USA Student Visa: IIE Survery recorded a surge in the number of international applications for USA universities, post the relaxation in travel restrictions. In 2022, Indian students planning to study in USA can choose from over 4000 USA universities. Though admissions there are highly competitive, USA student visa is still 3rd most applied visa throughout the world. Much like admissions, obtaining the US student visa is also difficult. The USA student visa acceptance rate in 2021 was only 85%. 

USA Student Visa Key Facts

• Prospective students can choose from three types of US student visa based on their travel intent and course type- F Visa, M Visa, and J Visa.
• The application fee for visa to study in USA is 160 USD (~11,900 INR).
• Applicants between the age of 14-79 need to attend US visa interview. Other applicants are considered as special cases.
• Aspiring students mandatorily need vaccination against covid 19 for entering the USA with a student visa. Travelers to USA also require a negative covid test certificate, obtained within 1-day prior to US visit.

US Student Visa Types

What are the types of US student visa? The US visa is categorized into various types according to the travel reasons, course duration and intakes in USA. The US student visa is further classified into 3 types, depending on the program type and course duration. The 3 types of visa to study in USA are F visa, M visa and J visa.

F Visa

The F visa is required for admission to full-time programs in the institutes in USA. F-1 visas are valid for up to 5 years for Indian students. International students with F-1 status can work part-time, on campus for less than 20 hours a week. The F visa can be classified into 3 subcategories, F-1, F-2 and F-3 visa. The following table portrays the types of F visa and their benefits:

M Visa

M visa is provided to the non-academic students pursuing vocational courses or training in USA. The maximum duration of stay in the USA with an M visa is 1 year. The 3 different types of M visa are tabulated below:

J Visa

The J visa is the US exchange visa and is provided to students enrolled in exchange visitor programs in USA. J visas can be classified into 2 types, J-1 and J-2.

US Student Visa Requirements

What are the eligibility criteria for US student visa? Indian students should prepare themselves with an array of documents before their US visa application and interview. The basic documents required for a US student visa are:

• Valid Passport for Travel to USA: A passport which is valid for 6 months beyond the period of stay in the USA.
• Nonimmigrant Visa Application: Confirmation page of form DS-160.
• Form I-20: Students must demonstrate form I-20, signed by themselves and school officials. The spouse and children of the applicant can also avail individual I-20 form.
• Application Fee Payment Receipt: For students who need to pay fees of 160 USD before the interview.
• SEVIS Fee: Students need to pay a Student & Exchange Visitor Information System fee (SEVIS Fee) along with the student visa application fee. SEVIS is an automated system used to keep track of the exchange visitors and students in USA.
• Photo: Applicants should upload their photo while filling the application form. In case of photo upload failure, applicants can bring their printed photo in the guided format.

Required Supporting Documents for US Student Visa

The additional documents required for US student visa application are:

• Academic Preparations: Transcripts, degrees, diplomas, or certificates from schools they have attended.
• Scores of standardized exams to study in USA.
• Proof of availability of sufficient funds to support education, living and travel expenses. Although there is no set amount, students should have at least 1.5 times the amount mentioned in form I-20.
• Proof of the applicant’s determination to leave the USA after completion of their program. This includes any one of the following: Copy of home title or rent agreement, signed proof of the financial stability of the parents and other family members in the home country, return tickets and related document.

Check: Application deadlines for universities in USA 2022-2023.

US Student Visa Application Process

The application process of US student visa involves several consecutive steps. The basic steps to apply for the visa are as follows:

• Step 1: Complete the online nonimmigrant visa application through form DS-160.
• Step 2: Upload your photo according to the required format.
• Step 3: Print the confirmation page of the application form and keep it for the interview.
• Step 4: Schedule an interview appointment at the nearest US Embassy or Consulate in your home country. Students can apply from a US Embassy or Consulate outside their country but in that case it will be tough to qualify for the visa.
• Step 5: Pay the non-refundable visa application fee of 160 USD (~11,900 INR).
• Step 6: Pay the one time SEVIS fee for an uninterrupted period of F1, M1 or J1 status.
• Step 7: Assemble the required documents for the visa interview.
• Step 8: Attend the visa interview, on confirmation of visa approval, visit to study in USA.

US Student Visa Fees

How much is US student visa fee? The universities in USA charge no additional fees for visa application. Students should consider the visa application fees within the estimated budget to study in USA. The following table provides the US visa application fees at various levels:

Note: The US visa fees have certain exceptions for government representatives, charitable services and a few other cases.

Also check: Scholarships for Indian students in USA

US Student Visa India

Can I get US student visa from India?

• India, the 2nd largest international students contributor in USA after China focuses mostly on the STEM courses in USA.
• The Department of States has instructed the US consular offices in India and other countries to waive the in-person interview until December 31, 2022 for certain categories.
• In the near future, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India are planning to release over 20,000 interview waiver appointments for the spring 2022 session.
• The new authorization is not applicable for students with a previous refusal that has not been waived off or overcome.

Vaccination Requirement for US Student Visa

• Foreign national air travellers to USA need to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
• Proof of vaccination is required prior to boarding any flight to USA from November 8, 2021 onwards.
• FDA approved or authorized and EUL (Emergency use listing) vaccines according to WHO.
• Covishield is accepted for entry into USA as it manifests an Emergency Use Listing from WHO.
• All the air passengers to USA must exhibit covid-19 negative certificate. The certificates should not be of tests taken prior to 1 day of travelling to USA.

US Student Visa Drop Box Appointments

• US Consular offices in India are considering a few drop box applications for renewal of USA student visa.
• Applicants can request for F, M, J, H, L, C1/ D, O, and I visas at the US visa application centers.
• Students can check their eligibility for drop box processing in the official website of the US Embassy and Consulates in India.

US Student Visa Interview Process

How can I pass US stuent visa interiew? Indian students need to demonstrate exceptional commitment towards obtaining the visa to study in USA in the interview session. The US visa interview is similar to a job interview to some extent. Following are some of the common questions asked in the US student visa interview.

• Why do you want to study in the USA?
• How many US institutes did you apply to?
• From which universities did you get an offer of place?
• Can you tell me some details about the organization and the program you have opted for?
• Have you been to the USA before?
• Do you have any relatives/acquaintances in the USA?
• Where are you planning on staying in the USA?
• What are you planning to do post completing your graduation?
• How are you financing your studies?
• How will you manage the cost of living in USA?
• Did you receive any scholarships?
• Are you planning to get back to your home country? When and Why?

Read More: USA F-1 Visa Interview Questions

US Student Visa Rejection Reasons

What are the common reasons for US student visa rejection? The US Embassy or Consulate at your home country might reject the USA student visa applications due to one of the following reasons:

• Inability to clearly mention the purpose of USA visit.
• Reflecting a hidden intention to stay and make post study plans in USA once the program is completed.
• Demonstration of false documents or lack of documents can lead to visa denial.
• Inability to demonstrate the availability of sufficient funds to finance your visit to the USA.
• The program or the university you have applied to is suspicious.
• You have close family members already staying in the USA can also be considered as a minor reason for you staying back in the country which can lead to the US visa rejection.
• Application for a wrong type of US visa is yet another reason for US visa denial.
• Past criminal records could be adverse while applying to US student visa.
• A lot of refusals and overstays on previous journeys can have a negative impact.
• Poor relationships between home countries and the USA also lead to denials. Fortunately, currently this is not the case in India.

Explore: High paying jobs for international students in USA

Avoid Rejection of US Student Visa

How to avoid US student visa rejection? A few tips to clear a US visa interview on the first go are here.

• Dress Properly: Your attire reflects your personality. Since it is a formal event, your choice of clothes should win half the battle.
• Carry all Documents: Cross check the required documents multiple times before leaving for the interview. Carry all the documents, supporting documents and essentials.
• Avoid Prohibited Items: Do not carry food, mobile phones or similar items that can ruin your impression.
• Provide Accurate Answers: Be precise with your answers instead of playing around. Try not to sound rehearsed, reflect honesty and confidence through your answers.
• Clarify Your Intent: State the exact reasons for choosing a particular university in USA and program.
• Demonstrate Your Commitment: Explain your reasons for studying in USA and future plans. Convince the interviewer that your purpose in the USA is genuine.
• Enhance English Fluency: As the interview will be conducted majorly in English, your proficiency in the language will be focused on by the interviewer. However, if you have applied for an English language course in USA, you can convey the same to the concerned person.
• React to Your Interviewer: While it is essential that you be yourself in the US visa interview, it is equally important to adapt to your interviewer’s perspective. If the person seems interested in your answers, then explain in detail. Otherwise stick to short and content answers.

Note: The US Embassy and Consulates appreciate punctuality. Always try to appear 20 minutes before the scheduled time, however, do not go hours before the interview.

US Embassy and Consulates in India

How to contact the US Embassy and Consulates in India? Following are the address and contact details of the US Embassy and Consulates in India:

1. U.S. Embassy New Delhi:
   Shantipath, Chanakyapuri New Delhi - 110021
   Phone: 011-91-11-2419-8000
   Fax: 011-91-11-2419-0017
2. U.S. Consulate General Chennai:
   Gemini Circle
   Chennai 600 006
   Phone: (91 44) 2857-4000
   (91 44) 2811-2000
   Fax: (91 44) 2811-2020
3. U.S. Consulate General Kolkata:
   5/1, Ho Chi Minh Sarani,
   Kolkata - 700 071, West Bengal, India.
   Tel: 91-(33)-6827-2400
   Fax: 91-(33)-2282-2335
4. U.S. Consulate General Hyderabad:
   Paigah Palace
   1-8-323, Chiran Fort Lane
   Begumpet, Secunderabad 500 003
   Phone: 040 4033 8300
   For Consular Services, please call: +91 120 4844644 and +91 22 62011000
   Callers from USA should direct their telephone inquiries to +1-703-520-2239.
5. U.S. Consulate General Mumbai:
   C-49, G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex
   Bandra East, Mumbai 400051
   Phone: (91-22) 2672-4000
6. U.S. Virtual Consulate Bengaluru:
   You may send your inquiry to support-india@ustraveldocs.com or call them at – 91-120-484-4644, 91-40-4625-8222 and 1-703-520-2239 ( for applicants dialing from the United States).

In a nutshell, the USA student visa application process may seem a little complex with limited travel ban policies; the rate of rejection has only gone higher in the past two years. However, the corona pandemic situation might work in the favor of the students acting as a blessing in disguise for many. Hence, if a student understands all the processes and requirements involved carefully, he/she will not face any hindrances and will successfully obtain a visa to study in the USA.