According to the Open Doors report, approximately 1,672,582 Indian college students may be studying in the US in 2020–21. In order to study in the US, an individual needs to obtain a student visa, and there are various types of visas for the USA. This US Visa guide explores the numerous types of US Visa, the details of obtaining the F1 Student Visa, and the US Visa Appointment.
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US Visa Appointment
Indian candidates for US visas must first schedule an appointment at the Visa Application Centre and then attend the interview at the US Embassy or Consulate. The VAC appointment must be scheduled at least 1 day prior to the interview. Both appointments can be scheduled through the website. Applicants can also opt for an expedited appointment on the website. One should have these requested information papers to arrange your nonimmigrant visa appointment.
- Valid passport
- Fee payment receipt for your visa application (MRV)
- Confirmation for the DS-160
- Required documentation depending on visa classification, if applicable
Documents Required for US Visa Application Form
- A legitimate passport that is valid for a minimum of six months past the length of your visit.
- DS-160 form
- Receipt for SEVIS fees
- Letter of invitation to an interview (unique and copy)
- I-20 form
- A confirmation receipt for visa fees
- At least three years’ worth of financial institution statements demonstrating that you have enough property to cover the first year’s expenses.
- Pay stubs/Salary stubs
- Provisional certificates/academic mark sheets
- Score sheets for English language requirement tests such as TOEFL and IELTS
- Score sheets for GMAT and GRE
F1 Visa candidates have to display evidence of monetary resources with the following documents:
- Returns for the preceding 3 years (Form 16)
- Financial statements and passbooks
- Original pay/income slips and employment letters
- A licenced CA’s statement
- A letter of acceptance from a scholarship (if the applicant has obtained it)
- The financial institution’s or the applicable authority’s mortgage approval letter
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Application Process for US Visa
Applying for US Student Visa (F1 Visa) from India or as a citizen of a foreign country includes the following steps:
- You can apply for the visa once you get Form I-20 from your university. Though the SEVIS fee may be paid at any time at some stage in the process, it’s strongly advised that you pay the SEVIS fees before starting your US visa process
- You can check for a DS-160 visa form after paying the SEVIS fees and receiving a receipt
- Make an appointment for biometrics and an interview
- Carry the confirmation receipt of your payment for your interview
- You should be present for the biometric appointment to have your photo taken and your fingerprints scanned for the visa
- The interviewers will ask you questions about your desire for university, employment, and whether or not you would like to go back to your home country
- Once the visa interview is clear, you will receive a confirmation of rejection for your visa application
Keep in mind that F1 student visas may be issued as much as a hundred and twenty days earlier than your programme’s commencement. However, you will not be permitted to enter the US on F1 repute until 30 days before your start date.
Submission of the Application Form
The application for an F1 visa is submitted online. The documents for the application are:
- SEVIS I-901 Form
- DS-160 visa application form
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Wait Time for US Visa Appointment
Most entries are reviewed and available to pick up within just a few business days. However, some applications will need to be processed administratively. Always apply 6-8 weeks before you expect to go, and do not purchase travel tickets or hotel reservations unless you have received your visa. On the Department of State Travel website, you may find how long it takes to get an email appointment.
Track US Visa Application Status
To track the progress of one’s visa application in the United States, connect with the following:
- Immigrant visas can be tracked by calling NVC at 1-603-334-0700.
- Call 1-603-334-0888 for nonimmigrant visas.
- Alternatively, you can use the CEAC.
US Visa Updates
The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has added 22 new STEM OPT (Optional Practical Training) disciplines for foreign nationals. As a result, more college students may be eligible for STEM OPT extensions thanks to the extra features of visa services. In addition, international college students with an F-1 visa can live outside the United States for 36 months after finishing their course in their area of study.
COVID-19 Alerts
Beginning November 8, the US has abolished the CDC-recommended pandemic regulations for absolutely immunised individuals. For air travellers, any vaccination that has been authorised by the WHO and the Food and Drug Administration could be acceptable.
Types of Visas for the US
There are three distinct styles of USA student visas for Indian visa applicants:
Student Visa F1
An F1 visa is needed for college students opting for programmes that require more than 18 hours of studying a week. Spouses or kids accompanying F-1 visa holders are issued F-2 visas.
J1 Visa for Exchange Visitors
Students, touring researchers, and academics tasked with an alternate programme are eligible for the J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa. A research expert going to the US on an alternate programme commonly applies for a J1 visa, referred to as an Exchange Visitor Visa. For example, this is probably a 10-month vocational schooling programme or a study fellowship. J-2 visas are issued to spouses or children accompanying J-1 visa holders. Please keep in mind that spouses can work if permission is granted in advance of time.
M-1 (Vocational/Non-Academic) Student Visa
The M1 visa is a student visa issued for college students attending vocational and technical schools. While the software methods for the F1 and M-1 visas are similar, the M1 visas are time-stamped upon entry, and college students cannot overstay.
Working on a Student Visa in the US
Students in the United States can work as many as twenty hours per week on-campus. For example, they could work for businesses inside the institutions, including a book stores or a restaurant. However, college students cannot work more than 40 hours per week during vacations and breaks.
Visa Charges
The F1 scholar visa for the US fees are as below:
- The SEVIS price is $350 (INR 26,256).
- The MRV price (Visa Application Fee) is $160 (INR 12,003).
Photo for USA Visa
Physical or digital pictures may be required, based on the USA Embassy in India from which you apply and the kind of US visa you are applying for. Physical images must be printed and mailed with your visa application; however digital pictures can be uploaded online when submitting the Application DS-160 / Form DS-260.
Dependant Visa
F2 or M2 visas are required for spouses and kids under the age of 21 who intend to sign up for the applicant within the United States for the duration of their stay. A partner with an F2 visa isn’t approved to study full-time. Still, they may be approved to take vocational or leisure classes, including cooking or tennis. Students’ spouses and kids aren’t approved to work on the F2 Visa at any time.
Conclusion
Studying abroad entails several processes. You must discover the right school for your interests, finish all of your documentation before the deadline, and apply for a visa.
Frequently Asked Questions.
What are my options for extending my visa?
Regardless of its kind, a visa’s expiration date cannot be prolonged. You’ll have to reapply for a visa.
How long must my passport remain active to obtain a visa to enter the United States?
You must have a passport eligible for flying to the US valid for up to 6 months beyond your planned stay in the country.
Is it necessary for me to upload the application form digitally?
Yes, when you are asked to go for the interview at the US Embassy/Consulate or the Visa Application Centre in need of biometrics, you must complete the DS-160 and have a printed version of the DS-160.
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