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Study in USA

World's top universities with unmatched research opportunities

$510 (SEVIS $350 + MRV $160) Visa Fee
3–8 weeks Processing Time
As required by university Min. Funds
Duration of study (D/S) Permit Validity
Free Counselling View Documents

About Studying in USA

The United States continues to be the #1 choice for students looking to study abroad, with approximately 1,67,582 Indian students studying there in 2020–21. If you have been accepted to a US university, your next critical step is applying for an F-1 Student Visa. Students seeking programmes requiring more than 18 hours of study per week (all undergraduate and graduate programs like MS, MBA) require an F-1 visa.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently added 22 new courses to the STEM OPT program, allowing F-1 visa holders to stay and work in the US for 36 months after completing STEM studies. Students are not permitted to work off-campus during their first year of school and can work up to 20 hours per week on campus. They may work up to 40 hours per week during vacations.

Key Facts

Visa Fee
$510 (SEVIS $350 + MRV $160)
Processing
3–8 weeks
Permit Valid
Duration of study (D/S)
Min. Funds
As required by university
Renewal Fee
N/A (extend I-20)
Language
TOEFL / IELTS / Duolingo

Visa Types for USA

Choose the right visa category based on your study plan

F-1 Visa

F-1 Student Visa

Required for students enrolled in full-time academic programs (more than 18 hrs/week). Covers all bachelor, master (MS/MBA), and PhD programs at US universities.

  • Work on-campus up to 20 hrs/week
  • OPT: 12 months work after graduation
  • STEM OPT extension: 24 additional months
J-1 Visa

J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa

For students, visiting scholars, and lecturers undertaking exchange programs. Used for Fulbright scholars and short-term exchange programs.

  • For exchange/Fulbright programs
  • Spouses (J-2) can work with permission
  • Program sponsor institution required
M-1 Visa

M-1 Vocational Student Visa

For students attending vocational and technical schools in the USA. Time-stamped upon entry; students cannot overstay their authorized stay.

  • Vocational/technical programs only
  • Time-stamped – no overstay allowed
  • Cannot transfer to F-1 easily

Documents Required

Make sure you have all these documents ready before applying

Valid passport (at least 6 months validity beyond intended stay)
Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility issued by your US university)
DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form
SEVIS fee payment receipt ($350 for F-1/M-1, $220 for J-1)
MRV (Visa Application Fee) receipt ($160)
Visa interview appointment confirmation letter
TOEFL/IELTS/SAT/GRE/GMAT score reports
Academic transcripts, degrees, and certificates
Financial proof – bank statements showing ability to cover tuition and living costs
Scholarship letter (if applicable)
Statement of Purpose (SOP)
Ties to home country proof – property, family, employment (to show you will return)
Recent passport-sized photographs meeting US visa photo requirements

How to Apply

Follow these steps to submit your student visa application

1
Get I-20 from University

After receiving your admission letter and paying the deposit, your US university will send you the I-20 form (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status). This is mandatory.

2
Pay SEVIS Fee

Pay the SEVIS fee online at FMJfee.com. F-1 students pay $350, J-1 students pay $220. Keep the receipt as it is required for the visa interview.

3
Complete DS-160 Form

Fill out the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form at ceac.state.gov. Upload your photograph. Print and save the DS-160 confirmation page.

4
Pay MRV Fee

Pay the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee of $160 at the US Embassy-designated bank. Keep the receipt for your visa appointment.

5
Schedule Visa Interview

Book your F-1 visa interview appointment at the nearest US Embassy or Consulate (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, or Kolkata for Indian applicants).

6
Prepare Documents

Gather all required documents – I-20, DS-160 confirmation, SEVIS receipt, MRV receipt, passport, transcripts, financial proof, and SOP.

7
Attend Visa Interview

Attend the visa interview on your scheduled date. Be prepared to explain your study plans, financial situation, and your intention to return to India after studies.

8
Visa Stamp & Travel

If approved, your visa will be stamped in your passport. You can enter the US up to 30 days before your I-20 start date.

Apply for student visa

Work Rights

F-1 students cannot work off-campus during their first year. On-campus work is allowed up to 20 hours/week. After graduation, Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows 12 months of work authorization. STEM graduates can extend by 24 more months (total 36 months).

20 hrs/week (on-campus only)
Part-time during studies
Full-time during vacations
Full-time during vacations
12 months OPT + 24 months STEM OPT
Post-study work visa

Available Scholarships

Funding options to support your education in USA

Fulbright-Nehru Master's Fellowships
AAUW International Fellowships
Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program
Inlaks Scholarships
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship
University-specific Merit and Need-based Aid
NSF Graduate Research Fellowship
NASA Fellowships

Dependent / Family Visa

F-2 visas are issued to spouses or children accompanying F-1 visa holders. Note that F-2 spouses are NOT permitted to work in the US. They may accompany and/or seek their own visa to study.

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