USA Student Visa for Indians

The United States is a vast country with a rich tapestry of cultures, offering everything from bustling urban centres to serene natural landscapes. Known for its pioneering spirit and innovation, it plays a significant role on the global stage. It is a hub for economic activity and cultural exchange. The country also provides a wealth of educational opportunities, from world-renowned universities to specialised research institutes. If you want to get top-quality education in the USA, you must start by getting a USA student visa.

Individuals
Sr. Citizens
Students

Plans for an individual of 30 years age travelling to USA for 15 days

About USA Student Visa

The USA is renowned for its advancements in various fields and offers an extensive array of educational opportunities to students at all levels. Students dream of learning from world-renowned universities and specialised research institutes in America.

Before learning about how to apply for a USA student visa from India, check out these basic facts about the country.

Key Fact	Details
Country	United States of America
Currency	United States Dollar (USD) (USD 1 = INR 83.96)
Language	English
Time Zone	Multiple (e.g., Eastern, Central, Mountain, Pacific)
Popular Tourist Destinations	New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, Las Vegas, Grand Canyon
The USA Student Visa Processing Time	(Interview wait time) 21 days- Mumbai 16 days- Delhi 22 days- Kolkata 19 days- Chennai

Documents Required for USA Student Visa

The decision regarding your USA student visa application is based on your interview and the documents provided. Make sure you submit all the required documents to improve your chances of getting your USA visa. Here's a list of the documents that you need to collect before your visa interview at the USA consulate.

Document	Details
Passport	Must be valid for at least six months beyond your stay in the USA.
Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form	DS-160 confirmation page is required. Each person applying for a visa must submit a separate application.
Application Fee Payment Receipt	Proof of payment if the fee is required before the interview.
Photo	Upload a photo complying with USA student visa photo requirements during the DS-160 form completion. If the upload fails, bring a printed photo as per the requirements.
Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status	Form I-20 for academic students (F-1) or vocational students (M-1). Ensure the form is signed by both you and your school official.

Additional Documents Required for US Student Visa from India

Depending on your US student visa application, you may be asked to provide any of the additional documents mentioned below.

Optional Document	Details
Academic Records	Includes transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from previous educational institutions.
Standardized Test Scores	Scores from tests required by the U.S. educational institution.
Proof of Intent to Depart	Evidence demonstrating your plan to leave the U.S. after completing your studies.
Financial Evidence	Documentation showing how you will cover all costs related to education, living expenses, and travel.

Types of USA Student Visa

The first step towards obtaining a USA student visa from India is selecting the correct visa type. The USA offers multiple USA student visa types to cater to different types of international students. Here's a table outlining the different visa types along with their description.

USA student visa types	Descriptions	Maximum Permitted Stay
F Visa	For students who wish to study at an educational institute in the USA such as a university, college, high school, elementary school, seminary, conservatory, etc.	60 days after the end of the course
M Visa	For students who wish to study vocational courses or study at recognised non-academic courses (excluding language courses).	Depends on the duration of the course

Visa Guide

Expand

Applying for a USA Student Visa

The USA student visa application process involves filling up an application form, attending a visa interview, and submitting the required documents. Here's a step-by-step description of the process.

Step 1: Complete the Online Visa Application

Fill out the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application — Form DS-160. After completing the form, print the confirmation page to bring to your interview.
Upload your photo while completing Form DS-160. Ensure that the photo meets the specified requirements.

Step 2: Schedule Your US Visa Interview

Generally, an interview is required for visa applicants, with some exceptions. Typically, those aged 14-79 must attend an interview, while those 13 and younger may not need one.
The wait time for an interview appointment can vary based on the embassy's workload and staffing. Check the embassy's website to schedule your interview.

Step 3: Pay US Visa Fees

Before your interview, pay the non-refundable US student visa application fee. If your visa is approved, additional visa issuance fees may apply based on your nationality.

Step 4: Prepare the Required Documents

Gather all the necessary documents before your US visa interview. This includes completing any additional paperwork as specified by the consulate.

Step 5: Attend Your Visa Interview

During the interview, a consular officer will assess your eligibility for a student visa. You must demonstrate that you meet the U.S.A student visa requirements.
Digital fingerprint scans will be taken, typically during the interview, though this may vary by location.
After the interview, if further administrative processing is needed, the consular officer will inform you.

USA Student Visa Fees

You are required to pay USA student visa fees before your visa interview. Here's the summary of the required USA student visa fees.

Visa type	Application Fee
F Visa	USD 185 (INR 15,533.50)
M Visa	USD 185 (INR 15,533.50)

*Visa fee subject to exchange rate fluctuations

How to Track the Status of USA Student Visa for Indians?

You can check the status of your USA student visa application through the official website of the USA embassy in India. Follow the step-wise guide given below to check your USA student visa status.

Visit the website CEAC website
Click on 'Check My Visa Application Status'
Select your US visa application type and the location of your application
Enter your application ID, passport number, and the first 5 letters of your surname
Enter the captcha code and submit the form
View your USA student visa status

FAQs

Q: How to check the wait time for an interview for the USA Student Visa from India?

Ans: The wait time for a USA visa interview is different for every consulate. Visit the official website of Travel.State.Gov and select the consulate where you wish to apply. The appointment wait time would be displayed there.
Q: Can I extend my stay in the USA after my student visa ends?

Ans: You can apply to extend your stay in the USA through the official website of the USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services).
Q: Can my spouse and children accompany me to the USA during my studies?

Ans: Yes, your spouse and minor children can accompany you to the USA during the course of your studies. However, you must apply for visa types F-2 or M-2 for those accompanying you. You need to provide a copy of your own F or M visa along with a proof of your relationship with your accompanies.
Q: Can I enter the USA before the start of my educational program in the US?

Ans: Yes, you can enter the USA 30 days before the start of your program. If you wish to enter the USA sooner than that, you may need to apply for a Visitor Visa (B).
Q: Can I apply for a Student visa again if my application is rejected?

Ans: Yes, you can reapply for a USA student visa from India if you have additional evidence about your qualification for the visa. You can also apply if the circumstances that led to the visa rejection have changed.

Travel insurance companies

View more insurers

Disclaimer: The list of insurers mentioned are arranged according to the alphabetical order of the names of insurers respectively. Policybazaar does not endorse, rate or recommend any particular insurer or insurance product offered by any insurer. The list of plans listed here comprise of insurance products offered by all the insurance partners of Policybazaar. For complete list of insurers in India refer to the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India website www.irdai.gov.in