Student Visa for the USA- Types/Categories:
Want to know how to get a student visa for the USA? You should first learn about the various types of visas that are available.
a. F1-
F1 is for students applying for educational programs that need 18+ hours of study every week. This covers undergraduate and graduate courses like MBA, MS and others. F1 visa holders are eligible to apply for permission to work off campus for up to 12 months, which is known as Optional Practical Training (OPT). This allows the students to work, in a profession that is related to their field of study. Children and spouses are allowed with these applicants on F2 visas. Spouses cannot work in the US unless they separately apply for study/work in the country on their independent visas. The application fee for F1 visa is $160.
b. J1-
The Exchange Visitor Visa is meant for visiting lecturers, students, and scholars as part of exchange programs. Several students from international universities or Fulbright scholars often visit the US for various programs for example. This is also suitable for working professionals who are visiting the country. Accompanying spouses and children can go on the J2 visa only. Spouses may work if permission is garnered beforehand. The application fee for J1 visa is $160.
c. M1-
This student visa for the USA is for technical and vocational institutions.
application procedure is the same, although the key difference is that these visas come with time stamps. M1 visa holders are not allowed to work throughout the duration. The applicants will have to provide evidence of sufficient funds for living and tuition costs for the entire period. The application fee for M1 visa is $160.
American student visa application requires understanding the different kinds of student visas to the USA, i.e., the F1 Visa, J1 Visa, and M1 Visa. All USA study visa requirements must be met by the students, a thorough F1 visa documents checklist must be made, and the SEVIS fee for F1 visa must be paid prior to the OFC appointment for US visa. Preparation with usual F1 visa interview questions while appearing for the interview is necessary. In case of rejection, it is essential to understand what to do after F1 visa rejection and how to enhance your profile for reapplication.
Aside from study visas, students must also be informed of the opportunities such as USA post-study work visa to enable graduates to have work experience and differentiate between L1 and H1 visa for potential career development. With proper preparation, obtaining a USA student visa translates to access to top schools, internships, and continued professional development.
Student visa for the USA from India- Fee and charges:
The student visa fees for the USA includes the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) charge which is $350 and the visa application fee which is $160. The MRV charges are the same for all three types of student visas while the SEVIS charge is only different for the J1 Visa at $220.
How to Get Student Visa for the USA- Application Process:
These are the steps to be followed:
- The entire procedure begins with receiving the receipt of Form I-20 from your institution. The SEVIS fee may be paid anytime throughout the application process, it is advisable to pay this prior to starting your application itself.
- Post getting the receipt for SEVIS fee payment, you may apply for the DS-160 visa form which is readily available online.
- Print out the confirmation page and carry it to your interview
- Pay visa charges via authorized Citibank or Axis Bank branches or NEFT.
- Book your Biometric and interview appointments. You will have to visit personally to get the photograph taken for the visa and scan your fingerprints for the former.
- The interviewer will pose queries about your educational choices, funds, institution, intention to return to your home country and other aspects of the personal interview. If convinced, your passport will be kept for stamping the visa.
F1 visas may be granted around 120 days before the your course begins. However, you cannot enter the US with this visa before 30 days of the first day of the course.
Important Resources
Why Do Student Visas Get Rejected | How to Check Visa Status
What are the visa requirements for MS programs in the USA?
To pursue a Master’s (MS) degree in the United States, international students typically require an F-1 student visa. Below is an overview of the essential steps and documentation needed:
1. Acceptance by a SEVP-Certified School
- Apply to and receive an offer from a U.S. institution approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
2. Obtain Form I-20
- After acceptance, the institution issues Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” which is essential for the visa application.
3. Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee
- Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee online before scheduling a visa interview and retain the payment confirmation.
4. Complete the DS-160 Form
- Fill out the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160) form and print the confirmation page.
5. Schedule and Attend a Visa Interview
- Book an appointment at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Bring all required documents, including passport, Form I-20, DS-160 confirmation, visa fee receipt, SEVIS fee payment receipt, passport photos, academic transcripts, test scores, and proof of financial support.
6. Visa Interview
- Provide honest and clear answers regarding your academic plans and ties to your home country.
7. Visa Issuance
- If approved, the visa will be stamped in your passport. Ensure all details are correct and retain the Form I-20 for entry into the U.S.
Important Updates:
- Social media screening is required; applicants must provide social media handles and set profiles to public during the visa process.
- Proposed rules may limit F-1 visa holders to a fixed stay of up to four years, with extensions requiring approval through U.S. immigration authorities.
This process ensures compliance with U.S. student visa regulations and prepares students for a smooth entry and study experience in the USA.
Read More: Why choose to study in the USA?
Students should offer supporting financial papers to demonstrate ample funds for covering the total expenditure for the first year at least. Proof of available funds for the remaining duration should also be shown. These documents include tax returns or Form 16 for the last three years, last three years’ passbook or bank statements, certified CA’s statement, loan approval letter from the concerned authority or banking institution and scholarship letter if applicable.
Those on F1 visas may have eligibility for up to a year of optional practical training or OPT after graduating. This means that they may work for 12 months after finishing their courses. This is a temporary employment opportunity, giving ample scope to aspirants to get more experience in their chosen professional fields. They will then have to apply for work visas.
Read More About: Study in the USA from India
USA Study Visas- Where You Should Apply:
You can fill up the forms at https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/index.html or https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/.
Here is the list of centers for the Biometric interview:
- S-1 American Plaza at Hotel Eros by Hilton, International Trade Tower, Nehru Place, New Delhi-110019
- Number 3, Cenotaph Road, Teynampet, Chennai-600018
- Trade Centre, G Block, Ground Floor, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai-400051.
- 31, Shakespeare Sarani, Jasmine Tower, First Floor, Kolkata-700017.
- 1-8-384/385, S.P. Road, Gowra Grand, Begumpet, Secunderabad, Hyderabad-500003
- U.S. Embassy- Shantipath, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi-110021
- U.S. Consulate General- 220 Anna Salai, Gemini Circle, Chennai-600006
- U.S. Consulate General- C-49, Bandra-Kurla Complex, G-Block, Bandra East, Mumbai-400051
- U.S. Consulate General- Paigah Palace, 1-8-323, Begumpet, Chiran Fort Lane, Secunderabad, Hyderabad-5000035. U.S. Consulate General- 5/1, Ho Chi Minh Sarani, Kolkata- 700071
Also Read:
