Education in the United States is the dream of all the students of India who want to have quality education with international exposure. Academic ventures in the USA require an Indian student to undergo a seemingly complicated procedure of securing a student visa. Listed below are the requirements for USA study visa and the procedures that are followed when applying for the same.
- Acceptance into a SEVP-Certified Institution:
To apply for a USA study visa, the basic requirement is to get admission into an institution that is recognized by the SEVP. This covers all the universities, colleges and any other learning institution that is recognized by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and hence is in compliance with the US educational and immigration laws.
- Form I-20 Issuance:
Students after their admission to a SEVP-certified institution are issued a Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status) from the institution of their choice. This form provides information on the programme of study, duration and cost and as such assumes a significant importance in establishing the student’s seriousness and preparedness in applying for a US study visa.
- Paying the SEVIS Fee:
SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee however has to be paid before an applicant gets appointed a visa interview date. This fee helps in the management and sustenance of the SEVP and applies to all F and M visa applicants, making certain they are in conformity with the laws of immigration in the United States.
- DS-160 Online Visa Application:
Subsequently, candidates are required to fill out the DS-160 Online Non-immigrant Visa Application form. This form necessitates identification information such as a passport number, intended dates of travel, and address and phone numbers; this form is important as it initiates the visa application process.
- Visa Fee Payment:
Subsequently, to fill out the DS-160 form, the applicant is supposed to pay the visa application fee which is non-refundable. The payment is done through the bank, and it also differs by location though there is the option of either online payment for the visa application or paying at any of the bank branches.
- Visa Interview Appointment:
After completing the DS-160 application, the confirmation page together with the receipt of the visa fees make the applicants book for an interview at the US Embassy or Consulate nearest to their residence. One should set the interview time ahead of time to avoid long hours of waiting and make preparations regarding visa application.
- Required Documentation:
On the day of the interview, applicants must bring several documents:
- Passport valid for at least six months beyond the intended period of stay in the US.
- Form DS-160 confirmation page.
- Form I-20 issued by the SEVP-certified institution.
- SEVIS fee payment receipt.
- Visa application fee payment receipt.
- Passport-sized photograph meeting specific requirements.
- Academic transcripts and diplomas.
- Standardized test scores (IELTS, PTE, etc.).
- Evidence of financial resources to cover tuition, living expenses, and return transportation.
- Visa Interview:
Applicants should also be ready to answer questions on academic proposals and intentions, reasons for selecting to study in the United States, relationship with the home country, source of funding and if they have ever been to the United States before. These interviews are much an examination of intention and ability to adhere to the visa regulations, as a test of the applicant’s suitability for entry.
- Visa Approval or Denial:
After the interview, the consular officer shall decide if a visa is to be granted or refused on the supporting documents submitted, the applicant’s interview and compliance with the visa conditions. If granted, the officer will stick the visa on the passport of the applicant and give further points on how to pick up the visa as well as enter the United States of America.
Finally, apart from proper planning and research, consulting the updated information on the visa regulations and getting advice from the USA study visa consultants or immigration lawyers and attorneys also add to the efficiency of the process and the likelihood of the visa application approval. If Indian students remain persistent and stick to the guidelines set by the visa, education purposes in the USA will remain an avenue for the enhancement of academic and professional dreams.