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Applying for Your Student Visa
4 After the long process of applying to universities and receiving admission, . The next step for you is to select the university you want to attend and apply for your visa. Indian students who have received admission to the U.S. university will have to apply for a student visa (nonimmigrant visa) to enter into the United States. Student’s course of study and type of institution will determine what type of visa one needs to apply for.

Applying for a U.S. Student Visa

Securing a U.S. student visa is a crucial step for Indian students planning to pursue higher education in the United States. The visa application process involves several steps, which must be completed in a timely and systematic manner to ensure a smooth transition to the U.S.

Step 1: Receive an I-20 Form

Before applying for a student visa, applicants must receive an admission offer from a U.S. university and obtain the Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.” The university issuing the I-20 must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). SEVP is a program within the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that manages schools and nonimmigrant students in the F and M visa classifications and their dependents. Students should verify that their chosen institution is SEVP-certified by checking the official list on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security website.

Most universities require students to formally accept their admission offer and submit proof of financial capability before issuing the I-20. It is essential to verify that all details on the I-20, including personal information and program details, are accurate. The I-20 also includes a unique SEVIS ID number, which is used to track the student’s status throughout their stay.

Step 2: Pay the SEVIS Fee

Before proceeding with the visa application, students must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, which is required to maintain their record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). SEVIS is an internet-based system that maintains information on SEVP-certified schools and the F and M students who come to the United States to study. This fee must be paid online through the official SEVIS payment portal, and students should retain the receipt as proof of payment, as it is required for the visa interview.

It is important to note that the SEVIS fee is institution-specific. If a student decides to change their university after paying the SEVIS fee, they may be required to pay the fee again for the new institution. Therefore, students should ensure they have finalized their choice of university before making this payment.

Step 3: Complete the DS-160 Form

The next step is to fill out the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form online. This form collects personal and travel information and is required for all U.S. visa applicants. Applicants should ensure that the information provided is accurate and matches the details in their passport and I-20 form. Upon successful submission, students must print the DS-160 confirmation page, which is required for the visa interview.

Step 4: Pay the Visa Fees

Applicants must pay the visa application fee (MRV fee), which is non-refundable. Payment can be made online or through designated bank locations. After making the payment, students should retain the receipt as proof of payment, as it is required for scheduling appointments.

Step 5: Schedule Visa Appointments

Students must schedule two separate appointments:

Step 6: Attend the Visa Interview

The visa interview is a critical step in the application process. Applicants must bring all required documents, including:

Step 7: Visa Decision and Passport Collection

If the visa is approved, the consular officer will retain the applicant’s passport for visa processing. Once the visa is issued, students will receive a notification for passport collection. If additional administrative processing is required, applicants will be informed accordingly.

Student Visa Sessions

EducationUSA in collaboration with the Consular section at the U.S. Embassy and consulates conduct various student visa sessions for students. Students should sign up with EducationUSA to get updates on upcoming sessions.

Lingo: Key Terms in the U.S. Student Visa Process

Resources

For accurate and up-to-date information, students are encouraged to refer to the following official U.S. government and EducationUSA resources regarding the F-1 visa process, SEVIS, and related procedures: