USA Student Visa Guide

The U.S. is a top study destination for Indian students, but during COVID-19, U.S. student visa rejections were high, which made students hesitate. However, recent changes in visa policies have improved the situation. The number tells the same story, from 96,000 in 2021 to 1,40,000 students in 2023 and this is expected to grow by 35% in 2024. With that in mind, here’s a visa guide to help you navigate the U.S. student visa process.

Recent policy updates introduced to address the challenges that Indian students face while they apply for a student visa for USA. These changes improved the visa process by providing flexibility to the visa officers in evaluation. Let’s explore these key changes:

Tone of Answers:

During visa interviews, many students use formal, memorized responses. Thus, to improve the interview experience, students are encouraged to answer in a natural tone. This brings more authenticity to the interview process and makes it more intimidating. Thus, focus on being genuine and confident.

University Option:

To decrease the number of fraudulent activities related to student visa for USA, they improved the Education USA portal. It facilitates the university search option for students and even helps you segregate the options based on the eligibility criteria. 

Judged on the Present Situation:

Earlier US student visa for Indian was heavily emphasized in the study plans. However, these changes now allow visa officers to evaluate only student’s present situation and plans rather than long-term goals. This shift means that your current mindset and value will be judged during the visa application. 

Hike in Visa Fee:

Student visa for the USA application fee will increase by 53%. This potential hike suggests that students need to carefully plan their budget.

There are five different types of visas available for students aspiring to study in the US. Each of these types caters to different needs, so understanding each of them is necessary. 

Visa F-1 US:

The F-1 student visa is the most common type of student visa for USA from India. This F1 visa USA is required for students enrolling in programs lasting more than a year, such as undergraduate (bachelor’s) and graduate (master’s) degrees at accredited institutions. The visa holders can work on-campus for 20 hours per week. After completing the degree, students with an F1 student visa USA can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT). This will help them gain an extension for a year and STEM students can extend for an additional year which sums up to 2 years.

M-1 Visa:

The M-1 student visa for USA is customized for students pursuing vocational or non-academic courses. If you’re planning to attend a technical or vocational school, such as courses in mechanics or culinary arts then this visa is for you. However, you can’t work during your studies on this visa and should have sufficient financial resources to cover the expenses of your entire program.

J-1 Visa:

The J-1 US visa is a student visa that allows you to participate in the exchange program. Academic institutions or organizations sponsor the J-1 visa. Similar to the F1 student visa USA, the J-1 student visa allows students to work part-time in approved on-campus roles. The most important term of this visa is, that the student should return to the home residency for at least two years after completing the program, although waivers are available in certain circumstances.

Before applying for a student visa, it’s crucial to meet the following eligibility requirements:

Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) Approved School:

To qualify for a US study visa, you must enroll in a SEVP-approved school. You can use the Education USA portal to know your options.

Age:

Students must be 18 or above when applying for a US study visa. If under 18, a consent letter and legal guardian in the U.S. is required.

Health and Medical Requirement:

If you have any kind of medical condition like an allergy or disorder, which requires regular vaccine then you need to provide your medical history with the present health condition. Do check the official website to know, if the waiver for your condition exists.

The study visa in USA is not just about filling out the forms online, this involves several steps and documents. Let’s start with the documents for the student visa:

Passport:

Your passport is an essential document with accurate and up-to-date information. It should be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of stay. Any inconsistency across documents can become an issue during the visa application.

Passport-Sized Photos:

You are required to get a passport-sized photograph as per the visa instructions. It is important to follow the official guidelines, otherwise, your student visa might get rejected. 

I-20 Form USA:

Once you are admitted to the SEVP-approved school, get an I-20 student visa form which confirms your acceptance officially. Keep it safe, as you will need it during both your application and visa interview.

 

DS-160 Confirmation:

The DS-160 is an online visa application form that you will receive at the end of the visa application. During the visa interview, you must bring a copy of the DS-160 Confirmation. 

Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) Fee Receipt:

SEVIS fee is required to be paid in advance, carry the printout and the digital copy when applying for the visa. This is mandatory to calculate the immediate amount students need to arrange as Proof of Funds.

Financial Proof:

When a student flies abroad for higher studies, having access to sufficient funds is required to support them during their academic journey. This proof includes:

 

1. 
   One-year tuition fee.
2. 
   One-year living expenses
3. 
   Payslips of the sponsor
4. 
   Loan approval letters 
5. 
   Scholarship letter if any.

Academic Records:

Submit your original educational certificates along with a copy when asked. You would also need a digital copy when filling out the visa application. Strong academic records can significantly support your visa application.

Visa Application Fee Receipt:

After submitting your application you will receive an acknowledgment receipt and a transaction confirmation by email. 

English Proficiency Test Score:

There is an IELTS requirement for USA student visa however, you can appear for other English proficiency tests like TOEFL. Ensure that your score meets the eligibility criteria of the university you apply to.

 

Note: These are the F-1 visa requirements USA and the J-1 requirements USA are somewhere different as it is a student exchange program. Refer to the official website for reference. 

The visa application process you should follow when you are starting the visa application process is:

Complete Form DS-160:

Visit the Consular Electronic Application Center and fill out the DS-160. Review all the details that are accurate and complete before submitting.

Upload the Photo:

While filling out the DS-160 form, ensure to upload your recent photo. 

Pay the Student Visa Fee for USA:

When you submit the DS-160 form you’ll be prompted to the payment portal. The payment can be made online through various payment options. 

Schedule Your Visa Interview:

Once the fee is paid you have to schedule an appointment through the U.S. embassy or consulate website in your country. To schedule an interview you're required to submit the confirmation number of your DS-160. 

Attend the Visa Interview:

Arrive at the embassy or consulate on the scheduled date. Carry all your required documents along with you. You have to submit the passport also during the appointment. 

Receive Your Visa:

If approved, your visa will get the approved stamp on the visa and you’ll get a mail regarding the collection details. By any chance, if your visa gets rejected you’ll also receive the rejection reason.

Financial planning is required when you’re applying for a study visa in USA. So, here is the table for you that can help you manage your finances:

The last step of student visa for the US is a visa interview which decides your future. Therefore, here are some tips that could help during the interview:

Dress-up Properly:

When you are going for an interview, dress appropriately and be well-groomed. It’s better to go for moderate or no fragrance. 

Clear Understanding:

When you are going for the interview, make sure that you have a clear understanding of finances and a valid reason to explain your study abroad decision. 

Student Visa Restriction 8105:

You should know about the 8105 restriction which limits the working hours of the students. If you are unaware of such terms then it might cause a problem.