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Writer's pictureYashna Trust

Getting Your Student VISA to the U.S.


Congratulations! You made it to your dream U.S. University!

  • F1 or Student Visa is the most frequently used visa by those who wish to pursue higher studies in the United States

  • After finalizing on the U.S. institution you are going to study and receiving your I-20, apply for student visa by following these simple steps


STEP 1: START YOUR VISA APPLICATION

  • Create a user account at www.ustraveldocs.com

  • Select the region, country and start filling out your DS-160 application form. Each applicant is responsible for the information provided on the DS-160. Please complete the form accurately.

  • Pay your SEVIS fee online at www.fmjfee.com


STEP 2: PAY YOUR VISA APPLICATION FEES

  • Via Mobile Phone, or

  • National Electronic Fund Transfer (NEFT) or

  • In cash at DRUK, AXIS, CITI BANK branches


STEP 3: SCHEDULE 2 SEPARATE APPOINTMENTS ONLINE

  • One for a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate

  • Another for biometrics collection at a Visa Application Center (VAC) prior to the interview appointment date


STEP 4: DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR YOUR VAC VISIT

  • Current passport and any previous passport

  • DS-160 confirmation sheet

  • Appointment letter

  • For more information: http://goo.gl/1WWKgu


STEP 5: DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR YOUR VISA INTERVIEW AT THE CONSULATE

  • Current passport and any previous passport

  • DS-160 confirmation sheet

  • Appointment letter

  • I-20 Form

  • SEVIS payment receipt

  • Degree certificate and individual mark sheets

  • Other supporting documents that demonstrate your qualifications for the visa

  • For more information: http://goo.gl/Fj4ttj


IMPORTANT WEB LINKS FOR INFORMATION AND GUIDANCE

Bank and payment options: www.ustraveldocs.com/in/in-niv-paymentinfo.asp DS-160 Information: www.ustraveldocs.com/in/in-niv-ds160info.asp Appointment Wait Times: www.ustraveldocs.com/in/in-niv-waittimeinfo.asp Visa Wait Times: www.ustraveldocs.com/in/in-niv-visawaittimeinfo.asp Photos and Finger Prints:www.ustraveldocs.com/in/in-niv-photoinfo.asp Security Regulations: www.ustraveldocs.com/in/in-niv-securityinfo.asp For FAQs: www.ustraveldocs.com/in/in-gen-faq.asp#qlistfandm


  • Apply for F1 Student Visa within 120 days from the start date of I-20 and you can travel within 30 days from the start date of I-20

  • If you apply for student or exchange visitor visa (F-1/M-1/J-1), in most cases you must pay the SEVIS Fee (SEVIS I-901). Payment and inquiries are handled by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and administered by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). For information about the fee and the payment processes and options, visit the ICE website www.ice.gov.

  • If you have spouse or child traveling with you, they must apply for an F-2/M-2/J-2 visa. The dependents are not required to pay the SEVIS fee.

  • SEVIS stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. It is an internet-based system that maintains data on foreign students and exchange visitors as well as your dependents, before and during your stay in the U.S. It is a key part of Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) administered by ICE within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

  • Do not pay the SEVIS before you have the Form I-20 or DS-2019

  • Pay the SEVIS fee before the visa interview appointment

  • Do not leave the SEVIS fee payment to the last minute

  • Bring the SEVIS fee payment receipt to the visa interview

  • The SEVIS fee is non-refundable

  • Here is more information on the SEVIS or the SEVIS fee: www.ice.gov/sevis

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