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What extra documents do I need to study in the USA?

06 Oct 2026 · Answered by Soundarya M · 1 min read
Quick Answer verified

On top of the usual admission documents, students planning to study in the USA may need a Form I-20 issued by the university, a SEVIS I-901 fee receipt showing the USD 350 payment, and a DS-160 confirmation page for the visa application. Exact documents vary by course and university.

Soundarya M
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Besides the basic admission documents, you may need a Form I-20 from your university, a SEVIS I-901 fee receipt and a DS-160 confirmation page. Which documents you need can vary with your course, university and visa category.

Additional US documents

DocumentDetails
Form I-20Issued by the university after admission and financial verification
SEVIS I-901 fee receiptProof that you paid the SEVIS fee of 350 (approx INR 33,733)
DS-160 confirmation pageRequired for the US student visa application

Before you submit

  • Basic documents are similar across destinations, but each country adds a few of its own.
  • The exact requirements can vary by academic background, course, university and visa category.
  • Check the latest requirements with your university and the relevant immigration authority before submitting.

My Advice

Wait for your university to issue the Form I-20 before you move on to the visa steps, since the later documents depend on it. Keep payment receipts and confirmation pages safe, as you will need to show them. Verify the latest list with your university and the official immigration authority.

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