Student visaUSA student visa
There is no e-visa or visa-on-arrival here — a US student visa is a physical sticker a consular officer places in your passport at a US Embassy or Consulate. If you are heading into a degree, a language course or high school, that is the F-1. Vocational and other non-academic training runs on the M-1. Either way it begins the same way: an offer from a school certified under the US Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), which enters you into SEVIS and issues your Form I-20.
From there the sequence is fixed. Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee (USD 350) and the USD 185 visa application (MRV) fee, complete the DS-160 online, then attend two appointments in India — biometrics at a Visa Application Center, and the interview itself at the US Embassy in New Delhi or a Consulate in Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad or Kolkata. For Indian nationals the F-1/M-1 is issued for up to 60 months with multiple entries. One rule catches people out: you may enter the US no more than 30 days before the program start date on your I-20.
Who this visa is for
- ✓Admitted to a full-time program at a US school certified by SEVP — F-1 for academic study, M-1 for vocational or non-academic study.
- ✓Issued Form I-20 by that school and registered in SEVIS.
- ✓Able to prove funds to cover at least the first academic year of tuition and living costs.
- ✓Meet the academic and English-language requirements of your program (e.g. TOEFL/IELTS where required).
- ✓Can demonstrate nonimmigrant intent — genuine ties to India and plans to depart after studies.
Visa options for USA
F-1 Academic Student
For full-time academic study — university, college, high school, seminary, conservatory or a language-training program at an SEVP-approved institution. India reciprocity: 60 months, multiple entry.
M-1 Vocational Student
For vocational or other recognised non-academic programs (excluding language training) at an SEVP-approved institution. India reciprocity: 60 months, multiple entry.
J-1 Exchange Visitor
For approved exchange programs — study, research, training or teaching. Issued on Form DS-2019 instead of Form I-20.
Documents typically required
- ✓Passport valid at least six months beyond your intended stay, plus any old passports.
- ✓Form I-20 signed by you and your school's Designated School Official (F-1/M-1); Form DS-2019 for J-1.
- ✓DS-160 confirmation page with barcode.
- ✓I-901 SEVIS fee payment receipt.
- ✓MRV visa application fee receipt and visa appointment confirmation.
- ✓Recent passport-size photograph meeting US specifications.
- ✓Academic records — Class 10 and 12 marksheets, degree/diploma certificates and transcripts.
- ✓Standardized test scores where required (TOEFL/IELTS; GRE/GMAT/SAT as applicable).
- ✓Proof of funds for at least the first year — bank statements, education-loan sanction letter, and sponsor/affidavit documents.
- ✓Evidence of ties to India and intent to return after studies.
Your exact checklist depends on your profile — we confirm it during your case analysis. Every visa decision rests with the embassy or consulate.
Since 18 June 2025, F, M and J visa applicants must list every social-media handle used in the last five years on the DS-160 and set those accounts to 'public' for vetting. Indian applicants book two appointments through the official US visa scheduling portal — biometrics at a Visa Application Center and the interview at the Embassy in New Delhi or a Consulate in Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad or Kolkata.
Frequently asked questions
Do you guarantee the visa?
No. The decision rests solely with the US consular officer at the Embassy or Consulate, and no consultant can promise an outcome. What we can do is tell you honestly where your profile stands, then build the strongest case possible — an accurate DS-160, complete documentation and thorough interview preparation. Over the last 2-3 years our applicants have a 97% success rate.
Do I have to attend the interview in person?
Yes. An interview is generally required for F-1 and M-1 applicants, with only limited exceptions. In India it means two visits: biometrics — fingerprints and photo — at a Visa Application Center, and the visa interview at the US Embassy in New Delhi or a Consulate in Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad or Kolkata.
How early can I apply, and when can I enter the US?
Your F-1/M-1 visa can be issued up to 365 days before your program start date, so apply as soon as your I-20 allows. Entering the country is a separate matter: you cannot arrive more than 30 days before the start date shown on your Form I-20.
Is there a visa-on-arrival or e-visa for studying in the US?
No. The US offers neither to Indian students. Every applicant must obtain a sticker visa through a US Embassy or Consulate before travelling.
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