Types of Student Visas in the USA
There are three types of student visas to the US:
1. F1 Student Visa
- Students applying for a program that requires more than 18 hours of study in a week require an F1 visa in USA. This includes all undergraduate programs as well as graduate programs like MS in the US or MBA in the USA.
- Spouses or children accompanying F-1 visa recipients will travel on an F-2 visa. Please note that spouses are not able to work but may accompany and/or apply for their own visa to the U.S. to work or study.
You may also want to read
- Interview Guide for F1 Student Visa for the USA
- What is 221(g) under US Visa Refusals?
- Top Reasons for 214(b) Visa Denial
2. J1 Exchange Visitor Visa
- The J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa is for students, visiting scholars or lecturers pursuing an exchange program. For example, Fulbright scholars and many students on short-term study abroad programs from Indian universities will travel to the U.S. on a J-1 visa.
- A J1 visa is usually sought by a working professional who goes to America on an exchange program, hence the name Exchange Visitor Visa. These may include a 10-month vocational training or some research fellowship, etc. Whichever the case, the applicants would be notified of the same by the respective institutions.
- Spouses or children accompanying J-1 Visa recipients will travel on a J-2 Visa. Please note that spouses are able to work when permission is obtained in advance.
3. M-1 Vocational / Non-Academic Student Visa
The M1 visa is a type of student visa which is reserved for vocational and technical schools. While the process for applying for the F1 visa and M-1 is similar, the difference is that on entering, the M1 visas are time-stamped and students cannot overstay their visit. Also, read about student visas for study abroad
Cost of Student Visa in the USA
There are two fees associated with for F1 student visa for the USA
- SEVIS fee which is at present at $350, US student visa fees in Indian rupees is approximately INR 29,116.
- Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee) which is at present $185 equals INR 15,390.
Here is the breakdown of different types of Student Visas in the USA and their corresponding fees:
- Here is the breakdown of different types of Student Visas in the USA and their corresponding fees:
| Type of Student Visas in USA & Costs | |||
| Types of Student Visas | F1 | J1 | M1 |
| SEVIS Fee* | |||
| Amount | $350 | $220 | $350 |
| Accepted Modes of Payment | Credit Card Money Order/ Demand Draft |
||
| Payable in | Dollars at the applicable exchange rate as determined by the bank | ||
| MRV Application Fee / Visa Application Fee** | |||
| Amount | $185 | $185 | $185 |
| Accepted Modes of Payment | NEFT Online Transfer Instant Money Transfer by Mobile – IMPS By Cash at counters of Axis Bank/ Citibank |
||
| Payable in | Payable in INR at the Exchange Rate Fixed by the Consular Office (At present the exchange rate is fixed at $1 = INR 83.18 – Sept 6, 2023) | ||
- *Spouses and dependents do not need to pay the SEVIS fee if they are going to the U.S. on F-2 or J-2 visas.
- **MRV is a Machine Readable Visa Fee, or in layman’s terms is an application fee. In order to appear for a student visa interview to study in the US, it is mandatory for international students to carry along with them the MRV receipt.
Documents Required for F1 Student Visa Application
USA Study Visa Process: A student visa requires you to carry a lot more documents than you would for a tourist visa, by comparison. You need the mandatory documents along with supporting documents of financial and academic records. Make sure you refer to this checklist before going to the consulate for the visa interview.
- A valid passport with a validity date of at least six months beyond your period of stay.
- A printed copy of DS-160, the online application form
- SEVIS Fee Receipt
- Interview appointment letter (original and copy)
- Form I-20 sent by the college (where you are going to study)
- Visa fee payment confirmation receipt
- Bank statement for at least three years showing that you have enough assets to pay for the first year (could be of parent or guardian)
- Pay/salary slips
- Original mark sheets/provisional certificates
- Score sheet of exams like TOEFL or IELTS as ELP proofs along with either ACT or SAT for UG admissions or GMAT or GRE for PG admissions
Evidence of Financial Resources Required for F1 Visa
- Tax returns for the past 3 years (Form 16)
- Bank statements/passbook for the past 3 years
- Original pay/salary slips and letters of employment
- Statement from certified CA
- Scholarship letter (If the applicant has received it)
- The loan approval letter by the bank or the concerned authority
How to Apply for US Student Visa (F1 Visa)?
There are several steps to apply for a USA Study Visa:
- Your visa process starts when you receive Form I-20 from your college. Though you can pay the SEVIS fee anytime during the application, it is strongly recommended that you pay the SEVIS I-901 fee before you start your US visa application.
- After paying the SEVIS fee and getting a receipt, you can apply for a DS-160 visa form. It is an online application form.
- Print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
- Pay the visa fee through NEFT or at authorized AXIS bank/Citi bank locations.
- Schedule a Biometric appointment and Interview appointment.
- For the Biometric appointment, you will be required to appear in person to get your photograph clicked for the visa and get your fingerprints scanned.
- At the Personal interview, the interviewer will ask you questions about your choice, of course, college, finances, and intent of coming back. If s/he is convinced, they will keep your passport with them to get the visa stamped. Here is a guide to help you prepare for your F1 Visa Interview.