USA Study Visa Requirements for Indian Students in 2024

USA Student Visa Requirements: The USA continues to be 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 USA is the next important step to realizing your education abroad. Check out about USA study visa requirements and US student visa types in this article and how to apply. 

According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), 1,99,812 Indian students went to the USA for higher studies in 2022. The number of Indian students in the US increased by more than 19% in 2022 in comparison to the year 2021. So is it easy to get a study visa in the USA is one major query that 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 till the time their paperwork and applications are complete and they ace their interviews.

US study visa includes 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.

This US student visa guide examines briefly 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. 

Read: Indian Student Safety in US: Will Targeted Killings Affect Study Abroad Dreams?

Types of Student Visas in the USA

There are three types of USA study visas which apply to international students. The following are the different types of USA study visas and students can also check the corresponding US student visa requirements:

1. F1 Student Visa

• 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 programs as well as graduate programs like MS in the US or MBA in the USA.
• Spouses or children accompanying F-1 visa recipients will travel on an F-2 visa. Please note that spouses are not able to work but may accompany and/or apply for their own visa to the U.S. to work or study.

You may also want to read

• Interview Guide for F1 Student Visa for the USA 
• What is 221(g) under US Visa Refusals?  
• Top Reasons for 214(b) Visa Denial

2. 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. Whichever the case, the applicants would be notified of the same by the respective institutions. 
• Spouses or children accompanying J-1 Visa recipients will travel on a J-2 Visa. Please note that spouses are able to work when permission is obtained in advance.

Learn more about F1 Visa:

3. 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

Latest Updates on US Student Visa

November 29, 2023: The US Embassy and its consulates have approved over 140,000 student visas for Indian students between October 2022 and September 2023 based on a statement from US State Department released on  November 28, 2023.

June 30, 2023: US breaks the record for granting half a million visas to Indians in the summer of 2023, ahead of their target of one million by the end of this year. This is a result of the US Visa Interview Waiting Time Slashed by 50% for Indian Students. The interview slots are open for Indian students for July and August 2023. 

June 26, 2023: US Student Visa Interviews have been announced for this summer, applicants can book their visa interview slots starting from mid-July to mid-August this year. The official notification states that applicants can begin booking their appointments. 

April 28, 2023: US Embassy in India proposes to waive interviews for Indian students who have had a clearance previously on their applications. This applies only to those applicants whose visas have expired and who are applying within 48 months of expirations. Get more details here: US Visa Renewal Interviews Waived for Previously Cleared Applicants in 2023 

April 20, 2023: US Consul General (Mumbai) - Mike Hankey has announced to increase in student visa interviews by 30% for Indian students amidst a rise in applications, this Summer onwards. Overall this year it is expected that maximum applications will come from Indian students hence, to help cater to the rising applications Indian students will benefit from it. Check out for more details on: US Student Visa Interviews for Indians to Increase by 30% in the Summer of 2023

April 11, 2023: From May 30, 2023, the student visa fee in the USA is set to increase from USD 160 to USD 185. However, those students who applied for their student visas on or before October 1, 2022, will not be charged the new fee till September 30, 2023.

March 9, 2023: STEM F-1 student visa holders are eligible to apply for premium work permit processing if their Form I-765 is pending. This extension is possible only for OPT and STEM OPT extension-seeking students. More details are covered here - STEM F-1 Student Visa Holders Can Apply for Premium Work Permit Processing.

February 25, 2023: International students are now eligible to apply for their US student visas one year prior to their program commencement. This announcement has come in when the US consulates and embassies are overwhelmed with numerous student visa applications and it's taking their workforce up to 300 days to assess and approve an application. Get more details here - File Student Visa Applications in US 1 Year Before Program Commences.

February 21, 2023: Despite major Tech layoffs recently, the US universities are still positive about Indian students applying for admissions in 2023. Even though there may be fewer placements or internship opportunities across big Tech companies for those studying in the USA as international students.

Working on Student Visa in the USA

During the first year while studying, students cannot accept off-campus employment. They are not allowed to work more than 20 hours per week. During holidays and breaks, they may work up to 40 hours per week. The student can work for a commercial firm that provides services to the college, such as a bookstore or cafeteria. Students can check out the Top 10 Part-Time Jobs in USA.

Cost of Student Visa in the USA

There are two fees associated with for F1 student visa for the USA

1. SEVIS fee which is at present at $350, US student visa fees in Indian rupees is approximately INR 29,116.
2. Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee) which is at present $185 equals INR 15,390.

Here is the breakdown of different types of Student Visas in the USA and their corresponding fees:

*Spouses and dependents do not need to pay the SEVIS fee if they are going 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.

US Student Visa Requirements

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 along with supporting documents of financial and academic records. Make sure you 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 period of 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 TOEFL or IELTS as ELP proofs along with either ACT or SAT for UG admissions or GMAT or GRE for PG admissions.
• Financial Documents are required to show financial strength to support education in the USA.

For the USA study visa requirements, students need to show proof of the number of funds they need to cover the first year's total 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

• 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:

1. 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.
2. After paying the SEVIS fee and getting a receipt, you can apply for a DS-160 visa form. It is an online application form.
3. Print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
4. Pay the visa fee through NEFT or at authorized AXIS bank/Citi bank locations.
5. Schedule a Biometric appointment and Interview appointment.
6. For the Biometric appointment, you will be required to appear in person to get your photograph clicked for the visa and get your fingerprints scanned.
7. 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 with them 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 the starting date of your course of study. However, you will not be allowed to enter the United States on F1 status earlier than 30 days before your start date.

Dependents

Spouses and children under the age of 21 who wish to accompany the applicant in the US for the duration of his or her stay require F2 or M2 visas. A spouse on F2 status cannot enrol for a full course of study but can attend classes that are vocational or recreational 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 of study at a college or university.

The spouses and children of students cannot accept employment at any time during their stay period on the F2 Visa.

Additional Information

F1 visa holders are eligible for up to 12 months of OPT (optional practical training) on completion of graduation. 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 of study. 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 the completion of 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 –

• SEVIS I-901 Form
• DS-160 Visa Application Form

For the Biometrics interview, you need to visit –

1. Delhi -
   S - 1 American Plaza, (Hotel Eros Managed by Hilton), International Trade Tower
   Nehru Place, New Delhi – 110019
2. Mumbai -
   Trade Center, Ground Floor, G Block,
   Bandra Kurla Complex,
   Bandra East, Mumbai - 400051 
3. Chennai -
   No 3, Cenotaph Road,
   Teynampet, Chennai, Tamil Nadu – 600018
4. Hyderabad -
   1-8-384/385, Gowra Grand, S.P.Road,
   Begumpet, Secunderabad - 500003
5. Kolkata -
   Jasmine Tower, 31, Shakespeare Sarani (1st Floor)
   Kolkata – 700017

US Embassy and Consulates Addresses -

1. The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi
   Shanti Path, Chanakya Puri 110021
2. The U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai (Bombay)
   C-49, G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai 400051
3. The U.S. Consulate General in Chennai (Madras)
   220 Anna Salai, Gemini Circle, 600006
4. The U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata (Calcutta)
   5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, 700071
5. 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

Scholarships for studying in the USA

If you are a meritorious student you can also apply for various scholarships available at the institute/university you are applying to. There are various scholarships for studying in the USA. Scholarships are considered one of the best ways of financing your education. International students worry about managing funds while they are planning to pursue their studies abroad. Also, various universities/institutes offer scholarships to students. It can be need-based or merit-based. Experts also suggest students check for different types of scholarships available to them. Below are some of the most popular scholarships for students going to study in the USA:

• Global Study Awards
• TATA Scholarship:
• Central Sector Scheme of National Overseas Scholarship for SC etc. candidates