United States Student Visa Guide
F-1 Student Visa
For full-time academic study at an SEVP-certified school. Requires the Form I-20 from your university, SEVIS fee, and a consular interview at a U.S. embassy.
Last checked against the official source on 2026-09-29.
- Application fee
- $185 visa + $350 SEVIS
- Processing
- Interview wait times vary by consulate; book early
- Validity
- Duration of program (D/S)
- Work rights
- On-campus part-time during studies; OPT (12 mo) + STEM extension (24 mo) after.
United States student visa costs
| Cost | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visa (MRV) fee | $185 | About ₹17,600 |
| SEVIS I-901 fee | $350 | About ₹33,400; pay before the interview |
| Tuition (per year) | Typically $30,000–65,000 | About ₹29–62 lakh; varies widely by college |
| Living costs | As shown on your I-20 | Often $15,000–25,000 a year (about ₹14–24 lakh) |
| Health insurance | Varies by college | Most colleges require a student plan |
Document checklist
- ✓Form I-20 from university
- ✓DS-160 confirmation page
- ✓Visa fee receipt + SEVIS I-901 receipt
- ✓Valid passport (≥ 6 months beyond stay)
- ✓Photo meeting US visa rulesUploaded with the DS-160.
- ✓Acceptance letter from university
- ✓Funding proof: bank statements / loan / scholarship
- ✓Academic transcripts + degrees
- ○Test scores used for admission (TOEFL / IELTS / SAT / GRE / GMAT) (optional)Bring copies; the officer may ask about them.
- ○Sponsor letter / affidavit of support (optional)If funded by family.
- ○CV / resume (optional)
Step-by-step process
- 1
Receive I-20
Your university issues the I-20 once you accept admission and submit financial documents.
- 2
Pay SEVIS I-901 fee
Pay USD 350 at fmjfee.com — print the receipt.
- 3
Complete DS-160
Online non-immigrant visa application. List every social media username you have used in the last 5 years, and save the confirmation barcode.
- 4
Pay MRV fee + book interview
Pay the visa fee (USD 185) and schedule the interview at the nearest U.S. embassy.
- 5
Attend interview
Bring all originals + photocopies. Interview lasts 3–5 minutes.
- 6
Track passport return
After approval, your passport is returned with the F-1 visa. You can enter the US up to 30 days before the start date on your I-20.
Interview tips
- Be concise — answers under 30 seconds.
- Lead with why this specific program at this specific university.
- Show clear post-graduation plans tied to your home country (avoid "I want to stay in the US").
- Have funding numbers memorised: tuition, living, total, source, account balance.
- Speak in English even if your interviewer offers your native language.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Looking unfamiliar with your own program / curriculum.
- Vague or rehearsed-sounding answers.
- Not carrying funding documents in original.
- Volunteering information not asked for.
- Leaving social media accounts private: F-1 applicants are asked to set them to public, and omitting accounts on the DS-160 can lead to refusal.
Frequently asked questions
How much bank balance is needed for a US F-1 visa?
Enough to cover the first year’s cost of attendance shown on your I-20 (tuition plus living costs), usually through bank statements, loans or scholarships.
What is the F-1 visa fee for Indian students?
The visa application (MRV) fee is $185, plus the $350 SEVIS I-901 fee paid before the interview.
Do I need to make my social media public for an F-1 visa?
F-1 applicants are asked to set social media accounts to public and must list all usernames used in the last 5 years on the DS-160. Omitting them can lead to refusal.
Can I work on an F-1 visa?
On-campus work is allowed within limits during study. After graduation, OPT allows up to 12 months of work, plus a 24-month extension for eligible STEM degrees.
When can I travel to the US on an F-1 visa?
You can enter the US up to 30 days before the program start date on your I-20.
Practise your United States visa interview
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Scholarships for students going to United States
Each award links to the funder’s own page, with the eligibility and deadline facts we could confirm.
Guides for students heading to United States
Other student visa guides
Official source: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/student-visa.html. General guidance only — verify current requirements before applying.