Dreaming of studying in the USA? The USA has top-ranked universities, different academic programs, and parallel opportunities for Indian students. But before stepping into a new chapter, going through the US visa process is important. Understanding the eligibility, requirements, and budget for application to knowing fees, etc., can make your journey smooth. This blog will break down each step while ensuring you are well-prepared.
To study in the US, Indian students have three visa options based on their program type:
For a successful US student visa application, you must meet the following requirements:
Two types of fees apply for student visas to the USA. Here is a breakdown of what visa fees include:
| Types of student visas | F1 | J1 | M1 |
| SEVIS fee amount | $350 (INR 29,507) | $220 (INR 18,547) | $350 (INR 29,507) |
| Accepted modes of payment | Credit card/ money order/ demand draft | ||
| Payable in | Payable in Dollars at the applicable exchange rate that is applied by different bank | ||
| Visa application fees | $185 (INR 15,596) | $185 (INR 15,596) | $185 (INR 15,596) |
| Accepted modes of payment | NEFT/ Online transfer/ IMPS/ by cash at the counters of Axis Bank or Citibank | ||
| Payable in | Payable in INR at the exchange rate fixed by the consular office | ||
Indian students wanting to study in the US need a visa from the US Embassy. Currently, there are five US embassies in India: Mumbai, New Dehli, Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Chennai. Master’s students typically require an F1 visa to pursue a full-time master’s course in the US.
1. Secure admission to a SEVP-approved institution in the USA.
2. Receive the form I-20 or DS-2019 from the school to register for the SEVIS registration.
3. Pay the SEVIS fee.
4. Complete the DS-160 form and submit the online visa application. Make sure to save or print the confirmation page.
5. Pay the visa application fee.
6. Schedule a visa biometric appointment at your suitable visa application center (VAC) and an interview at the US embassy or consulate.
7. The biometric appointment requires you to appear in person to have your photograph taken and fingerprints scanned for a visa.
8. Take all the required and original documents with you during the personal visa interview. The interviewer might question your choice of course, college, finances, and intent to return. Answer smartly! If he/she is convinced, you will keep your passport with them to get it stamped.
9. Now you just have to wait for the visa decision (which you will know generally after the interview).
Spouses and children under 21 of F1 visa holders can apply for an F2 visa. However, F2 spouses cannot work but may take part-time jobs or recreational courses. Children under 21 can study.
Here are some tips for Indian students to prepare for US student visas interview:
Here are some of the common reasons for US student visa rejections and some simple ways to avoid them-
| Problem | Solution |
| Insufficient financial proof | Showing strong financial backing with detailed documents. |
| Inadequate English proficiency | Aim to achieve high IELTS and TOEFL scores. |
| Weak academic record | Choose a course that aligns with your academic record. |
| Unclear study intentions | Be clear and genuine about your study goals |
| Failed to show ties to home country | Prove them you intend to return after your studies by explaining your family ties or job prospects. |
After arriving in the US with a student visa, here are some of the steps that you must follow:
International or Indian students with US student visas must ensure that they follow these important rules and regulations:
The validity of the US student visas is usually aligned with the academic program’s duration, but the specific or exact duration of the visa varies based on the visa type and country of origin.
If your program extends beyond your visa’s validity, you may need to apply for an extension or renewal of the visa. You can apply by consulting with your school’s designated school official (DSO) and submitting a new visa application or by updating your SEVIS record for an extension.
The fastest student visa is the F1 visa. It is also one of the fastest visas to process, as it is often processed directly before your embassy interview.
There is no age limit for applying for a US study visa. Indian students who have accepted admission to a US school are eligible for a visa.
According to multiple resources, the rejection rate for US student visas is 36% in 2024, an increase from previous years.
The US government has not declared a set amount for international students, but it is recommended that you have a minimum of USD 18,000 in your account.
You can show your father’s bank statement for student visas. However, you must officially show that your father is the sponsor in the documents submitted to the authorities.
You can show an FD (fixed deposit) as proof of funds to apply student visa. The approval will depend on the locking period and the amount you have locked in the FD.
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