US Student Visa: Students going to study in America should know how to apply for a student visa. The process of applying for a student visa is quite long and tiring. Once the visa is obtained, it becomes easier for Indians to study in America.
US Student Visa Application Process: Studying in America is the dream of many Indians. Every year thousands of Indians apply for admission in American universities. World class education and plenty of job opportunities attract Indians to study in America. However, the process of obtaining a US visa can be very long and tiring. Guidance is needed to complete the visa application process.
If one has to apply for a visa without any hassle, then one should be well aware of all the steps. So let us know step-by-step how to apply for a US student visa.
(1.) What kind of visa is needed?
There are three types of student visas in the US. The first is the F-1 Visa, which is available for studying in American universities. The second is the J-1 Visa, which is for exchange programs. The third is the M-1 Visa, which is for vocational and non-academic training programs. Usually Indians going to study in the US apply for the F-1 Visa. Before applying, you should also know what kind of visa is needed.
(2.) Obtain an acceptance letter from an SEVP-accredited institution
Before applying for a visa, you must have an admission acceptance letter from an American institution that is accredited by the ‘Student and Exchange Visitors Program’ (SEVP). After issuing the admission acceptance letter, the university issues the I-20 form, which is necessary to apply for a visa. You can get this form from the university.
(3.) Paying the SEVIS fee
Paying the Student and Exchange Visitors Information System (SEVIS) fee is important as it shows that you have taken admission in the course. The SEVIS fee for F-1 students is $350. Keep the payment receipt safe as it is required during visa application and interview.
(4.) Complete the DS-160 form
The next step is to fill out the DS-160 form. This is an online non-immigrant visa application form. It requires your personal, educational and travel information. After submitting the form, print the DS-160 confirmation page with barcode, which is required for the interview.
(5.) Schedule a visa appointment
You will need to schedule two separate appointments. The first is a biometric appointment at a Visa Application Center (VAC) and the second is a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. Your fingerprints and photo will be taken at the biometric appointment. At the visa interview, a consular officer will determine your eligibility for a visa.
(6.) Pay the visa application fee
The application fee for an F-1 visa is $185. This payment can be made online or at a designated bank location. Keep the payment receipt as it will be needed for your appointment.
(7.) Go for Biometric Appointment
On the day of the biometric appointment, go to the designated VAC with your passport, DS-160 confirmation page and appointment confirmation letter. All your necessary details will be taken here.
(8.) Prepare for the visa interview
The visa interview is the most important stage of getting a student visa. Be prepared with answers to all the questions asked by the visa officer, such as what are your future plans, whether you will return to your country after studies. On the day of the visa interview, you will have to bring your passport, I-20 form, DS-160 confirmation page, SEVIS payment receipt, visa appointment confirmation, academic transcript and test scores, and financial proof (bank statement, sponsorship letter, etc.).
(9.) Have a visa interview
Dress professionally for your visa interview and arrive on time. Be confident, honest, and concise in your answers. The consular officer may inform you of the decision immediately.
(10.) Get a visa
If your visa interview goes well and you answer all questions correctly, you will receive a visa. The embassy will send your passport with a visa stamp to your chosen pickup location. Processing times may vary, so plan accordingly.
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