Currently, the United States continues to be a preferred country of destination among the students from India who wish to get quality education and diverse opportunities. In order to start your educational process in the US, getting the student visa is among the most important steps. Information concerning this type of visa and how to apply should assist one to achieve a positive outcome. This article will explain how to apply for the USA student visa for Indian students and give a step by step guide in getting a student visa USA from India.
1. Determine the Type of Student Visa You Need
For Indian students, there are three types of US student visas:
- F-1 Visa: For the students who are wanting to study a full-time academic program at any of the following institutions in the USA including universities/colleges, high school or language school.
- M-1 Visa: As for learners, who chose non-academic and vocational training in the United States.
- J-1 Visa: For students who are studying under an exchange programme involving studies, research or work training.
The visa mainly for Indian students is the F-1 Visa. It is important to note that the type of visa depends on the course and program that you intend to engage in.
2. Get Accepted by a SEVP-Certified Institution
To qualify for a US student visa it is mandatory to have been accepted by a SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) certified school in the United States. Following the acceptance the institution will issue the student with a Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status) for an F-1 or M-1 visa. If you are applying for a J-1 visa then you will be given a DS-2019 form by the sponsor organization.
3. Pay the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) Fee
The next step is to pay the SEVIS fee which is required for students to be allowed entry into the United States. This non-refundable fee is to cover the cost of processing your visa and to keep your records in SEVIS. For the students of India the charges for SEVIS is $ 350 for F-1 or M-1 visa and $ 220 for J-1 visa. The payment receipt is however very important during your visa interview therefore you should ensure that you keep it well.
4. Complete the DS-160 Visa Application Form
The DS-160 form is an online form that serves as the application for a nonimmigrant visa of choice such as the student visa to the United States of America. This form involves giving of the identification information and academic information as well as the correct reason which one wants to visit the university for. Here, complete the form, and at the end of filling the form, make sure that you print the confirmation details, keep the barcode generated for the form and the confirmation page for the visa interview.
5. Pay the Visa Application Fee
The next procedure is to pay the visa application fee. For Indian students an F-1 or M-1 student visa fee is $185 which is non-refundable. This payment can be done through NEFT online, mobile payment or directly at the banks which have been mentioned above. It is therefore important to retain the receipt as it will help in scheduling for the visa interview.
6. Schedule a Visa Interview at the US Embassy or Consulate
You have to take an interview which is conducted at the US Embassy or Consulate in India. Be ready to schedule your appointment a long time in advance because the time that takes to get the interview can be long. To schedule an appointment, applicants have to submit the marriage interview confirmation number and the application fee receipt with the number of DS- 160.
7. Prepare the Required Documents for the Visa Interview
Assemble all documents that you may need to submit as you apply for the visa. The key documents typically required for a US student visa interview include:
- Passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay in the United States The original and one photocopy of the passport.
- Form I-20 or from DS-2019 from the US institution to which you will be attached
- SEVIS fee payment receipt
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Receipt for payment of international visa application fee
- Photographs having the US visa size i.e passport size photographs
- School documents (Original transcript396, diploma, TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, GRE).
- Affidavits, scholarship letters, bank statements: These documents are the evidence of the financial support provided to the applicant by his/her relatives.
- Any other documents that may be required by the US Embassy or Consulate as the case may be.
8. Attend the Visa Interview
Overseas students are one of the most important categories in the US visa system and the visa interview is one of the most important of the student visa type. Take all the requirements in the actual day and time when enumerated in the application form and report to the US Embassy or Consulate for interview. The consular officer will then proceed to enquire about your study plans, financial background and whether you intend to return to India after your course of study. In responding to and answering questions, be truthful, concise and assertive.
9. Wait for Visa Approval
In this case, after the interview, the consular officer will be the one to inform the applicant of the result of his or her application. Your passport with the student visa if approved will be posted to you by the courier service within several days. If more documents or administration is needed the officer will inform the applicant of what needs to be done.
10. Prepare for Your Journey to the US
When you are granted a permit to travel here it is time to begin preparing for your move to the United States of America. When traveling, it’s important to protect and keep your passport, visa Form I-20 or DS-2019 and other documents with you.
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Final Thoughts
Several students apply for a student visa USA from India, and though the whole process sounds challenging, getting some information on the USA student visa requirements for Indian students will help them. Plan early enough for the application process, adhere strictly to the guidelines and be ready for the interview. With the right approach, then, you’re set to begin your educational experience in the US!
If you have any questions or require professional guidance, do not hesitate to contact a Visa consultant, which will help you in all the process.