Student Visa USA 2024: Types, Fees, Requirements, Process for Indian Students

Embarking on the journey to pursue higher education in the United States is an incredibly exciting step for many Indian students. It’s like standing at the threshold of a world full of possibilities, where academic excellence knows no bounds. The Student Visa USA program serves as a guiding light, illuminating the path towards realizing aspirations and celebrating achievements. In this guide crafted especially for Indian students in 2024, we’re here to accompany you through every twist and turn of the Student Visa process. From understanding the various types of visas to navigating through fees, requirements, and the intricate application process, we’re here to make your journey smoother and more manageable.

Types of Student Visas

There are three main types of student visas offered by the US government:

F-1 Student Visa: for study at an accredited U.S. college or university or to study English at an English language institute.

J-1 Exchange Visa: for participation in an exchange program, including high school and university study.

M-1 Student Visa: for non-academic or vocational study or training in the United States.

Your journey begins with applying to and gaining acceptance from a US educational institution accredited by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Upon acceptance, the institution’s international student office will furnish you with a Form I-20, serving as a tangible representation of your details within the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) database.

Student Visa Fee

The fee for a US student visa varies depending on the type of visa and may change over time, so it’s essential to verify the latest fee structure when submitting your application.

Currently, applicants from outside the US are typically required to pay a US$160 application visa fee. Additionally, there is a US$350 SEVIS fee for F and M visa applications, and a US$220 fee for most J Visa applications. This fee covers the expenses associated with the computer system used to document your stay in the United States through SEVIS.

Documents Required

When applying for your student visa to the US, you will typically need the following:

1. A valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the US, unless exempted by country-specific agreements.

2. Acceptance at a school approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and your Form I-20.

3. Payment of the application fee for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

4. Completion of the non-immigrant visa application and the confirmation page of Form DS-160.

5. If you are considering Optional Practical Training (OPT), along with the Form I-20, you must also apply to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

Additionally, you may be asked to provide the following supplementary documents:

- Academic records such as transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates.

- Proof of financial capability to cover your living expenses throughout your stay in the US, which may include:

Bank statements.

A financial commitment from a sponsor to support your accommodation and living costs.

Participation in a scholarship program.

- Evidence demonstrating your intention to depart the US upon completion of your course of study, which could be in the form of a booked return ticket to your home country.

Steps for F-1 Student Visa

Many aspiring students seeking education abroad often choose the F-1 Student Visa as their pathway. The process entails three key steps:

Step 1: SEVIS Fee and I-20 Form Acquisition

Upon payment of the SEVIS fee, your new school or college will provide you with an I-20 form. Complete the form accurately and bring it to your F-1 interview.

Step 2: Visa Fee Payment and Form Completion

Submit your visa fee at the designated bank or via NEFT and obtain the visa form. Complete the form diligently and bring it along for your interview.

Step 3: D-160 Form Submission

Thoroughly complete the D-160 form and submit the confirmation, along with the necessary documents, for your visa interview.

Step 4: Visa Interview

You will receive communication from the US embassy regarding the return of your stamped passport. You can schedule an interview with the visa officer 120 days before your program’s commencement.

*Note: Previous visa holders may qualify for a visa interview waiver.

Visa Slots

One of the important steps in this process involves scheduling an appointment at the US embassy using the barcode provided by the bank. Subsequently, you need to reserve a slot at the Visa Application Center (VAC) for a biometric scan, which entails the submission of your fingerprints, eye scan, and photograph at least one day before your interview.

Booking visa slots can often be a time-consuming and cumbersome process for students navigating the complexities of studying abroad. From coordinating embassy appointments to managing biometric scans and interview schedules, the journey towards securing a US student visa demands meticulous planning and attention to detail.

However, with KnowMySlots, students can now streamline their visa application journey effortlessly. KnowMySlots offers a suite of services designed to simplify appointment management, providing real-time alerts and notifications to keep applicants informed at every step of the process. By leveraging KnowMySlots, students can unlock their American dream with confidence, knowing that their visa journey is supported by seamless technology and expert assistance.

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We are glad we could help! With this handy guide and a sprinkle of determination, you’re well on your way to securing your US student visa and unlocking a world of academic possibilities. So pack your bags, grab your textbooks, and get ready to chase your American dream — the visa gateway is open! We at KnowMySlots are the OneStopDestination for all visa related services!

For more insights, strategies, and guidance, bookmark our blog, and join our community of global education enthusiasts. Together, let’s turn your international education dreams into reality!