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Visa Application Process
One of the most crucial aspects of preparing to study abroad is the process of obtaining a student visa. You will need to be sure to have a complete application and all of the required supporting documentation, and will need to present your case confidently and effectively in your interview. Your Bharatstudent study abroad counselor can help guide you through this complicated process.
Types of Student and Exchange Visitor Visas
Hundreds of thousands of people from around the world come to the United States each year to study and improve their skills. Diverse programs hosted by a wide variety of institutions provide learning opportunities as multifaceted as America itself. There are different types of student visa for different types of study:
Academic studies (F visa): This visa is for individuals who wish to study or conduct research at an accredited U.S. college or university. In order to apply for an F-1 visa, an applicant must have received a Form I-20 from a U.S. institution.
Exchange Visitor (J visa): Some academic activities may fall under the J visa Exchange Visitor category. Examples include exchange scholars, post-doctoral researchers, recipients of short-term academic research fellowships, and medical residents. In order to apply for a J-1 visa, an applicant must have received a Form DS-2019 from the sponsoring organization or institution.
Student Visa Interview Appointments
All non-immigrant visa applicants are required to go to a U.S. Embassy or Consular office for a visa interview and to present required documentation to demonstrate their economic and social ties in their country of origin. It is the responsibility of the candidate to prove that they can financially support themselves for the period of overseas study and that they have social and economic ties to India that are strong enough to bring them back promptly.
In India, there are offices in Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai and New Delhi. (Please note that the process differs somewhat at the US Embassy in Mumbai; please inquire at the office for specific requirements.) It is important make an appointment for a visa interview early, especially in the busy summer months when there can be a long wait for an appointment and/or processing. You can make an appointment and get more information at https://www.vfs-usa.co.in
Required Documents for the Student Visa Application
For Principal Applicant:
| 1. |
Interview Appointment Letter. |
| 2. |
Valid passport. Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your visa interview date. |
| 3 |
One photograph as per specification. |
| 4 |
Original signed Forms DS-156, DS-157 and DS-158. (Please note that a new form, Form DS-160, will eventually replace the above three forms. Please check this before filling out the forms.) |
| 5 |
Valid Bank Visa fee receipt |
| 6 |
Original SEVIS generated Form I-20 or Form DS-2019, approved and signed by the University authority. |
| 7 |
Proof of payment/receipt of SEVIS Fee I-901 payment, if applicable. |
| 8 |
Evidence of financial resources: proof of liquid assets sufficient to pay for the entire first year of education and living expenses as well as proof of readily available funds to cover the remaining year(s) of studies. If you are being funded by an organization (Indian or American), a letter from the organization explaining what funding will be provided. |
| 9 |
Original degree certificates along with mark sheets. |
| 10 |
Original Bachelor degree transcripts or high school diploma along with mark sheets from previous institutions attended. |
| 11 |
Relevant test score reports, e.g. TOEFL and SAT, GRE, GMAT or LSAT. |
| Note: If you plan to engage in technology-related study or research while in the U.S., a set of specific documents should accompany your visa application. Your application also may require additional administrative processing.
For more information, please visit http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov/hitechbs.html |
For Spouse / Dependent Children:
| 1. |
Valid passport, visa fee receipt issued by HDFC Bank and interview appointment letter. |
| 2. |
Original signed Forms DS-156, DS-157 and DS-158. (Please note that a new form, Form DS-160, will eventually replace the above three forms. Please check this before filling out the forms.) |
| 3 |
Original Form I-20 or Form DS-2019, approved and signed by the University authority. |
| 4 |
A copy of the Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 of the Principal Applicant. |
| 5 |
Photocopy of the Principal Applicant's valid visa (if applying separately). |
| 6 |
Original Marriage Certificate (for spouse) along with your entire wedding photo album. |
| 7 |
Original Birth certificate (for each child). |
| 8 |
Additional documentation of financial resources to support the dependants. |
More on Visa Fees>> |
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