Study In USA

How to Apply for a USA Student VISA

If you are an Indian student wishing to study in USA, you may require a student VISA. Applying for a student VISA is a long and tedious process, which may last 4-6 months before your course starts. The following are the stages of applying for a student VISA.

Check if the school or university you wish to join is approved under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
Next, apply to the SEVP-approved institution at least 6 to 12 months before the course starts.
Once you receive an admit and finalize the university, you will receive a I20 form. This form is important to apply for a student VISA.
Pay the SEVIS fee online 4-5 days prior the USA VISA application. You can check the information through the USA Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE) SEVP official website.
Fill the CGI Federal form and book an appointment at the embassy.
Pay the MRV fee or VISA application fee.
Schedule and attend the VISA interview. Check the consulate or embassy website to check all documents to be carried to the interview.

Types of Student VISA to Study in USA for Indian Students

There are three types of student visas to study in USA for Indian students. They are:

F Student VISA

This VISA is essential for students seeking admission to accredited USA colleges or universities.

F-1 VISA: This is required for full-time students.

F-2 VISA: This is required for dependents of F-1 VISA, including their spouses and unmarried children below 21 years.

F-3 VISA: This is required for students living in Canada and Mexico who may be staying in their home countries, while pursuing their full-time or part-time program in the USA.

J Exchange VISA

This VISA is for students participating in educational exchange programs. During this program, the student may remain enrolled in their university, college, or school, while attending a study program in any accredited USA study institution.

J-1 VISA: This VISA is for exchange students attending a particular exchange program.

J-2 VISA: This VISA is offered to dependents of J-1 VISA holders.

M Student VISA

This VISA is for students applying for non-academic, vocational training in the country.

M1 VISA: This VISA is for students wishing to pursue non-academic or vocational studies in the USA.

M2 VISA: This VISA is for the dependents of M-1 VISA holders.

M3 VISA: It is awarded to students living in Mexico and Canada who may be pursuing non-academic or vocational studies in USA universities.

Important Documents to be Carried During the Student VISA Interview

Note: The above given is only a partial list of important documents, you must check the Embassy or Consulate website for more details.

Post Study Work VISA

Students with F-1 VISA who have completed a bachelor’s or master’s program can apply for 12-month stay extension for Optional Practical Training (OPT).
Students pursuing STEM courses can extend the VISA for additional 24 months via STEM OPT extension.
Students on M-1 or J-1 VISA can apply for a work VISA within a month of their course completion.