US Study Visa Process: Application Process And Documents Required

US Study Visa Process: With Donald Trump taking over as the 47th President of the United States, there has been a lot of discussion on what his stance might be on the H1-B visa and international students.

Recently, India has witnessed a significant drop, with the US State Department data showing a 38 per cent drop in F-1 student visas issued to Indians in the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same period last year. According to the monthly non-immigrant visa report, between January and September 2024, 64,008 visas were issued, down sharply from 1,03,495 in the same months of 2023.

However, the latest Open Doors 2024 showed that Indians have overtaken the Chinese as the largest group of international students in the US. In 2023-24, there were 3.31 lakh Indian students in the US, accounting for 29.4 per cent of its 11-lakh-strong international student population. It was 25.4 per cent in the previous academic year.

However, the rules may now get stricter as some universities like Lehigh University of Pennsylvania have started reviewing documents submitted by other international students on campus and are exploring the possibility of third-party verification of academic transcripts for undergraduate admissions.

The declaration was issued a few months after 19-year-old Aryan Anand submitted falsified documents. These documents included academic transcripts, financial statements and a fake death certificate of his father – to secure a full scholarship at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

Hence, Indian students should be aware of what documents they need to submit while trying to secure a study visa in the US.

To apply for a U.S. study visa (F-1 Visa), here’s a step-by-step guide covering the process and required documents:

US Study Visa Process: Application Process

1. Get Accepted by a SEVP-Approved Institution:

A) You must first apply to and be accepted at a U.S. school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

B) Once accepted, the school will issue Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.”

2. Pay the SEVIS Fee:

After receiving the Form, I-20, pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. This fee is mandatory to enroll in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

3. Complete the DS-160 Form:

A) Fill out the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160).

 B) Save and print the DS-160 confirmation barcode page.

4. Schedule a Visa Interview:

A) Book an appointment for a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country.

B) Pay the visa application fee (around $160, but it can vary).

5. Prepare for the Visa Interview:

A) Gather all required documents and prepare answers to common interview questions about your study plans, ties to your home country, and funding.

6. Attend the Interview:

A) Attend the scheduled interview and provide the required documents.

B) Be ready to explain why you chose the U.S., your intended course of study, and your financial support.

7. Visa Decision:

A) If approved, your passport will be stamped with the F-1 visa.

B) If denied, you’ll be informed of the reason and can reapply if applicable.

US Study Visa Process: Documents Required

1. Mandatory Documents:

A) Passport (valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the U.S.)

B) Form I-20 (issued by your U.S. school)

C) SEVIS Fee Payment Receipt

D) DS-160 Confirmation Page

E) Visa Application Fee Receipt

2. Academic Documents:

A) Transcripts and diplomas from previous institutions

B) Standardized test scores (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, SAT) if required

3. Proof of Financial Support:

A) Bank statements or loan approval letters

B) Affidavit of support (if applicable)

C) Proof of scholarships, assistantships, or sponsorships

4. Additional Supporting Documents:

A) Proof of ties to your home country (e.g., property ownership, family relationships, job offer)

B) Resume or curriculum vitae

C) Any prior U.S. visas, if applicable

US Study Visa Process: Tips for Success

A) Be clear and concise during the visa interview.

B) Ensure all financial documents demonstrate your ability to cover tuition, living expenses, and travel.

Strong ties to your home country can help assure the consulate that you intend to return after your studies. If you’d like more details about specific steps or requirements in your country, let me know!

Also Read: Why Now Is A Excellent Time To Apply for Global MBA Programs in India