F1 Visa Timeline: A Step-By-Step Guideline for Indian Students

Step-by-Step F-1 Visa Timeline

The steps to apply for F1 student visa in USA are provided below:

University Admission and SEVIS Registration

• Application to US University: The process of applying to the universities in USA usually starts 6–12 months before your intended semester. Most universities accept applications in 2 main cycles—Fall and Spring.
• Admission Offer and Form I-20: Once admitted, the university will provide a Certificate of Eligibility, known as the Form I-20. After receiving the Form I-20 and registering in SEVIS, you can apply at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a student visa. You can display the form I-20 to the US consular officer while attending your visa interview.
• SEVIS Registration: The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System registration fee (SEVIS fee) is $185 (15,614 INR). This fee must be paid before you can schedule your visa appointment. SEVIS records your details for U.S. government monitoring during your stay.

Completing the DS-160 Form

The DS-160 is an online form required for all nonimmigrant U.S. visa applications.

• When to Complete: Once you have your I-20 form and SEVIS registration, begin the DS-160 form process.
• How to Complete: Submit the DS-160 form online and retain the confirmation page for your interview.
• Photo Requirement: You must upload a recent passport-sized photo during the DS-160 submission. Ensure it meets the specified photograph requirements.

F-1 Visa Interview Scheduling

US student visa applicants generally need to schedule an interview as a part of the application process. These are the general age-wise US student visa interview requirements:

Age Requirements for Interview:

• Ages 14–79: An interview is typically required for students in this age range.
• Age below 13 and over 80: In most cases, an interview is not necessary. However, the Consular Officer may schedule an interview of any visa applicant.

Appointment Wait Times:

F1 visa appointment wait time varies by U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Students are advised to schedule interviews as early as possible.

• Appointment Location: Schedule the interview at the Embassy or Consulate in your home country for better eligibility demonstration. If scheduling elsewhere, confirm nonresident wait times on the post’s website.
• F1 Visa Fee Payment: Visa applicants must pay an application fee of $185 (15,612 INR).

Know More: F1 Visa Financial Requirements

Attending US Student Visa Interview

Generally US student visa applicants require an interview with a few exceptions.

• Document Requirements for US Student Visa: Indian students should prepare and bring the following documents to the interview
  • Passport: Valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
  • DS-160 Confirmation Page: Printed page from the online form.
  • SEVIS Fee Payment Receipt
  • Form I-20: Signed by you and a university official.
  • Academic Records: Transcripts, diplomas, standardized test scores if required by the U.S. school.

Additional documents may be requested to demonstrate academic qualifications, financial support, and intent to return to India after study completion.

Also Check: F1 Visa Health Insurance Requirements

• During the visa interview, a consular officer will assess your qualifications and may ask about your academic plans, funding sources, and post-study intentions.
• Digital fingerprint scans are also taken during the interview.
• In some cases, applications may require further administrative processing. If this occurs, the consular officer will notify you.
• Once approved, the visa may take several days to process.