USA Study Visa Requirements for Indian Students

STUDENT VISA USA – A COMPLETE GUIDE!

F-1 STUDENT VISA

Indian students applying for a study visa (F-1 visa) to study in the United States. The most common type of USA Study Visa for international students who want to study in USA is the F1 Student Visa. 

• To apply for an F-1 visa, students need to obtain a Form I-20 and demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to support themselves during their studies.
• In addition, F-1 allows for on-campus employment and students can also opt for OPT after the completion of an academic program.
• Furthermore, the student must complete their studies before the expiration date on the form.

GENERAL DOCUMENT REQUIRED 

• A valid passport with a validity that is six months beyond your duration of stay
• Form I-20 issued by the educational institution
• SEVIS fee receipt
• Proof of financial support
• Scholarship letter, if any
• Academic transcripts and diplomas
• Test scores, such as the TOEFL or SAT
• Visa application form
• Visa application fee
• DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application

STEPS TO APPLY for the F1 Student Visa USA

• First, you need to receive acceptance from an approved US educational institution and obtain a Form I-20, which is a certificate of eligibility for nonimmigrant student status.
• You must pay the SEVIS fee through the SEVIS fee online payment portal.
• The F1 visa application depends on the US embassy or consulate where the application is submitted, and applicants should carefully review the specific requirements for their country of application. 
• After that, complete the DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application form online, which is available on the US Department of State’s website.
• Now, schedule an interview at the US Embassy or consulate in your home country.
• Attend the visa interview at the scheduled time. You need to explain why you want to study in USA, why you chose the specific institution, and how you plan to finance your education.
• Wait for the Student visa USA. If the visa is approved, it will be stamped in your passport and you will be given instructions on how to pick it up.

M-1 STUDENT VISA

This visa is intended for students who want to study in USA to pursue non-academic or vocational studies in the USA. Note: The visa is only for vocational purposes. 

• First of all, you must be enrolled in a full-time vocational or non-academic program at a US educational institution and have a valid Form I-20 issued by the school.
• Additionally, you should have sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and any other expenses related to your study in USA universities.
• Moreover, the course should benefit your home country, and you should have permanent residence in your country of origin.
• Furthermore, the M1 visa allows for practical training programs related to the course of study. On this visa, you can have a driver’s license and get access to medical facilities.
• Lastly, mainly needed are academic certificates, a disclaimer of financial stability, a visa appointment letter, and fee receipt, DS-160 confirmation, and other documents as may be prescribed.

Talk to your Elite Education Consultant for more details. They will guide and assist you with all your requirements.

F2 VISA

This is a student-dependent visa category that allows the dependents of F1 visa holders to accompany them to the USA. F2 visa holders are the spouses and unmarried children (under the age of 21) of F1 visa holders.

• The F2 visa is granted for the same duration as the F1 visa holder’s period of authorized stay.
• The F2 visa holders are not authorized to work in the USA under any circumstances.
• The spouse of the F1 visa holder can only enroll in vocational courses. To pursue higher studies they need to apply for a visa status change.
• The children of F1 visa holders can pursue primary, secondary, and high school education.
• To apply for an F2 visa, a dependent family member must have a valid passport, a copy of the F1 visa holder’s Form I-20, and proof of relationship to the F1 visa holder (such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate). Applicants may have to submit additional documentation, including financial support documents and visa application fees.
• Note that F2 visa holders are not permitted to enter the USA before an F1 visa holder, or to remain in the USA if the F1 visa holder’s status expires or is terminated.

J-1 STUDENT VISA