how to apply for us f1 visa from india

How can I apply for F1 visa from India?

Schedule and Prepare for your InterviewA valid passport.The Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160.The application fee payment receipt.A passport photo.A Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F1) Student Status (Form 1-20)

How much does F1 visa cost 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.

Can F1 visa travel to us now from India?

Yes. You may travel to the United States without any further visa processing. Please note that you will be required to provide proof of full vaccination.

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' ...

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.

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 can sponsor F1 visa?

Financial Sponsor - The individual, government, company or agency who is willing and able to financially support the international student. Financial support includes tuition, books, supplies, fees and living expenses for the duration of studies at the institution. More than one (1) sponsor per student is allowed.

How much does F1 visa cost?

around $510 per applicationAn F1 visa allows international students to study full time at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) approved university in the United States. F1 visa costs are around $510 per application, and you should apply at least three months before your course start date.

Which consulate is better for F1 visa in India?

According to 2015 data, visas were given to around 60,000 Indian students by the US mission in the country that year with a large number being issued by the US consulate general in Hyderabad. While absolute figures were not released, Bond said that the US consulate general in Hyderabad “is a winner“.

How much bank balance is required for U.S. student visa?

Cost. 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.

How much bank balance is required for U.S. visa?

The amount of bank balance you should have for applying to the US tourist visa depends on the duration. If it is a 15-day trip, you must have $ 5,000-10,000 in your bank. Is travel insurance compulsory for the US travel visa? No, travel insurance is not compulsory for the US travel visa.

How much does an f1 student visa cost?

approximately $510The 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.

How much is visa fee for f1 visa?

14/08/2022Visa TypeDescriptionFee Amount (in USD)FStudent (academic)$160HTemporary/Seasonal Workers and Employment, Trainees$190IJournalist and Media$160JExchange Visitor$16012 more rows

How much does a US visa cost from India?

The visa application fee for an Indian applicant is approximately Rs. 10,880. The applicant can pay the visa application fee through bank electronic payment via NEFT, IMPS, or over the counter payment with cash at Axis or Citibank branches. Note: The visa application fee changes according to the foreign exchange rate.

Which Consulate is better for f1 visa in India?

According to 2015 data, visas were given to around 60,000 Indian students by the US mission in the country that year with a large number being issued by the US consulate general in Hyderabad. While absolute figures were not released, Bond said that the US consulate general in Hyderabad “is a winner“.

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 many visas were granted in India in 2019?

While the US Department of State does not release the number of applications requested and the number denied, they do say that more than 816,000 total visas were granted from US embassies and consulates in India in 2019, a 6% drop from 2018.

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.

What does an F1 interview mean?

Your F1 visa interview will determine whether you are qualified to receive an F1 student visa for the USA. Assuming that you have prepared the appropriate documents and meet all of the F1 visa requirements, your visa will be approved at the discretion of the consular officer.

How to prepare for an F1 interview?

Before you schedule your interview, make sure you’re fully prepared. Read practice questions, know what to expect, and consider contacting an immigration attorney for extra help on the F1 visa approval process.

What documents are needed for an F1 visa interview?

The following documents are required for your F1 visa interview: Additional documents may be requested to prove your eligibility for the F1 student visa, including academic transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates.

Do I need to pay SEVIS I-901?

Once you’re accepted, you will be required to pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee in order to be enrolled in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Then, your school will provide you with a Form I-20. This form will be presented to the consular officer when you attend your F1 visa interview. If your spouse and/or children plan to reside in the USA with you while you study, they will be required to have individual Form I-20s, but they will not need to be enrolled in the SEVIS.

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.

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:

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 I Work as an International Student in the United States?

You may work as an F1 student but only for short periods of time since your visa is a student and not a work visa. You are allowed to work part-time on campus while school is in session and full time during breaks. If you want to work outside of campus, you have two options.

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.

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 is the purpose of a consular interview?

A consular officer will interview you to determine whether you are qualified to receive a student visa. You must establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive a visa.