USA Student Visa Application Process
Explore student visa requirements, types, fees, application process and eligibility for studying abroad
Explore student visa requirements, types, fees, application process and eligibility for studying abroad
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As per the recent report, a 35% rise in the number of applicants from India is estimated, and so, the US visa applications process is expected to become more efficient. This is to ensure that every application undergoes thorough verification. However, increased efficiency means more vigilance causing major setbacks on a single mistake in your visa application. Therefore, here is a guide to help you understand US visa requirements, costs, and timelines. Every step that matters at the time of visa approval.
Filling out the US visa application online may take an hour, but preparation starts way longer. Thus, consider giving essential checks before applying for a student visa:
USA study visa apply online process includes one DS-160 form, and students are required to provide information of extended family members if they are staying in the US. Thus, be sure to collect all relevant information about distant relatives to avoid any complications.
You require translated copies of your educational certificates and other documents in English. The documents in any other language are considered invalid.
After submitting the US visa application form, you’ll need to book an appointment. Explore a list of US embassies or consulates to find the nearest embassy from your location. This is important to know in advance to avoid delays in the process.
Once you’ve prepared all the required documents and completed all the checks, proceed to the US visa application online. Don’t have a checklist of the US visa Requirements? Refer to USA Study Visa Documents and follow this guide to get through the USA study visa apply online.
Visit the Consular Electronic Application Center and fill out the DS-160 form. Follow these steps:
While completing the DS-160 form, passport-sized photographs are required. You need to ensure that the size of the photograph is 22x35mm within 100KB.
After submitting the DS-160 form, you’ll be redirected to the payment portal. Pay the US visa application fee using a card or net banking. Once the payment is made, you will receive an email acknowledgment.
Unlike other countries, you won’t automatically be assigned an appointment. There’s a procedure for a USA study visa appointment. You have to either visit the embassy or book online through US Travel Docs.
You are required to attend two appointments—one for biometrics and document submission, and another for the visa interview. Be sure to attend both appointments on the scheduled dates to get approval for US visa application.
After your documents are processed, you will receive an email with instructions on how to collect your passport. Once you receive confirmation, you can proceed with booking your travel tickets.
The application fee for all three types of U.S. visas is $195, and it is non-refundable. This means that even if your visa is rejected or you decide to cancel your application, the fee is non-refundable. Additionally, the cost of medical and police certificates is not included in the application fee, and you will need to pay separately for those. Follow this USA Student Visa guide to understand better.
US visa application is as simple as creating an Instagram account but, the most consuming part of the process is document submission. However, you can simplify and take your time to correctly organize, rename, and compress your files. Thoroughly reviewing your documents before submission is crucial, as the real test comes during the verification process. Rejections often result from incomplete or improperly formatted documents, not the application itself. So, take your time, double-check everything, and approach the process with confidence. A little extra effort upfront can save you from delays or rejections later on, bringing you one step closer to your study abroad journey!
The F-1 student visa costs approximately $510, and it's recommended to apply at least three months before your course start date.
You must demonstrate sufficient financial resources and provide all required documents to prove your eligibility for the US student visa. Refer to US Student Visa Rejection Reasons for more information.
Off-campus work is only allowed with permission from USCIS, and dependents on an F-2 visa are not permitted to work.
The processing time for a US student visa can range from 3 days to a few weeks.
Yes, you can bring one dependent (partner or child) on an F-2 or J-2 visa.
The F-1 student visa is temporary. To settle in the US, you would need to transition to an H1-B visa and then apply for a green card or permanent residency.
The fall intake is generally the best for US admissions, but this may vary depending on your program, as some courses are only available during the spring intake.
No, the I-20 is required at the time of the visa application, as it includes details about your funding.
