How To Apply For US Student Visa From India?
Apply For US Student Visa
Indian students who wish to study in the US must apply for a US Student visa through certain procedures. This US student visa can be an immigrant for permanent residence or a nonimmigrant for a temporary stay. To apply for a US student visa from India, you must first apply to an SEVP(Student and Exchange Visitor Program) approved institute, then receive the I-20 form, and complete the DS-160 visa application. Pay the SEVIS fee and schedule a visa interview at a US embassy.
Over 10,00,000 Indian students wish to study in the US, and only 200,000 applicants’ visas get approved from SEVP-approved Colleges. The USA has world-class universities, research opportunities, and global career prospects.
Seamless US Student Visa Process India With Eduprofound
The USA has world-class colleges and universities. To apply for a US student visa, you should choose an institution and program authorised by the US government’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
1. Apply to an SEVP-approved institution
SEVP-approved institutions enrol students in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Our expert consultants at EduProfound apply for US student visas on behalf of Indian students under the US Student Visa Process India category. We apply for your student visa to each institution separately because the US does not have a centralised university application system. Upon acceptance, a document called Form I-20 will be provided to you if you are eligible for an F or M visa, or Form DS-2019 if you are eligible for a J visa.
2. SEVIS Program Fee Payment
We process your fee within 72 hours of applying for your US student visa. Both online and offline paper form registrations are valid and accepted as these are accessible through the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The I-901 fee is US$200 for F/M visa holders and $180 for J student visa holders. J visa holders pay $35 for working as camp counselors, au pairs, or in summer work/travel. For your successful US student visa interview, a fee payment receipt is required.
3. US student visa application Completion Stage
After we submit your SEVIS form, we schedule your appointment with the US consulate or embassy in a dedicated city. Since visa processing time varies a lot, we advise you to apply as early as possible for your US student visa process. US student visa application can be issued up to 120 days before you visit the US. So we schedule your appointment in advance to avoid any delay in your application.
4. Online visa application: DS-160
Before your student visa interview, our dedicated team of consultants makes sure that this important form named DS-160 form(online application form for a nonimmigrant visa) is filled out accurately. Select the appropriate location you wish to apply to with the guidance of our consultant. Then we submit your documents, personal details, educational background, and all details about the course or program you are enrolling in and will be attending in the US.
5. Pay the Visa Application Fee
After a successful US student visa application form-filling process by our dedicated team of US visa consultants at Profound Edurate pay your visa application fee (also called the MRV fee) via Online or cheque for around $160.
6. Schedule A Visa Appointment
We can book your visa interview appointment in any of these cities: Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, or Kolkata. Usually, 2 appointments are required at a visa application Center (VAC). The first round is for biometrics, where your fingerprints and photos are taken. The second round is with the US consulate. Our expert US visa consultants guide you perfectly for your interview with the US consulate.
7. Attend Your Visa Interview
Our expert US visa consultants prepare you for your visa interview with the US consulate with all the necessary documents.
We prepare you for all the answers to the officer’s questions about your studies, financial capability, and plans after graduation.
Here are some typical interview questions:
- Why did you choose a particular university?
- How do you plan to fund your education?
- Your long-term goals and intent to return to India after your studies.
8. Travel to The US After Your Interview
Once you successfully clear your us visa interview with our successful guidance, we submit your passport for visa stamping. After you get your passport back, we plan your travel to the US, keeping in mind 30 days before the start date on your I-20 form. At the port of entry, the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will verify your visa and documents before you can enter the US.
Processing Time, Fees, and Documents Required for US Student Visa Types
| Category | F-1 Visa (Academic) | M-1 Visa (Vocational) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost |
|
|
| Processing Time | 3 days to 3 weeks | 3 days to 3 weeks |
| Documents Required |
|
|
Frequently Asked Questions Related to US Student Visa Requirements
What is the process to apply for a U.S. student visa from India?
Apply through the U.S. embassy or consulate, submit Form DS-160, pay the SEVIS fee, and schedule and attend the visa interview.
What are the key requirements for obtaining a U.S. student visa?
You need Form I-20 from a SEVP-certified school, a valid passport, a DS-160 form, financial proof, and a visa interview.
What are the different types of U.S. student visas available?
F-1 (academic students), J-1 (exchange visitors), and M-1 (vocational students).
How long does it take to process a U.S. student visa?
Depending on the consulate’s workload, processing typically takes a few days to a few weeks.
How do I schedule an interview for a U.S. student visa?
Schedule your interview online via the U.S. consulate’s official visa appointment system.
What documents are required for a U.S. student visa interview?
Form I-20, DS-160, passport, visa appointment confirmation, SEVIS fee receipt, financial documents.
What is the difference between F-1, J-1, and M-1 student visas?
F-1 is for academic studies, J-1 is for exchange programs, and M-1 is for vocational training.
How much does it cost to apply for a U.S. student visa?
The application fee is $185, plus the SEVIS fee (F-1: $350, J-1: $220).
Can I work in the U.S. on a student visa?
Yes, F-1 visa holders can work on-campus and may apply for OPT or CPT off-campus.
What should I do if my U.S. student visa is denied?
You can reapply after addressing the reason for denial or seek advice from the U.S. consulate.
What is the current U.S. student visa processing time in India?
The average processing time is 7-10 days but may vary by consulate.
Where can I attend my visa interview in India?
U.S. consulates are located in Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and the embassy in New Delhi.
Are there any specific requirements for Indian students applying for a U.S. student visa?
No, Indian students follow the same process as other international applicants.
What is the SEVIS fee, and how do I pay it from India?
The SEVIS fee for F-1 visas is $350, and you can pay it online via the SEVP website.
Can I apply for a U.S. student visa without an IELTS or TOEFL score from India?
Most universities require proof of English proficiency but check specific university requirements.
