The F-1 Visa is the most common non-immigrant student visa for individuals pursuing academic studies in the United States. It is issued to students enrolled at a recognised US college, university, seminary, conservatory, high school, or language training programme. The visa allows students to stay in the USA for the full duration of their course and participate in limited on-campus employment opportunities. After completing their studies, F-1 visa holders also receive a 60-day grace period to prepare for departure, transfer institutions, or change visa status.
Indian students who have received an I-20 form from a SEVP-approved US institution
Enrolled full-time in an academic programme
Sufficient financial resources to support education and living expenses
Valid academic qualifications — 10+2 for UG, Bachelor's for PG
Intent to return to India after completing studies (unless transitioning to work visa)
English proficiency: IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent scores
You cannot apply for an F1 visa without first getting an admission letter. The school must be approved by SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program). Most US universities and colleges are already SEVP-approved.
Once accepted, the school sends you a document called Form I-20. This is your most important paper — it proves the US government knows you are going to study there. Keep it very safe. You need it at every step.
SEVIS is the US government's student tracking system. You pay $350 at fmjfee.com using your I-20's SEVIS ID number. Save the receipt — you will show it at the interview. This is separate from the visa fee.
This is the standard US visa fee paid to the embassy. Pay it at the authorised bank or portal for your country. Keep the receipt. Without this, you cannot book your interview slot.
Go to ceac.state.gov and fill out the visa application form. Answer questions about yourself, your school, your course, and your family. Upload your photo. At the end, print the barcode confirmation page.
Log in to the US Visa appointment website for your country, create a profile, and choose a date and time at the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. Book early — wait times can be 2 to 3 months in some cities like Mumbai or Delhi.
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your course start date. Renew it early if needed.
Your school-issued admission document. Make sure you have signed it in ink on page 1. This is the most important document at the interview.
Printed barcode page from your online form, plus a recent 2×2 inch colour photo with white background.
Proof that you paid the student tracking fee. Print it from fmjfee.com after payment.
Proof of your visa application fee payment. Required to enter the consulate.
Bank statements, scholarship letters, sponsor letters, or loan sanction letters showing you can cover tuition + living costs for at least the first year. This is very important — weak financial proof is the #1 reason for F1 rejection.
Mark sheets, degree certificates, test scores (GRE/GMAT/IELTS/TOEFL) — whatever your school requires to admit you.
Visit the VAC (separate from the embassy) to submit your fingerprints and photo. Takes 10–15 minutes. Do this before your consulate interview day.
The officer will ask — "Why this school?", "Why the US?", "Who is sponsoring you?", "What will you do after graduation?" Be confident, honest, and clear. Show you plan to return home after studies. Usually takes 3–5 minutes.
Most F1 visas are processed in 3–5 working days. Some cases go into "administrative processing" which can take 2–8 weeks. Track your status using your case number on the CEAC portal.
Passport is couriered back with your visa. Check the name, visa type (F-1), and expiry date carefully. Your visa may say "D/S" (Duration of Status) — that means you can stay as long as you are a full-time student.
You cannot enter the US more than 30 days before the program start date on your I-20. At the airport, a CBP officer will check your visa, I-20, and passport. They stamp your entry and generate your I-94 online.
Valid passport (6+ months validity)
DS-160 confirmation page
Visa interview appointment letter
I-20 form from the US institution
SEVIS fee payment receipt (I-901)
MRV fee payment receipt
Passport-size photographs
Academic transcripts and marksheets (10th, 12th, Bachelor's)
GRE/GMAT/SAT scores (as applicable)
English language test scores (IELTS/TOEFL)
Financial proof: bank statements (min. 1 year), FDs, scholarship letters
Sponsorship letter and sponsor's financial documents
Admission offer letter from US university
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Note : Additional documents may be requested based on profile assessment
Visa interviews are typically scheduled within 2–6 weeks of application. Total processing including interview and passport return: 3–8 weeks. For Fall intake (August start), Indian students are strongly advised to apply by April–May.
| Applicant Type | Fees |
|---|---|
SEVIS Fee (I-901) |
$350 |
MRV Visa Application Fee |
$185 |
Total (Approximate) |
$535 (approx. INR 44,500) |
Note : Fees are subject to change as per government updates.
Yes, up to 20 hours/week on campus during studies. Off-campus work requires authorization through CPT or OPT.
