F1 visa is an academic visa for international students entering the United States for a full-time program. It is a non-immigrant USA student visa. This includes all programs which lead up to a degree, diploma, or certificate. Getting an F1 visa is not easy, despite the fact that it is a student visa. The F1 student visa approval rate is around 80% in 2022. You can apply for it only after confirmation of admission from any accredited US colleges. Application process begins only 120 days before the commencement of the program. For an Indian student, an F1 visa application fees INR 29,000 (USD 510).

As an F1 student visa holder, you can stay and work part-time jobs in USA for the duration of the coursework. Post graduation, STEM degree graduates will be eligible for a work permit under OPT (Optional Practical Training). With this permit, students can stay in USA for 12 months and gain professional experience.

Latest F1 Visa Updates:

• September 29, 2022: F1 visa slots for appointments for Spring 2023 will release in two main batches. Slots for the first batch will released in late October 2022. Slots for second batch will release in mid-November.
• September 29, 2022: The USA visa appointment application fee, also known as MRV fee, will be valid for 365 days from the day of payment on the receipt. The appointment should scheduled within 365 days, but can interview date can be of later timeline.
• September 16, 2022: United States issued the highest number of US student visas to Indian students, a record number of 82,000.
• August 29, 2022: New F1visa rules state that students whose visa applications are already rejected in 2022, will not get another interview slot this year.

F1 Visa Requirements

You can enter USA on F1visa, if you meet the following criteria:

• Full-time Enrollment: Enrolled in a full-time program at a recognized and accredited university.
• Choice of Program: Enrolled in an academic program, a vocation program or a language-training program.
• Institution: Previous school is approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program (SEVP), Immigration & Customs Enforcement.
• English Language Proficiency: Satisfactory TOEFL score to indicate proficiency in English or enrolled in a language proficiency course.
• Sufficient Bank Balance: Sufficient funds to support self for the entire duration of the program.
• Home-country Residency: Proof of permanent residence in home country/abroad, indicating you have no indication of settling in USA.
• Valid Passport: Candidates must have a passport valid for travelling to the USA for at least 6 months beyond their period of stay in USA.

F1 Student Visa Fees

The overall cost for an F1 student visa is USD 510 (≈INR 42,400). This includes the F1 Visa application cost of USD 160 (≈INR 13,300). Additionally, the cost for an F1 visa includes Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fees and maintenance fees.
Note: Candidates should make sure to save I-901 SEVIS fees receipt for the interview.

F1 Student Visa Process

Stage 1: F1 Visa Application Form

The steps to apply for F1 student visa from India are as follows:

1. Get Form I-20* from your university in USA that includes your SEVIS ID as well.
2. Pay the SEVIS fee of USD 350 (≈INR 29,100)
3. Complete the DS-160 visa form online
4. Upload your passport size photo
5. Submit the form and print out the application confirmation page
6. Schedule an interview appointment at the nearest US embassy or consulate
7. Appear for F1 visa interview

*whenever your Form I-20 is issued, the following information is recorded in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS):

• Your SEVIS ID number
• Your intended program of study
• Your program start and end dates
• Cost of attendance at your school of choice
• Your funding sources- scholarships, sponsorships, etc
• Other personal information

Stage 2: F1 Visa Interview

F-1 Visa applicants generally need to appear in an interview with certain exceptions as well. However, consular officers might need an interview of any visa applicant. The following table represents the F1 visa interview requirements:

Checkout: F1 USA Student Visa Questions

F1 USA student Visa Consulates in India

• Delhi:

U.S. Embassy, New Delhi,
Shantipath, Chanakyapuri,
New Delhi – 110021

• Chennai:

U.S. Consulate General, Chennai,
Gemini Circle, No. 220 Anna Salai,
Chennai – 600006

• Mumbai:

U.S. Consulate General, Mumbai,
C-49, G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex,
Bandra East, Mumbai - 400051

• Kolkata:

U.S. Consulate General, Kolkata,
5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani,
Kolkata – 700071

• Hyderabad:

U.S. Consulate General, Hyderabad,
Paigah Palace, 1-8-323,
Chiran Fort Lane, Begumpet,
Secunderabad- 500003,
Andhra Pradesh

F1 Visa Processing Time

For new F1 visa applicants, the visa processing time is 120 days. However, due to the backlog of applications the USA student visa processing time is currently over 400 days. The wait time for F1 student visa in USA embassies across India are tabulated below:

Latest Updates: USA opens 100,000 interview appointment slots

F1 Visa Approval Rate

According to the latest data, the US State Department has issued over 5 lakh student visas till August 2022. The F-1 student visa numbers for last 5 years are showcased below:

Maintaining F1 Student Visa Status

After arriving in the United States on an F1 study visa, you must adhere to the university regulations and the code of conduct set in the visa requirements.

• Ensure you enter the US no more than 30 days before the start date of your course.
• On arrival, contact your Designated School Official (DSO)
• After arriving at the university, contact your DSO again. This should be done before the course start date mentioned in your I-20.
• If you need extension to complete the course, speak with your DSO and discuss the matter.
• Ensure that you are enrolling for full-time study at the beginning of the semester.
• If you are dropping or changing any classes, make sure you inform your DSO.

Working on F1 Student Visa

F1 student visa holders can work in USA, under following conditions:

• You are working part-time during the academic session.
• You have taken approval from the university for taking off-campus jobs.
• You are working a maximum of 20 hours per week.

During academic breaks, you can take up a full-time job after confirmation from the university. When searching for work while studying, you must connect with your DSO beforehand.
Also Check: Part-time job opportunities in USA

F1 Visa Validity

When you get F1 student visa approval after an interview, the stamp indicates the validity for 5 years, but it is valid for the duration of the course. Students on F1 USA visas are expected to maintain their student status for the course of study, as indicated in the Form I-20 and university offer letter. Post completion, F1 student visa holders are allowed to stay in USA for upto 60 days (2 months).

The STEM graduates in USA have an opportunity to apply for a post study USA visa, under Optional Practical Training (OPT). The permit will allow international graduates to work in USA for 12 months in a related field of study. STEM graduates can request for visa extension for up to 2 years.
Explore STEM Courses in USA

F1 Visa Rejections

There are chances of your F1 student visa application getting rejected. To avoid it, ensure that you read and follow the instructions carefully. Oftenly, students get F1 student visa denials because of their interview. So, prepare well for your F1 student visa interview.

Most common reasons for USA student visa rejections are:

1. Documents submitted by the candidates were incomplete or incorrect.
2. Candidate did not satisfy the minimum language score requirement or had poor communication skills
3. Candidate wasn’t able to convince the US consulate of his/her return to home country, after completion of course.
4. Candidate misbehaved with the panelists during the interview.
5. Candidate failed to justify his/her intention of studying in USA/university/program.

F1 Visa Status Change

If you change your plan while being in the USA (for example, you receive a job offer in the USA or marry a U.S. citizen), you will be eligible to request a change in the nonimmigrant status. The category of the US student visa can be changed to another category through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). While being in the USA, the applicant will not require a new visa after receiving a change in the visa status. However, once leaving USA, the candidate will have to apply for a new visa in the appropriate category from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.