Applying for the F-1 Student Visa. Study in USA, Study in US for Indian students
- Shivi
- May 6, 2023
- 2 min read
Updated: May 12, 2023
When to Apply
It is crucial to apply for your F-1 student visa well ahead of your intended arrival since the processing time can sometimes take several weeks, and occasionally even longer. Even though the U.S. Department of State permits issuing F-1 visas up to 365 days before the program start date, the Office of International Students for any university can only begin the process after you accept your offer of admission and your student record is received from your school/university.
For detailed instructions, please refer to the consulate's website where you plan to apply for the visa (link below):
Pre-Application Checklist
Before you begin the visa application process, you must have the following documents:
I-20 Form
After you receive an admission offer from your university, they will send you an I-20 form through mail (via post)/email. This form is necessary when applying for an F-1 student visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate and for entering the United States. The I-20 is created through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), indicating that your record is in the system. Your SEVIS ID number is printed in the upper corner above the bar code, usually beginning with an N. It is essential to carefully examine your I-20 for accuracy and sign it on the first page's bottom. If you have any questions or concerns, you should reach out to your university international office/admission team for clarification on any query.
SEVIS Fee Receipt
Prior to applying for their visa, all new students entering the United States on an F-1 status must pay a one-time SEVIS fee, and the SEVIS fee receipt must be included with their application. Instructions for paying the fee can be found on this page. It is recommended that students renewing their F-1 visa possess evidence of SEVIS fee payment, even if it is not required to be paid again. The receipt can be viewed and printed by clicking on "Check I-901 Status" at the top of this page.
Additional I-20 Forms
In case you have family members accompanying you in F-2 status, your university will send them an I-20 form through mail, and each dependent must have their individual form. Even though each F-2 dependent's I-20 has their unique SEVIS number, a separate SEVIS fee is not required to be paid for them.
The Application Process
1. Complete the DS-160
The first step in applying for a U.S. visa is the online application DS-160.
Access the DS-160 application at the Consular Electronic Application Center website.
Tips for Completing Your DS-160 Form
Here are some suggested responses that you can use when filling out this form. Please note that you are responsible for ensuring the accuracy of the information you provide in the form.
U.S. Address or Contact Point - Use the contact information and address of your department's contact person, or Use the contact information and address of your college's. Contact your international office/school advisor. Also, listed on your I-20.
Address Where You Will Reside in the U.S. - If you already have a place to stay, use that address. If you have not yet secured housing at the time of your visa appointment, you can choose one of the following options: Use the University's address as listed on your I-20/DS-2019 as your place of residence. Or, Use your college's address.
Person/Entity Funding Your Trip List the primary source of funding as it appears on your I-20/DS-2019.
Additional resources:
Watch an overview of the online application process.
2. Schedule a Visa Interview Appointment
To proceed with your U.S. visa application, you need to schedule an appointment with the U.S. embassy or consulate nearest to you. Whenever feasible, it is advisable to apply for a visa in your home country rather than a different country.
At this appointment you will need to present the following documents:
Your I-20 form (Tip: sign your name and signature on the bottom of the I-20).
The SEVIS fee receipt (I-901) (Tip: download and print the receipt)
Your DS-160 confirmation page
DS-160 payment receipt (Tip: collected from bank, in India: visa fees are generally paid at Axis bank)
A copy of your/sponsor financial support documents, i.e. evidence that you have sufficient funds to meet the expenses of studying at your university, e.g. bank statement or your scholarship or financial aid award letter. (Remember - if your parent is funding then you need an affidavit in support that they are willingly funding your education, also, their bank statement).
A valid passport (Tip: your passport should have at least 7 empty pages, and should not expire in the next 3 years: Shivi suggested)
Passport-size photographs (that you uploaded in the DS-160 application) - In India, photo (is clicked) and fingerprint is completed one day prior to the interview.
Completed required visa application forms (available on the U.S. consular websites.)
Check the website of the U.S. consulate/embassy where you are applying to see if there are other requirements.
An application fee and an interview will also be required. There have been (and continue to be) changes in the visa application process and these changes are usually reflected on the consular websites.
Important update: US embassy is waiving visa interview requirements for those who had a valid US visa in the past. Please take advantage of the interview waiver scheme.
You can get in touch with Shivi you have further questions. Submit a Contact Form, and we will get in touch with you.
Find the nearest U.S. Consulate or Embassy.
Find the visa appointment wait times at your local consulate.
3. Attend your Interview
Attend your scheduled visa interview at your U.S. embassy or consulate. Here are 10 points to remember when applying for a non-immigrant visa.
4. Receive and Review your Entry Visa
After receiving your visa, carefully review the information printed on it to ensure its accuracy. If any of the details are incorrect, you can only make changes at the embassy or consulate where the visa was issued.
Your I-20 should be returned to you. You will need it to enter the US.
TIP and point's to remember
When applying for your student visa, pay careful attention to the following.
Entering the U.S. early
You may enter the U.S. no more than 30 days prior to the starting date noted on the I-20 form. If you try to enter the U.S. more than 30 days before this starting date, you may not be permitted to enter the U.S.
Enter the U.S. by the I-20 Start Date
It is important to carefully review the start date listed on your I-20 form, as it is the date by which you must enter the U.S. In case you are unable to enter by this date, please contact OISS to understand the procedure for changing your start date.
Expiring Visas
Your visa may have an expiration date that is different from the end date of your degree program. In case your visa expires before you finish your degree program, you will need to apply for a new visa on your initial trip outside the U.S. following the expiration of your current visa.
Ending Tip
It's important to have a clear understanding of your studies at your US university to avoid any confusion during the visa application process. Including type of visa: Long-term (including Bachelor's, Master's, and PhD's) falls under F1-vsa, Short-term: J1 visa (summer school, exchange programs, vocational training's, etc.)
If the U.S. consulate has any questions about your studies at your university, it's best to contact your university Office of International Services or admission team for clarification and guidance.
If your visa application is delayed or denied, it's important to notify your university adviser immediately to discuss your options and next steps.
Prior to travel, be sure to review all the necessary documents and information related to your visa, I-20 form, and travel plans to ensure a smooth arrival in the U.S.
Make sure to keep all important documents, such as your passport and visa, in a safe and secure place while traveling.
Good luck! and, safe travels in your study abroad journey!
Remember: you can contact Shivi study abroad advisors anytime for help in your study abroad journey.
Study in USA, Study in US for Indian students
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