What is a US F1 Visa?

If you’re unsure

, this step-by-step guide will walk you through the entire process—from securing your I-20 to acing the visa interview.

Who Needs an F1 Visa?

You need to apply for an F1 visa from India if you:

• Have an offer from a SEVP-approved U.S. school or university

• Plan to pursue full-time academic studies

• Intend to return to India after completing your course

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a US F1 Visa from India

Step 1: Get Admission & I-20 Form

Before applying for a visa, you must:

1. Apply to U.S. universities and receive an admission offer.

2. The institution will issue you a Form I-20, which confirms your enrollment and contains your SEVIS ID.

🔑 Keyword Tip: Include “Form I-20 for US student visa” in your FAQs for SEO value.

Step 2: Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee

You must pay the SEVIS fee of $350 online using your SEVIS ID.

• Visit: fmjfee.com

• Save the confirmation receipt for your visa interview

Step 3: Complete the DS-160 Form

Fill out the DS-160 Visa Application Form online at ceac.state.gov.

• Choose “Nonimmigrant Visa Application”

• Select F1 Visa (Student Visa)

• Save the DS-160 confirmation page with the barcode

Step 4: Pay the Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee)

You must pay a non-refundable visa application fee of $185 (approx. ₹15,000). You can pay it:

• Online using NEFT or a credit card

• Or in cash at Axis Bank or Citibank branches

Keep the receipt – you’ll need it to schedule your interview.

Step 5: Schedule Visa Appointments (Biometric + Interview)

You need to book two appointments:

1. VAC (Visa Application Center): For biometrics (fingerprinting + photo)

2. US Consulate Interview: Face-to-face interview with a visa officer

✅ Schedule your appointments at www.ustraveldocs.com/in

Step 6: Attend VAC Appointment

Go to the nearest Visa Application Center (VAC) to submit your:

• DS-160 confirmation

• Passport

• Visa fee receipt

• I-20 form

They will take your fingerprints and photo.

Step 7: Attend the Visa Interview

On your scheduled day, visit the US Embassy/Consulate. Take:

• Passport

• DS-160 confirmation

• Visa appointment letter

• SEVIS fee receipt

• I-20 form

• Admission letter

• Financial documents

• Academic records

• Passport-size photos

🎯 Pro Tip: Be confident and answer honestly. Expect questions like:

• Why did you choose this university?

• How will you fund your education?

• What are your plans after graduation?

F1 Visa Required Documents (Checklist)

How Long Does It Take to Get an F1 Visa?

• Processing Time: Usually 7-10 working days after the interview

• It’s best to apply at least 2-3 months before your course start date

Final Thoughts

Applying for a US F1 visa from India may seem overwhelming, but if you follow the steps and keep your documents in order, it’s a smooth process.

Remember to:

• Be prepared for the interview

• Show strong financial backing

• Prove that your intentions to study are genuine

FAQs

Q1: Can I work on an F1 visa in the US?
Yes, you can work up to 20 hours per week on-campus. Optional Practical Training (OPT) is also available after your studies.

Q2: Can my F1 visa get rejected?
Yes, common reasons include insufficient funds, unclear study plans, or suspicion of immigration intent.

Q3: When should I apply for an F1 visa?
Apply 120 days before your course start date after receiving your I-20.

Want more help with your US study plans?
Contact RightTurnOverseas.com – your trusted overseas education consultants in Hyderabad.

• SEVIS Fee Payment (Form I-901):
  https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/index.html

• DS-160 Application Form:
  https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/

• Official US Visa Info for India:
  https://www.ustraveldocs.com/in

• US Embassy & Consulates in India:
  https://in.usembassy.gov/

• USCIS Student Visa Overview (F1):
  https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/student-visa.html