This article was last updated and fact checked on October 3, 2024 by Mani Karthik.
Dreaming of studying in the USA? Whether it’s for that Ivy League experience or the diverse campus culture, getting a US student visa is your first step.
If you’re applying from India, here’s a complete guide on how to nail the process and get your F-1 visa.
What is the F-1 Visa?
The F-1 visa is for academic students who plan to attend an accredited college, university, or language program in the USA. This visa allows you to stay in the country while you complete your studies and potentially even stay for some time after graduation under Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Keep in mind that the F-1 visa is strictly for full-time academic study, so you won’t be able to work off-campus without special authorization.
Pro Tip: Start the visa process as soon as you receive your admission letter—don’t wait until the last minute.
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Step 1: Get Accepted by a US School (and Receive Your I-20)
Before applying for an F-1 visa, you’ll need to be accepted by a US institution that is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Once you’ve been accepted, the school will issue a form called the I-20, which is your Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.
The I-20 form is crucial—it includes your SEVIS number (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System), which you’ll need for the visa application.
Tip: Keep your I-20 safe—you’ll need it throughout the visa process and even after arriving in the US.
Step 2: Pay the SEVIS Fee
After receiving your I-20, you’ll need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee to register yourself in the SEVIS database. This fee is currently $350 for F-1 visa applicants (check for the latest fee on the SEVIS website).
Once you pay the fee, print out the receipt—you’ll need it during your visa interview.
Pro Tip: The SEVIS fee is separate from the actual visa application fee, so budget for both.
Step 3: Complete the DS-160 Visa Application
Next up is the DS-160 form, which is the online visa application. This form covers all the basics—your personal info, travel history, educational background, and purpose of travel. Make sure you fill this out accurately because any errors could delay your visa process.
Once you’ve submitted the DS-160, print out the confirmation page with the barcode. You’ll need to bring this to your visa interview.
Tip: Make sure to save your DS-160 application ID so you can return to it if needed.
Step 4: Pay the Visa Application Fee and Schedule Your Interview
You’ll need to pay the non-refundable visa application fee, which is currently around $160 for F-1 visa applicants (check the US Travel Docs website for the latest fee).
After payment, schedule your visa interview at the US Embassy or Consulate nearest to you. You can schedule the interview online or by phone, and interview wait times can vary—so don’t delay.
Step 5: Prepare for the Visa Interview
This is the big moment—your visa interview. Make sure to gather all the required documents beforehand, including:
- Valid passport
- DS-160 confirmation page
- SEVIS fee receipt
- I-20 form
- Visa appointment confirmation
- Financial documents showing you can cover tuition and living expenses
- Proof of ties to your home country (to show you intend to return after your studies)
During the interview, the consular officer will ask questions about your academic goals, financial ability, and future plans. The goal is to verify that you’re a legitimate student who intends to return to India after your studies.
Tip: Answer confidently and clearly—practice common visa interview questions beforehand.
What Happens After the Interview?
If all goes well, the officer will approve your F-1 visa, and your passport will be returned with the visa stamp within a few days to a couple of weeks. Once you receive it, you’re all set to travel to the US and begin your studies!
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to enter the US no more than 30 days before your program starts—arriving too early could cause issues at immigration.
Final Thoughts
Getting your US student visa from India is a step-by-step process, but with proper preparation, it’s totally achievable. Make sure to follow each step carefully, gather all necessary documents, and give yourself enough time to get through each phase without stress.
For more detailed information, visit the USCIS website or the US Travel Docs website.
