Visa?
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.
Remember, F1 student visas can be issued up to 120 days before the starting date of your course of study. However, you will not be allowed to enter the United States on F1 status earlier than 30 days before your start date.
Dependents
Spouses and children under the age of 21 who wish to accompany the applicant in the US for the duration of his or her stay require F2 or M2 visas. A spouse on F2 status cannot enroll for a full course of study but can attend classes that are vocational or recreational in nature like pursuing a hobby or interest, such as cooking or tennis. Children on F2 status are allowed to attend elementary, middle, or high school as a full-time student. They may not enroll in a full-time course of study at a college or university.
The spouse and children of students cannot accept employment at any time during their stay-period on the F2 Visa.
Additional Information
F1 visa holders are eligible for up to 12 months of OPT (optional practical training) on completion of graduation. That means you can work for a year after you finish your studies. It is a temporary employment permission-giving students the opportunity to gain practical experience in their field of study. After that, you will be required to apply for a work visa if you have to continue working in the US. You can remain in the US up to 60 days after the completion of your course even if you don’t have a job offer or haven’t applied for OPT.
Where to Apply
The process of getting an F1 visa is completely online. Below are the resources to fill out your forms
SEVIS I-901 Form
DS-160 Visa Application Form