USA Student Visa 2025: Requirements, Process, Types, Fees for Indian Students
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The USA remains the top choice for students planning to study abroad. If you are among the few who aspire and have already been admitted into their aspired university, applying for a Student Visa for the USA is the next important step to realizing your education abroad. Check out about USA student visa requirements, different US student visa types and how to apply for a US study visa.
According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), 3,37,630 were enrolled in 2024 compared to 2,68,923 students enrolled for higher education in 2023. The number of Indian students in the US increased by 34% in 2023. So is it easy to get a student visa USA? One major query arises among international students, and the answer to this question is that it's not difficult to get a student visa to study in the US, especially for Indian students, until their paperwork and applications are complete and they ace their interviews.
Student visas for the USA from India include three broad types - one for studying at the university level, the second is the exchange level program visa, and the third one is for vocational education, that is, F, J and M student visas in the US, respectively. The timeline for application assessment for each of these student visas varies.
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This US student visa guide briefly examines the various types of visas offered to international students and attempts to give a detailed process of applying for the F1 Student Visa – applicable to students planning to take up their bachelor’s as well as master's in the USA.
Types of Student Visas in the USA (F1, J1 & M1)
There are three types of student visas USA which apply to international students. The following different types of USA study visas have been given for which students can check the corresponding requirements:
1. F1 Visa USA
- Students applying for a program that requires more than 18 hours of study in a week require an F1 visa in USA. This includes all undergraduate and graduate programs like MS in the US or MBA in the USA, provided they are offered full-time.
- Spouses or children accompanying F1 visa recipients will travel on an F-2 visa. Please note that spouses cannot work but may accompany and/or apply for their visa to the U.S. to work or study.
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2. US J1 Exchange Visitor Visa
- The J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa is for students, visiting scholars or lecturers pursuing an exchange program. For example, Fulbright scholars and many students on short-term study abroad programs from Indian universities will travel to the U.S. on a J-1 visa.
- A J1 visa is usually sought by a working professional who goes to America on an exchange program, hence the name Exchange Visitor Visa. These may include a 10-month vocational training or some research fellowship, etc. In whatever case, the respective institutions will notify the applicants.
- Spouses or children accompanying J-1 Visa recipients will travel on a J-2 Visa. Please note that spouses can work when permission is obtained in advance.
Learn more about F1 Visa:
3. US M-1 Vocational / Non-Academic Student Visa
The M1 visa is a type of student visa which is reserved for vocational and technical schools. While the process for applying for the F1 visa and M-1 is similar, the difference is that on entering, the M1 visas are time-stamped and students cannot overstay their visit. Also, read about student visas for study abroad.
Check: US Student Visa Processing Times
Cost of Student Visa in the USA
There are two fees associated with an F1 student visa for the USA
- The SEVIS fee is currently USD 350, and US student visa fees in Indian rupees are approximately INR 30,474.
- The Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee), currently USD 185, equals INR 16,107.40.
Here is the breakdown of different types of Student Visas in the USA and their corresponding fees:
| Type of Student Visas in USA & Costs |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| Types of Student Visas |
F1 |
J1 |
M1 |
| SEVIS Fee* |
|||
| Amount |
USD 350 |
USD 220 |
USD 350 |
| Accepted Modes of Payment |
Credit Card |
||
| Payable in |
Dollars at the applicable exchange rate as determined by the bank |
||
| MRV Application Fee / Visa Application Fee** |
|||
| Amount |
USD 185 |
USD 185 |
USD 185 |
| Accepted Modes of Payment |
NEFT Online Transfer |
||
| Payable in |
Payable in INR at the Exchange Rate Fixed by the Consular Office (At present, the exchange rate is fixed at USD 1 = INR 85.10 - April 17, 2025) |
||
*Spouses and dependents do not need to pay the SEVIS fee if they go to the U.S. on F-2 or J-2 visas.
**MRV is a Machine Readable Visa Fee, or in layman's terms, is an application fee. To appear for a student visa interview to study in the US, international students must carry along with them the MRV receipt.
USA Study Visa Requirements
To qualify for a US student visa, the requirements must be fulfilled. The following are the US study visa requirements:
-
Get accepted at an SEVP-registered institution. Get your I-20 form.
-
File your US study visa application.
-
Pay the SEVIS fee.
-
Complete the DS-160 visa application.
-
Schedule a US visa interview.
-
Attend the visa interview.
Documents Required for US Student Visa
USA Study Visa Requirements: The US study visa process requires you to carry a lot more documents than you would for a tourist visa, by comparison. You need the mandatory documents and supporting financial and academic records. Refer to this checklist before going to the consulate for the visa interview.
- A valid passport with a validity date of at least six months beyond your stay.
- A printed copy of DS-160, the online application form
- SEVIS Fee Receipt
- Interview appointment letter (original and copy)
- Form I-20 sent by the college (where you are going to study)
- Visa fee payment confirmation receipt
- Bank statement for at least three years showing that you have enough assets to pay for the first year (could be of parent or guardian)
- Pay/salary slips
- Original mark sheets/provisional certificates
- Score sheet of exams like:
- Financial Documents are required to show financial strength to support education in the USA.
For the USA study visa requirements, students must show proof of the funds they need to cover the first year's expenses. It includes tuition fees, living expenses, and other expenses (like books). Apart from this, students also need to show proof of the readily available funds for the rest of the tenure of their education.
Evidence of Financial Resources Required for F1 Visa
The US study visa requirements also require applicants to submit the evidence of financial resources required to study carefully. Some of the documents required are as follows:
- Tax returns for the past 3 years (Form 16)
- Bank statements/passbook for the past 3 years
- Original pay/salary slips and letters of employment
- Statement from certified CA
- Scholarship letter (If the applicant has received it)
- The loan approval letter by the bank or the concerned authority
How to Apply for US Student Visa (F1 Visa)?
There are several steps to apply for a USA Study Visa:
- Your visa process starts when you receive Form I-20 from your college. Though you can pay the SEVIS fee anytime during the application, it is strongly recommended that you pay the SEVIS I-901 fee before you start your US visa application.
- After paying the SEVIS fee and getting a receipt, you can apply for a DS-160 visa form. It is an online application form.
- Print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
- Pay the visa fee through NEFT or authorised AXIS/Citi bank locations.
- Schedule a Biometric appointment and Interview appointment.
- For the Biometric appointment, you must appear in person to get your photograph clicked for the visa and get your fingerprints scanned.
- At the Personal interview, the interviewer will ask you questions about your choice, of course, college, finances, and intent of coming back. If s/he is convinced, they will keep your passport to get the visa stamped. Here is a guide to help you prepare for your F1 Visa Interview.
Remember, F1 student visas can be issued up to 120 days before your course of study starts. However, you will not be allowed to enter the United States on F1 status earlier than 30 days before your start date.
Dependents of F1 Visa Holders
Spouses and children under the age of 21 who wish to accompany the applicant holding a student visa US for the duration of his or her stay require F2 or M2 visas. A spouse on F2 status cannot enroll in a full course of study but can attend vocational or recreational classes like pursuing a hobby or interest, such as cooking or tennis. Children on F2 status are allowed to attend elementary, middle, or high school as full-time students. They may not enrol in a full-time course at a college or university.
The spouses and children of students cannot accept employment during their stay on the F2 Visa.
Additional Information
Upon graduation, F1 visa holders are eligible for up to 12 months of OPT (optional practical training). That means you can work for a year after you finish your studies. It is a temporary employment permission allowing students to gain practical experience in their field. After that, you will be required to apply for a work visa if you have to continue working in the US. You can remain in the US up to 60 days after completing your course, even if you don’t have a job offer or haven’t applied for OPT.
Where to Apply for a Student Visa in the USA?
The process of getting an F1 visa is completely online. Below are the resources to fill out your forms –
For the Biometrics interview, you need to visit –
| Indian Cities Where US Consulates are Located | Address |
|---|---|
| Delhi | S - 1 American Plaza, (Hotel Eros Managed by Hilton), International Trade Tower |
| Mumbai | Trade Center, Ground Floor, G Block, |
| Chennai | No 3, Cenotaph Road, |
| Hyderabad | 1-8-384/385, Gowra Grand, S.P.Road, |
| Kolkata | Jasmine Tower, 31, Shakespeare Sarani (1st Floor) |
If going for biometric US student visa interviews, applicants must carry with them their:
- Appointment notice
- Valid, unexpired photo identification
- Passport
- A copy of the OFC appointment
- DS-160 confirmation
US Embassy and Consulates Addresses -
Those who have submitted student visa applications online will be called for an interview at the following consulates based on their residence address. Check them out below:
- The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi
Shanti Path, Chanakya Puri 110021 - The U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai (Bombay)
C-49, G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai 400051 - The U.S. Consulate General in Chennai (Madras)
220 Anna Salai, Gemini Circle, 600006 - The U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata (Calcutta)
5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, 700071 - The U.S. Consulate General in Hyderabad
Paigah Palace, 1-8-323, Chiran Fort Lane, Begumpet, Secunderabad 500 003
Check about Dropbox for US Student Visa if you are looking at the US student visa interview waivers.
Essential Do's & Don'ts for Student Visa USA
To avoid US student visa rejection, applicants must follow the below given do's and don'ts to complete the US student visa process smoothly:
| Do's for Student Visa USA | Don'ts for Student Visa USA |
|---|---|
| Complete your US university application within the given timeline and apply early for a US student visa upon accepting the offer. | Do not apply at the last minute after accepting an offer from a US university. This can cause delays in student visas in the USA and further delays to travel to the US. |
| Ensure you have your I-20 before starting your US student visa application. Also, submit the MRV fee before receiving the I-20. | Do not submit a student visa application without an I-20 and MRV fee. |
| Dress formally for the student visa USA, carry a file and keep your documents in order. | Do not dress informally or wear inappropriate clothes at the interview. |
| Prepare a checklist of documents and take all of them with you when appearing for the student visa USA interview. | Avoid missing out on any essential documents, also ensure that your passport is not expiring before you go in for a student visa interview. |
| Ensure you answer all questions honestly, confidently and directly. | Do not answer sarcastically or disinterestedly or give details like you plan on staying in the USA or you have relatives in the USA to avoid student visa rejection. |
These are some of the most common mistakes an applicant can make when they are either applying for a student visa or appearing for a student visa in USA. Applicants should follow these tips to avoid rejection of US student visas. Also, check in detail about:
In order to sustain the student visa in the USA, non-immigrant applicants will have to follow all major rules. They should attend all classes or keep the attendance up to the mark, avoid getting into illegal activities, maintain decorum in universities, abide by part-time work rules and most importantly have all their documents sorted so that they can be presented at any point of time when requested. Lastly, if the applicant wishes to stay on in the USA, they must request for an extension and not stay on in USA illegally without permission. Following these steps can help students sustain their US study visas.
There are applicants who get rejected either because of their missing documents against the section 221 (g) which is not exactly rejection but its more like requesting for more documents from the applicant. Whereas, a proper rejection is registered under section 214 (b) where the applicant is rejected based on any reason which may not fit well with the US consular staff during the interview. Thus, applicants can apply for interview again only if they are able to identify the reason of student visa rejection and avoid such situations.
Yes, student visa holders are allowed to leave the USA only if they have permission from the DSO (Desgnated School Official) of their respective US universities or colleges. Only upon the signatures and permission of the DSO can student visa holders leave the US and re-enter the US territory, if already holding the student visa in the USA and ofcourse if it is valid. WIthout these permissions, applicants cannot exit or enter the USA for whatsoever reasons, thus abiding by rules while holding the visa is must.
Yes, F-1 visa holders in the USA are allowed to work part-time on and off campus for 20 hours a week. While the students work part-time in the US, they also have to maintain their attendance and avoid exceeding the already set 20 hours a week for work. Exceptions can be made for US student visa holders if their universities are closed for holidays, they are permitted to work for up to 40 hours a week. This rule is only when there are official holidays going on or when the univeristies are closed for summer break.
No, SEVIS fee is an important aspect of the US student visa interview and applicants are required to pay the fee max to max three days prior to the student visa interview. The receipt of SEVIS and MRV fee are both important in order to qualify for the student visa application in the USA. Thus, if there is any missing document, the applicants may be required to submit them within a stipulated time period and they may be issued 221 (g) slip also. So, it is advised that applicants submit and keep all documents handy.
F-2 visa holders are basically dependents of F-1 visa holders in the USA, and there are certain rules that they have to abide by to avoid breaching the student visa. Some of the rules are as follows for F-2 visa holders:
- F-2 visa holders cannot enter the USA before or without the F-1 visa holder.
- The F-2 visa holders cannot work full-time or part-time while in the USA.
- No social security number can be allocated to F-2 visa holders.
- Also, no applicant can pursue a full time course at US universities or colleges on an F-2 visa.
There can be numerous reasons for US student visa rejections, some of them include incomplete documents - academic or financial, not enough financial aid to support education in the USA, suspicious characters who can pose threats to the US in future, those who are willing to stay in the US long term and have lttle intention of returning back, the English language proficiency is not up to the mark, there are relatives of the applicant residing on permanent visas in the USA, misleading information that doesn't match with the application and may others. The US consular is responsible to check if the applicant deems ft to study in the USA and not poses as a threat to the country.
In order to submit a student visa online for USA, applicants will have to first obtain their I-20 form from their universities from where they have got an acceptance letter from. Secondly, applicants will have to pay the SEVIS and MRV fee and once the fee is paid, they can schedule an interview at the nearest US consulate. All documents need to be in sync and all fee receipts have to be in place too when scheduling for a student visa application in the USA.
Yes, as per rule, US universities can grant offer letters to students one year prior to the commencement of their course in the USA. This step was taken to curb the piling of student visa applications in the US consulates. Students can apply for their student visas once they get their offer letters and I-20 forms. The payment of SEVIS fee is valid for a period of one year and applicants have to schedule their student visa interviews before the SEVIS fee tenure lapses. Once the interview slots are booked after paying all fees, applicants can schedule their interviews for student visa.
The duration of US student visa depends on the applicant's course duration, snce F-1 visa holders have a full-time course, their visas longer than six months of duration. Similarly based on the other visas, applicants' stay in USA will depend on their intent of stay and course or exchange programme duraton. Hence, it varies for all kinds of students visa holders in the USA.
After Arrival Steps in USA on Student Visa
Applicants who arrive for the first time in USA on a student visa will have to ensure the following pointers:
- Complete the U.S. government's Immigration Check-in, which you can do through MyISSS.
- They must contact their designated school official, as mentioned on their I-20 form.
-
Attend college orientation and pay the fee if required.
- Open bank accounts.
- Report to accommodation as shortlisted.
Rules While Staying in US on a Student Visa
International applicants who study in the USA on a student visa must ensure their student visas are in place. They must be valid as they will be required during immigration check-in, when entering the USA, while attending US universities, applying for a part-time job, and opening bank accounts. Applicants must adhere to the rules and regulations at all times. Avoid missing their classes, and try to maintain their attendance and performance. Avoid getting into clashes and not adhering to any rules. Non-adherence can lead to student visa rejection at any point in time, and applicants can be deported back to their countries. Also check out: How to Get USA PR After Studying on F1 Visa?
If you are looking at admission in the USA for upcoming intakes, you can sign up for free Shiksha Abroad Counselling to help you navigate the hurdles you face. Upon signing up, our team of counsellors shall call you back.
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All non-immigrant applicants who are applying for a student visa in the USA have to pay SEVIS fee. Also those,