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What are USA Study Visa Requirements for Indian Students?

The approval rate for US study visa has decreased to 63.74%. Thus, knowing and meeting all the USA study visa requirements is vital for your application to stand out. Hence, this blog will come as a handy guide for the same!

US study visa requirements | Gradding.com

Table of Contents

What Are the Requirements for US Student Visa?

As noted before, knowing the USA study visa requirements is important. Here are the eligibility criteria to apply for a US student visa:

  1. You must have an offer letter from a recognized university in the US.
  2. You must be able to prove that you have enough funds to afford study in USA while staying there.
  3. You must demonstrate acceptable language proficiency skills

However, these are only applicable for studying in USA. For work permits, there are different rules and regulations. With a student visa, you can only work off campus after getting permission from the USCIS. Under this visa, you cannot apply for a US green card.

Also Read: Interview Guide for F1 Visa

Additionally, you are required to submit paperwork for the same. There are some documents you would need to apply for a visa to study in USA. You can find a list of them in the next section:

List of Documents Required for US Study Visa

In a USA study visa process, you will require the following documents:

  1. A valid passport
  2. Admission to an SEVP-approved college
  3. Form I-20, which proves that you have joined a full-time study program in the US.
  4. A proof of payment of the SEVIS fee for the F1 visa, which is 350 USD (29,776 INR)
  5. Ds-160 confirmation page and non-immigrant visa application.
  6. Your passport sized photographs.
  7. Academic Records and other certificates (if any).
  8. English language proficiency test proofs.
  9. Financial documents and funding proof.
  10. Proof that you will return to your country after completing the course.

These are the documents required to apply for a US student visa. Additionally, you will also require an MRV fee receipt for the same. No matter in which city you reside, you can seek assistance for this entire process. You can approach overseas education consultants in Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, Kerala.

Now, let us learn how to use these documents during the application process. The next section will tell you how to apply for a US student visa.

Also Read: A complete guide on Germany Visa

Need Help in US Student Visa Documentation?

How to Apply for USA Student Visa?

The process for a US student visa can be hectic if not understood step by step. So, here is the process of USA study visa that you must follow step by step:

  1. Firstly, you must have a Form I-20
  2. Pay a fee of 350 USD as I-901 SEVIS fee
  3. Finish the D-160 visa application online
  4. Pay the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fees of 185 USD.
  5. Prepare all the documents for the interview
  6. Appear for the interview and stay updated on the results.

This was the step by step application process. The US study visa processing time for Indian students is between 8 to 13 weeks from the day of application. After the processing only their interview will be scheduled. Thus, they are advised by study abroad consultants to apply 3 months before the course start date.

These were the requirements for USA study visa and the application process to apply for a US student visa. Now, let us know how much it will cost you to get a US study visa as an Indian student in the section below.

Also Read: What is MRV fee receipt?

Cost of USA Study Visa

On some steps of the visa process to Study in USA you have to pay a certain amount. Here is a list of the cost of USA study visa for Indian students:

Form / Facility

Fees in USD and INR

Non immigrant visa (non petition based)

185 USD

15,731 INR

Petition based visa

205 USD

17,431 INR

SEVIS Fee for F and M visa applicants

350 USD

29,760 INR

SEVIS Fee for J visa

220 USD

18,706 INR

This was the USA study visa fees for Indian scholars. These figures are latest by 2024. However, do cross verify from the official website US immigration department. They mostly show the updated and correct data.

For instance, since 2022, there has been a 35% increase in the number of international students in the US. However, there has been a 38% decrease in the US visas issued to Indian students in the first nine months of 2024.

Thus, you must make sure that your application survives the competition.

Get Free Assistance on US Student Visa Application!

Conclusion

To sum up, the US study visa requirements are tough to meet. However, it is not impossible and definitely your cup of tea! It starts with selecting the appropriate course and college that matches your previous academic and/or work experience. For this, you can use some free online tools like College Predictor and Course Finder. Also, a correct choice will help you align your course choice with your future goals in your SOP. Moreover, you can also approach good study abroad agents to assist in your application.

The good news is that; you are only a call away from your free consultation with our expert! Get in touch today to explore the best suitable options for your abroad education.

Frequently Asked Questions FAQs

Q1. How Much Bank Balance Is Required for a US Student Visa?

The US government has not declared a specific amount required as bank balance. However, it is recommended for students to have at least 18,000 USD (15,33,000 INR) in their account. This will prove that you can fund your education and stay in the US for a year.

Q2. What Are the Types of US Student Visa?

There are three types of US student visas. They are:

  • F1 Visa- This is for international students who wish to enter in US to study in an SEVP certified institute.
  • J1 Visa- This is for students who wish to enter the USA in specific educational exchange programs.
  • M1 Visa- This is for those who wish to enter the USA to get involved in vocational and non-academic studies.

Q3. Can I Get a Refund If My Visa Application Gets Rejected?

The USA study visa fees is non-refundable regardless of if it gets shortlisted or not. Thus, even if you withdraw your visa application, you cannot get the money back.

Q4. What Happens If My Visa Gets Lost?

If your visa gets lost or stolen, it is vital to first file a police report. If you are in India during this theft or loss, you must go to the local police. You must apply to get your visa’s replacement in person at a US embassy.

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