What forms do I need? How soon in advance can I apply for my visa? Are there any steps I need to take once I am in the United States? Refer to this frequently asked questions guide as you are getting ready to apply for your student visa.
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avigating the student visa process can be a challenging and stressful process for international students. Below are frequently asked questions (FAQs) to provide students the information they need to start their journey to the United States on time. How do I start the process to obtain a student visa? Your first step is to apply to a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school in the United States. Use the school search tool to find SEVP-certified schools and programs that are eligible to enroll F-1 and M1 students. For more information about the types of programs that are available to you, please visit the EducationUSA website. What is an I-220? Once you are accepted into an SEVPcertified school, your school’s designated school official will send you a document called the Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.” The Form I-20 is a paper record of your information in our Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) database. Each school that accepts you will mail you a Form I-20. What is SEVIS? SEVIS is a web-based system for maintaining information on nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors during their course of study in the United States. How do I pay my I-9901 SEVIS Fee? How much is the fee? After receiving your Form I-20, you must pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee. SEVIS fees vary by program but most students will need to pay $350 for an F-1 and $220 for a J-1. Federal regulations require all F, M and J
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Getting a Student Visa to Study in the U.S. Text courtesy the Consular Team, U.S. Embassy New Delhi
students pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee before applying for their U.S. student visa. You can pay your I-901 SEVIS Fee online at FMJfee.com or by using Western Union Quick Pay. You must present the receipt as proof of payment when you apply for a visa. It’s important that the SEVIS ID number on your I-901 SEVIS Fee receipt matches your SEVIS ID number on your Form I-20. If it does not, or you encounter other issues paying your fee, please contact SEVP. How far in advance of my program start date can I apply for my student visa? A student visa may be issued up to 120 days prior to the program start date listed on your I-20 form. When will more student visa appointments be opened? The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India interviewed a record number of students during the 2021-2022 winter student season and we are continuing to interview smaller numbers of students through the spring. The majority of student visa appointments for fall 2022 admissions will be opened later in the spring and summer as students begin to receive their I-20s. Please plan to schedule your appointment after you have received your I-20. How can I request an expedited appointment in order to travel in time for my program start date? You'll first need to book an in-person appointment. Once you have a confirmed inperson appointment you can request an expedited appointment through our online appointment system at www.ustraveldocs. com/in/en/expedited-appointment. If your expedited appointment request is
approved, you will be notified with instructions via email. You should not cancel your existing appointment unless you receive a confirmation that your request for an expedited appointment has been approved. If you have not yet received an approval or denial, your request is still under consideration. What should I bring to my student visa interview appointment? It is important that you bring the following forms with you during your interview appointment: DS-1160: the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application barcode page. Form 1-220: Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status-For Academic and Language Students (Form I-20), or Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status for Vocational Students (Form I-20). Your school will send you a Form I-20 once they have entered your information in the SEVIS database. You and your school official must sign the Form I-20. All students must be registered in the SEVIS. Your spouse and/or minor children will each receive an individual Form I-20 if they intend to live in the United States with you. Photo: You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, you must bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements. Passport: You must bring a passport valid for travel to the United States. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements).
