How to apply for US student visa, what documents will be required? Understand the whole process

US Student Visa Application Process: Studying in America is the dream of many Indians. Every year thousands of Indians apply for admission in American universities. World class education and ample job opportunities attract Indians to study in America. However, the process of obtaining a US visa can be quite lengthy and tiring. Guidance is required to complete the visa application process.
If anyone wants to apply for a visa without any hassle, then he/she or she should be well aware of all the steps. In such a situation, let us know step-by-step how to apply for America student visa.

(1.) What type of visa is required?

Three types of student visas are given in America. The first one in this is F-1 Visa, which is available for studying in American universities. The second is J-1 Visa, which is for the exchange program. The third is the M-1 Visa visa, which is for vocational and non-academic training programs. Generally, Indians going to study in America apply for F-1 Visa. Before applying, you should also know what type of visa is required.

(2.) Obtaining acceptance letter from SEVP recognized institute

Before you can apply for a visa, you must have an admission acceptance letter from a US institution that is approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program (SEVP). After granting the Admission Acceptance Letter, the university issues the I-20 form, which is required to apply for the visa. You can get this form from the university.

(3.) Paying SEVIS fees

It is mandatory to pay the ‘Student and Exchange Visitors Information System’ (SEVIS) fee as it shows that you have taken admission in the course. The SEVIS fee for F-1 students is $350. Keep the payment receipt safe as it is required during visa application and interview.

(4.) Complete the DS-160 form

The next step is to fill out the DS-160 form. This is an online non-immigrant visa application form. This requires your personal, educational and travel related information. After submitting the form, print the DS-160 confirmation page with the barcode that is needed for the interview.

(5.) Schedule a Visa Appointment

You will need to schedule two separate appointments. The first is a biometric appointment, which will have to be taken at the Visa Application Center (VAC) and the second is a visa interview at the US Embassy or Consulate. At your biometrics appointment, your fingerprints and photograph will be taken. At the visa interview a consular officer will determine your eligibility for a visa.

(6.) Pay the visa application fees

The application fee for an F-1 visa is $185. This payment can be made online or at the designated bank location. Keep the payment receipt as you will need it for your appointment.

(7.) Go for a biometric appointment

On the day of your biometric appointment, go to the designated VAC with your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, and appointment confirmation letter. All your important details will be taken here.

(8.) Prepare for the visa interview

Visa interview is the most important stage to get a student visa. Be prepared to answer all the questions asked by the visa officer, like what are your plans for the future, will you return to your country after studies. On the day of your visa interview, you will need to bring your passport, I-20 form, DS-160 confirmation page, receipt for SEVIS payment, visa appointment confirmation, academic transcripts and test scores, and financial proof (bank statement, sponsorship letter, etc.).

(9.) Give visa interview

Go to the visa interview professionally prepared and arrive on time. Be confident, honest and concise in your answers. The consular officer can inform you of the decision immediately.

(10.) Get a visa

If your visa interview goes well and you answer all the questions correctly, then you will get the visa. The embassy will send your passport with visa stamp to your chosen pickup location. Processing times may vary, so plan accordingly.