Applying for a US student visa

Most Indian students enter the US as students on an F-1 visa. This is for those who wish to study at an accredited US college or university. In order to qualify for an F-1 visa you must:

• Be enrolled on an academic (undergraduate or graduate), language-training or vocational programme
• Ensure your school is approved by US Citizenship and Immigration Services
• Be enrolled as a full-time student
• Be proficient in English or enrolled on a course leading to proficiency
• Have sufficient funds available for self-support during the course of study
• Maintain a residence abroad which you have no intention of giving up

After you apply to your institution of choice and are accepted, you will receive form I-20 from the institution. You then have to pay the I-901 SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee. For most people this is $200 USD. This can be done online at www.fmjfee.com/i901fee

You will have to present the I-20 and I-901 forms at your interview at the US Embassy.

All Indian visa applications to the US are handled by VFS Global. For more detailed information see https://www.vfs-usa.co.in/Home.aspx

Application procedure for Indian students

• Step 1. Pay application fee at HDFC Bank
• Step 2. Go to https://www.vfs-usa.co.in/ApplnForms/FeeDetails.aspx to submit your application electronically.
• Step 3. Report to the US Embassy in your city at the date and time of your interview with all the necessary documentation.

For more information on the procedure, go to https://www.vfs-usa.co.in/Home.aspx

US Embassies and Consulates in India