Please use the information below as a guide to help you apply for your student visa. This information is provided by the Consular (Visa) Section of the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi, but policies and procedures are subject to change. For the latest information, please visit: https://in.usembassy.gov/visas/
Step 1: PAY SEVIS FEE
After you finalize your institution and receive your I-20, your first step is to pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee, which is a required fee for students and exchange visitors and is separate from visa fees and school administration fees.
Learn more about this fee and how to pay it at www.ice.gov/sevis/students.
Step 2: CREATE ACCOUNT AND FILL OUT DS-160
Visit http://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/en
Select the region and country, and then create a user account.
Complete the DS-160 (visa application) form at: https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/
Find guidelines for completing the form at: https://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/en/step-2
Step 3: PAY VISA APPLICATION FEE
Pay the application fees – via National Electronic Fund Transfer (NEFT) or mobile phone, or in cash at DRUK (for Bhutanese Nationals), Axis, or Citibank.
For instructions, refer to: https://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/en/step-3
Step 4: SCHEDULE YOUR VISA APPOINTMENT
Schedule two appointments: 1) for biometrics (fingerprint and photograph) collection at the Visa Application Center (VAC) and 2) for a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. For more information about scheduling both of these appointments, click: https://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/en/step-4
For the latest appointment wait times, see: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/wait-times.html
Remember: You should arrive at the Embassy/Consulate or Visa Assistance Center (VAC) no earlier than 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment.
Bring the following mandatory documents for your visa appointments:
For your VAC visit:
For your visa interview:
For more information on student visa categories, please visit: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study.html and https://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/en/student-visa
If you have a spouse or child traveling with you, they must apply for an F-2/M-2/J-2 dependent visa – either at the time of your application or after you receive your visa. They are not required to pay a separate SEVIS fee.
You can apply for an F-1 visa up to 365 days or 12 months before the start of your program (as specified on your I-20), though you can travel to the U.S. no more than 30 days before the start of your program.
For visa inquiries, the best and fastest way to communicate is to email support-india@usvisascheduling.com or dial the call center (91-22) 62011000 during business hours to speak to a representative. Please note that multiple separate attempts to contact the Embassy or Consulate will slow communication.