

What to do after filing DS-160?

After filing the DS-160 form and paying the fees, you will need to schedule your interview. The F1 Visa interview is a mandatory step before you get your student visa. Try to schedule it as early as possible, since there might be delays due to the heavy workload of the US Embassy. When you schedule it, you will receive an interview appointment letter which you will need later on in the application process.

What is the form I-20?

Your Form I-20 states the amount of funds you need to finance your education and living in the US. You must submit documents which prove you have that amount readily available. This can be done by submitting various documents, such as: Bank statements for the last 3 years. Tax records for the last 3 years.

Where to schedule a visa interview?

You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but be aware that it may be more difficult to qualify for a visa outside of the country where you live.

Where to apply for a student visa?

After you receive the Form I-20 and register in SEVIS, you may apply at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a student (F or M) visa. You must present the Form I-20 to the consular officer when you attend your visa interview.

What happens after a visa interview?

After your visa interview, the consular officer may determine that your application requires further administrative processing. The consular officer will inform you if this is required.

How long does a passport need to be valid for a visa interview?

Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview: Passport valid for travel to the United States – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements ).

What is a B visa?

After you are admitted to the United States by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials in visitor (B) visa status, you must separately apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for a change of status to student (For M) status prior to the start of your program.

How far in advance can you get a student visa?

New Students – Student (F and M) visas for new students can be issued up to 120 days in advance of the start date for a course of study. However, you will not be allowed to enter the United States on your student visa more than 30 days before the start date.

What documents do consular officers need to interview you for a student visa?

A consular officer will interview you to determine your qualifications for a student visa, and may request additional documents, such as evidence of: Your academic preparation, such as: Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended; and. Standardized test scores required by your U.S. school;