20 Nov Step by Step Process of USA STUDENT VISA FROM INDIA
USA student visa from india
Many international students apply to American schools each year to study in the United States, making the USA a preferred destination to study abroad. It is no surprise that every year, the United States issues about 300,000 new F-1 visas!
To go to school in the US, you first need to get a student visa. The application process for the USA student visa from India may differ depending on the types of students visas the applicant is eligible for, such as F1 visas, M1 visas, and J1 visas.
There are typically several steps involved in applying for a US student visa. These steps vary for each embassy or consulate in the US, so it is important to refer to the instructions on the website of the US embassy or consulate to which you are about to apply.
Generally, prospective students need to follow 7 steps when they apply for a student visa USA. Let’s talk about these steps in detail.
1. Apply to a SEVP Approved Institution
As an international student, be sure to choose an institution and program that is accredited by the U.S. government’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Only SEVP-approved institutions allow students to access the information system and provide them with the necessary documents to apply for a US student visa. Unlike other countries, the US does not have a central college application system, so you will need to apply separately for each college you are interested in. You must meet the admission requirements of the respective university and also provide evidence of sufficient financial resources.
2. SEVIS Fees
You must pay the SEVIS fee at least three days before applying for a US visa. To pay the fee, you will need to submit an online or paper form. Both can be accessed through the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) SEVP website. Be sure to enter the required information exactly as it appears on your I20 or DS2019 form.
After your payment has been processed, you can request and print a payment confirmation from the website at any time. You will need this confirmation as proof of payment of your interview fee for the US student visa. You may also need to present the proof to the customs officer at your chosen US port of entry when you change your non-immigrant status or apply for other U.S. immigration benefits.
3. Completion of US Student Visa Application
Once you have received your SEVIS form and paid the SEVIS fee, you can schedule an appointment with a US consulate or embassy in your country to apply for a US student visa. It is best to apply as soon as possible regardless of when your program is supposed to start as visa processing times can vary. Your visa can be issued up to 120 days before you enter the United States.
In all cases, you must complete the Online visa Application Form DS160. You need to choose the location to apply from and make sure you have all the documents and information to complete the application. After selecting and answering a security question, you will be directed to the form pages. You will need this identification to obtain your form if you abandon the application and want to return to it later.
What personal data do you have to provide?
- Name and date of birth
- Address and phone number
- Passport details
- Travel plan details and travel companion
- Previous travel details to the US
- Your contact in the US requirements.
Once you have completed the visa application form, you will need to electronically sign your DS160 by clicking the “Sign Application” button at the end. Once your application has been uploaded, you will receive a confirmation page with a barcode, barcode number, and your application identification number, which you must print and bring to your visa interview appointment.
4. Payment of Visa Application Fee
Be sure to read the instructions on how to pay fees on your embassy or consulate’s website, as the methods may vary. However, there are generally three ways to pay the non-refundable and non-transferable visa application fee:
- In-person at an approved bank
- By phone (you will receive a fee confirmation number)
- Online (you must print your receipt)
You will be asked for the MRV fee receipt during your visa interview. Some J-1 visa applicants do not need to pay application processing fees when starting a United States Agency for International Development (USAID) program or a federally funded educational and cultural exchange program with a program serial number starting with G1, G2, G3, or G7.
5. US Student Visa Interview
The last step in obtaining a US student visa is to arrange and attend a visa interview. You can do this online or by phone by calling the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. In either case, you need to complete the MRV fee payment first, as you may need to provide your MRV fee number.
The visa application process cannot be completed until you appear for an interview with a consular officer. Don’t worry if you have to schedule your interview appointment at a different US embassy or consulate than the one you applied for your visa with.
Documents you will need for the USA student visa from India requirements for interview:
- A passport that is valid for at least six months after it expires. If there is more than one person on your passport, each person who needs a visa must apply separated. You may also need to bring all of your current and old passports.
- Signed SEVIS Form I20 or DS2019 (including individual forms for spouses/children)
- Form DS7002 (only for J1 trainees and internal visa applicants)
- SEVIS fee receipt
- DS160 Application confirmation page with barcode and identification number Application Form
- MRV- Fee Payment Confirmation
- Printed Copy of visa Interview Appointment Letter
- 12 passport size photographs
6. Attend Your Visa Interview
It is important that you arrive on time for your visa interview; late applicants may be asked to move to another day. In most cases, only applicants with an agreed-upon appointment will be admitted to the US embassy or consulate. The purpose of the visa interview is for the consular officer to determine if you are eligible for a student visa from the US, and if so, which visa category is right for you. Be prepared to answer questions about your home country, your English proficiency, your educational background, the program in the US you were admitted to, and proof of your financial resources. You may also be asked to explain your further plans of study.
7. Final Step
Upon successful completion of the above steps, you will receive approval for your US student visa application. Check with the embassy or consulate, as you may be asked to collect your visa in person. In addition, visa processing times depend on the embassy or consulate. However, you can visit any US visa website to see how long the process will take.
Get Professional Assistance
With so many global educational opportunities, it can be difficult to choose a country and a degree. It takes time and guidance, and at Immivoyage Consultants, our professional immigration consultants in Mohali are always ready to help you achieve your goal. Get in touch with us today!
