USA Student Visa Guide for Indian Students (Updated 2026)

If you are planning to study in USA and want to know about the US student visa then check out this guide. Here we will everything related to student visa US for international applicants including fee, requirements, application process and other details.

According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), 337,630 students were enrolled in 2024 as compared to 268,923 students enrolled in higher education in 2023. The number of Indian students in the US increased by 34% in 2024, but due to visa policy changes, there has been a massive drop in admissions for 2025. As per IIE, there is a 17% drop in admits in USA in 2025. With stricter policies, it has become difficult to obtain a student visa to study in the US, especially for Indian students, even if their paperwork and applications are complete and they get appointment for 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 is for vocational education, specifically 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 provides a brief overview of the various types of visas available to international students. It outlines the detailed process of applying for the F1 Student Visa, which applies to students planning to pursue their bachelor’s or master's degree in the USA.

Latest Updates on US Student Visa 2026

Check out the latest updates and timeline for US student visa applicants in the section below: 

What is US Student Visa for Indian Students?

International students who wish to study in USA, have to obtain an official permission for temporary stay in USA termed 'US student visa'. The student visa in USA is basically a non-immigrant visa given to those students who fulfil the admission prerequisites and prove their financial stability to study and live in USA. Students who apply to US universities and colleges and get their I-20 forms are eligible to apply for the student visa in the USA.

Additionally, with recent changes in US student visa rules, international students are required to undergo social media vetting. They must refrain from displaying hostility towards the US or its government and people through their posts and reactions. Like every non-immigrant visa, US study visa also has a processing time which can vary per intake - Fall intake in USA or the Spring intake in USA. Thus, applicants must be prompt with their application filing as soon as they receive their enrollment confirmation and I-20 form in hand (unless they are deferring admission). 

Types of Visas in USA for Indian Students (F, J & M)

There are three types of student visas in the USA that 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

The most common long-duration visa in USA is the F1 visa. Here are more details about the non-immigrant F1 study visa in USA for international students:

• Students applying for a program that requires more than 18 hours of study per week require an F1 visa in the USA. This includes all undergraduate and graduate programs, like MS in the US or MBA in the USA, provided they are offered full-time.
• International students who are aiming to go for full-time study in a US university or college, high school, private elementary school, seminary or conservatory, language training institutions and vocational institutions can apply for an F1 visa in the USA once they are enrolled.
• Spouses or children accompanying F1 visa recipients will travel on an F-2 visa. Please note that spouses are not permitted to work, but they may accompany and/or apply for a visa to the U.S. to work or study.

2. US J1 Exchange Visitor Visa

There is only one exchange visitor visa in USA called the J1 visa, where international students come and study in USA through a designated sponsor. Get more details about the second type of student visa in USA or the J1 exchange visitor visa in USA below: 

• The J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa is for students, visiting scholars, or lecturers participating in an exchange program. For example, Fulbright scholars and many students on short-term study abroad programs from Indian universities will travel to the US on a J-1 visa.
• A J1 visa is usually sought by a working professional who goes to the United States on an exchange program, hence the name Exchange Visitor Visa. These may include a 10-month vocational training program, a research fellowship, or other opportunities. 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.

3. US M-1 Vocational / Non-Academic Student Visa

The third type of student visa in USA is the M1 visa. Check out about the M1 visa in USA below: 

• 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. 
• The M1 visa allows for a stay of up to the length of the course of study plus 30 days, with extensions possible for compelling educational or medical reasons.

Check: US Student Visa Processing Times

How to Apply for US Student Visa (F1 Visa) in 2026?

Applicants who get their I-20 forms which is more like an offer letter, can proceed with their student visa application. There are chronological steps involved before finally getting to student visa interview round at the US embassy. There steps to apply for an American Study Visa are as follows:

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 free of cost. Include your social profile details there and avoid deleting or altering information, comments or posts. 
3. Print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
4. Pay the US student visa fee through NEFT or authorised AXIS/Citi bank locations. Also, student visa fee can be paid via debit card, credit card or even UPI.
5. Schedule a biometric appointment (OFC appointment) followed by US student visa interview appointment.
6. For the Biometric appointment, you must appear in person to get your photograph clicked for the visa and get your fingerprints scanned.
7. During the Personal interview, the interviewer will ask you questions about your choice of college, finances, and your intention of returning. 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. 

Documents Required for US Student Visa Application

The US study visa process requires Indian applicants to carry a lot more documents than they would generally carry for a tourist visa, by comparison. You need the mandatory documents and supporting financial and academic records. Refer to this document checklist for US student visa application before attending the consulate for your visa interview.

• A valid passport
• 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 a parent or guardian)
• Pay/salary slips
• Financial Documents are required to show financial strength to support education in the USA.
• Students must have a minimum bank balance to apply for US student visa, which is between USD 10,000 and USD 24,000.

Additional Documentation Requirement for American Student Visa

Additonally, the US consulate may require some documents like:

• Transcripts, degree or diploma certificates of the schools or universities attended in the past.
• Also the standardised test scores may be requested. These are the scores which are submitted at US university for admissions:
  • Like ACT or SAT for UG admissions
  • Or GMAT or GRE for PG admissions
• The applicant's genuine intent to leave USA after completing education.
• A breakdown of costs or an analysis of how applicants will sustain in the USA. They can prove how they will pay for the tuition costs and how they will cover living expenses. 

Apart from this, students also need to show proof of readily available funds for the remainder of their educational tenure.

Evidence of Financial Resources Required for F1 Visa

The US study visa requirements also require applicants to submit evidence of the financial resources necessary for studying 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 a certified CA
• Scholarship letter (If the applicant has received it)
• The loan approval letter by the bank or the concerned authority

Sample Bank Letter for US Student Visa Application

Applicants may have to submit a bank statement or a sample bank letter stating that the applicant or the applicant's sponsor has enough finances in their accounts. Here is a sample bank letter which can be submitted along with the student visa US application:

NOTE: This is a sample for reference only; the letter format may vary by bank. DO NOT use this for actual document submission.

US Student Visa Fees in USA 2026

There are two-part fees associated with an F1 student visa for the USA. One is the application fee for student visa and the other is SEVIS fee for nonimmigrants who want to take a student visa in US for study. Check out how US student visa fee is bifurcated:

1. The SEVIS fee is currently USD 350, and US student visa fees in Indian rupees are approximately INR 32,688.
2. The Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee), currently USD 185, is equivalent to INR 17,278. This is also called as the non-petition based fee for non-immigrants.

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 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 the MRV receipt. Additionally, the SEVIS fee and the MRV fee are two separate fees required to complete the US student visa application from India. 

Checklist Before Scheduling USA Study Visa Interview

To qualify for a US student visa, the requirements must be fulfilled. Before applicants apply for their US student visa interview, they must check off the following essential requirements:

1. Get accepted at an SEVP-registered institution and get your I-20 form.

2. File your US study visa application.

3. Pay the SEVIS fee.

4. Pay the MRV fee.
5. Submit biometrics or attend OFC appointment

6. Complete the DS-160 visa application (free of cost)

7. Upload the image correctly on the DS-160

Photo Requirements for DS-160

The applicants have to necessarily upload their latest photo - passport size in the DS-160 form. There are certain requirements around it. For the photo uploading on the DS-160 form, applicants must note these requirements:

• Recent photo, taken within the last six months, showing current look.
• High-quality, coloured photos are accepted. No scanned or copied images should be used.
• The background must be white or off-white. Photos should be 2x2 inches, with head measuring between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches. Facing the camera directly with a neutral expression.
• Avoid wearing uniforms, hats, or head coverings unless for religious reasons, and in that case, your full face must still be visible. Eyeglasses are generally not allowed unless there is a medical exemption.

All of these requirements must be fulfilled before scheduling a student visa interview. These are essential and must not be missed before appearing for scheduled student visa interviews to study in USA.

Dependents of F1 Visa Holders

Spouses and children under the age of 21 who wish to accompany the applicant holding a student visa for the duration of their stay require F2 or M2 visas. A spouse on F2 status cannot enrol in a full course of study but can attend vocational or recreational classes, 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.

US Student Visa for Continuing Students

Applicants who are continuing students and require a student visa have two options. Either they can renew their visas or they can re-apply for a new SEVP recognised university for admission. More details for US student visa for continuing students is as follows:

• Getting the Visa: You can renew or get your visa whenever you need it, provided you are still enrolled in your school and your SEVIS record is active.
• Coming Back to the US: Unlike new students, you don't have to wait for a specific window. You can travel back to the US at any time before your classes begin.

Where to Apply for a US Student Visa in India?

The process of getting an F1 visa is completely online. There is a separate portal for SEVIS fee submission, MRV fee submission and DS-160 form submission. Below are the resources to fill out your forms –

• SEVIS I-901 Form: https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/index.html
• DS-160 Visa Application Form: https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/

For the Biometrics interview, applicants must schedule appointments for the following US embassies and visit them for biometric verification:

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 Consulate Addresses -

Once all steps are completed - SEVIS fee is paid, MRV is paid, DS-160 is completed and OFC appointment for biometrics is done, applicants can go on to the next step. 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:

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 out the Step-by-Step Guide US VISA Appointment in India before application submission.

TImeline for US Student Visa from India 2026

The interview itself lasts about 5 minutes. Once approved, most visas are processed and passports returned within 3–10 working days.

How Long Can You Stay on Student Visa in USA?

Based on the latest rules, the duration of stay of applicants has been changed in December 2025 with effect from January 1, 2026. Here is student visa type wise duration of stay along with the course type:

After Arrival Steps in USA on Student Visa

Once international applicants touch down in the US, they will have to keep their documents ready and ensure they follow all rules and regulaions. 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.
• Get Form I-94 which is electronically generated after you arrive at US airport. This is a legal document to track the student's travel in and out of the USA.   
• They must contact their designated school official, as mentioned on their I-20 form.

• Attend college orientation and pay the required fee. 

• Open student checking or savings bank accounts. Check out the Best Banks in USA for International Students
• Report to the accommodation as shortlisted.
• Have health insurance to study in the USA before or on arrival.

10 Rules To Adhere to While on a Student Visa in USA

While millions of international students study in USA, there are rules where they have to maintain their visa status and work within the stipulated timelines. Apart from these, there are some other rules which must be adhered to:

1. International applicants should note that they can file their US student visa applications 365 days before the start of their program. The students who get enrolled can easily get their applications processed and avoid delays. Check File US Student Visa Applications 365 Days Before Program Starts.
2. Even if the applicants have their student visa for USA processed before the time, they cannot enter the US 30 days before their program starts. So travel tickets to US must be booked accordingly. 
3. Students cannot hold multiple I-20s. Applicants can accept only one offer and not multiple offers. If found holding multiple offers, the student visa application will be rejected.
4. F-1 students generally cannot work off-campus during their first academic year. Still, they may be eligible for on-campus employment and certain types of off-campus work with the university's permission in their first year.
5. In case of need to work, applicants can secure employment on or off campus (even though off-campus employment is prohibited); they must notify their DSO to register their employment data, despite restrictions on employment in the first year for F1 or M1 visa holders. 
6. F-1 students must also comply with all regulations regarding enrollment, attendance, and other requirements to maintain their visa status to avoid SEVP revocations and deportation.
7. The spouses and children of students are not eligible for employment during their stay on the F2 Visa. They can, however, live and study in USA.
8. If applicants submitted the DS-160 before the social media vetting was announced, they will need to resubmit a new form by including their social media handles and other related details. 
9. Those on F1 student visa must leave USA within 60 days of their program completion. If they wish to extend their stay in the USA, they must submit a request to USCIS. 
10. International students are permitted to travel in and out of USA. They should have a valid passport and, if necessary, carry an I-20. 

If the student visa application is denied under 221(g) refusal or 214(b) student visa denial, applicants can review the reasons and reapply; however, the reason for rejection cannot be challenged. The SEVIS fee will be valid for one year only; therefore, applicants do not need to pay another fee. If applying after one year, applicants will need to resubmit the SEVIS and MRV fees. 

International applicants studying in USA on a student visa must ensure that their student visa is 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 may be deported back to their country of origin.

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