What type of visa do I need as an Indian student to study in the USA, and what document specifies my program completion deadline?
Indian students need an F1 visa, a non-immigrant student visa, to study at universities and colleges in the USA. Your I-20 form specifies the expiration date by which you must complete your program. Before applying, you also need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and submit the DS-160 visa form.
If you are planning to study in the USA, you will need an F1 visa, which is the standard non-immigrant visa issued to international students. Your I-20 form, sent by your university, states the expiration date by which you must finish your program.
F1 Visa Process Overview
| Step | Detail |
|---|---|
| Visa type | F1 (non-immigrant student visa) |
| Deadline document | I-20 form |
| Fee to pay first | SEVIS I-901 fee |
| Visa application form | DS-160 |
Steps After Receiving Your I-20
Once your I-20 arrives, pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, then complete the DS-160 form, pay the visa fee, and schedule your biometric appointment along with your visa interview to finish the process.
My Advice
Keep a physical and digital copy of your I-20 with you at all times once you are in the USA, since it governs your legal stay and program deadline. Start your visa paperwork as soon as your I-20 arrives to avoid a last-minute scramble before your intake.
Not sure which documents your US visa needs?
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