Foreign students are encouraged to pursue undergraduate, Ph.D., and post-graduate studies through USA education programmes. Academic excellence standards offer students with a broad variety of knowledge, adaptability, and experience. Indian students who desire to study in the United States have a great chance of finding the ideal education programme that will allow them to maximise their potential while also contributing to the advancement of the human race in every manner conceivable. This article outlines the USA Study Visa requirements as of 2023 in all aspects to help applicants prepare to go through the procedure with relative ease and confidence.
US Student Visa Options Available for Indian Students
F1 Student Visa
Students seeking a programme that requires more than 18 hours of study per week in the United States must get an F1 visa. This includes all undergraduate programmes as well as graduate programmes such as MS or MBA in the United States. Spouses and children of F-1 visa holders will travel on an F-2 visa. Please keep in mind that spouses are not permitted to work but may accompany and/or seek their visa to the United States to work or study.
J Student Visa
The J visa category is for international exchange travelers who participate in cultural exchange programmes in the United States. It has a J-2 visa type, but not a J-3 visa, like the F and M categories. The J-1 visa is intended for participants in employment and study-based exchange programmes.
M-1 Vocational / Non-Academic Student Visa
The M1 visa is a sort of student visa that is only available to students attending vocational and technical schools. While the application process for the F1 visa and the M-1 visa is similar, the M1 visas are time-stamped upon entry and students cannot overstay their visit.
EB-5 Visa
The EB-5 Visa is an immigrant visa that allows overseas investors to get a green card after obtaining conditional permanent residency. The EB-5 Visa investor then applies for unrestricted permanent residence status and, eventually, US citizenship. The EB-5 Visa applicant must invest in the United States to create at least ten full-time jobs for American citizens. This investment might be made directly or indirectly through a regional centre. The investor’s spouse and children are eligible to apply for the EB-5 Visa.
How to Apply for a Student Visa in the United States?
Your university/college will provide you with the I-20 form.
Before beginning your USA student visa application, you must pay the SEVIS cost.
Obtain the SEVIS fee receipt and complete the DS-160 visa form.
You must pay the visa application fee.
Make a biometrics and US visa interview appointment.
US Student Visa Interview
The US student visa interview is the final step in the US visa application process for Indian students. A favorable interview result can help you obtain a student visa as soon as your interview is over! The US student visa interview, which normally lasts 4-5 minutes, is not the longest portion of the entire USA student visa process from India. You must bring all of your US study visa interview documentation, neatly classified in a file, to your interview.
Documents Required for Student Visa
- Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the end of your academic programme.
- Form I-20 from a (SEVP)-approved institution, the DS-160 form (Non-immigrant Visa Application), and the most recent 2 x 2 photograph Receipt for application fee payment
- You may also be required to present Your academic achievements
- You intend to leave the United States once your studies are completed.
- A bank statement and financial commitment from your parents/sponsor
- Proof of English proficiency, which you can demonstrate by displaying your IELTS certificate.