USA Student Visa 2025: Requirements, Types, Application Process, Cost

The USA continues to be the top choice for students planning to study abroad. If you are among the few who aspire and have already been admitted into their aspired university, applying for a Student Visa for USA is the next important step to realizing your education abroad. Check out about USA student visa requirements, different US student visa types and how to apply for a US study visa. 

According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), 3,37,630 were enrolled in 2024 in comparison to 2,68,923 students enrolled for higher education in 2023. The number of Indian students in the US increased by 34% in 2023. So is it easy to get a student visa USA is one major query that arises among international students, and the answer to this question is that it's not difficult to get a student visa to study in the US especially for Indian students till the time their paperwork and applications are complete and they ace their interviews.

Student visa for USA from India include three broad types - one for studying at the university level, the second is the exchange level program visa and the third one is for vocational education, that is, F, J and M student visas in the US respectively. The timeline for application assessment for each of these student visas varies.

This US student visa guide examines briefly the various types of visas offered to international students and attempts to give a detailed process of applying for the F1 Student Visa – applicable to students planning to take up their bachelor’s as well as master's in the USA. 

Types of Student Visas in the USA (F1, J1 & M1)

There are three types of student visas USA which apply to international students. The following different types of USA study visas have been given for which students can check the corresponding requirements:

1. F1 Visa USA

• 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 provided, they are offered on a full-time basis.
• Spouses or children accompanying F1 visa recipients will travel on an F-2 visa. Please note that spouses cannot work but may accompany and/or apply for their visa to the U.S. to work or study.

You may also want to read

• Interview Guide for F1 Student Visa for the USA 

2. US 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 can work when permission is obtained in advance.

Learn more about F1 Visa:

3. US 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.

Check: US Student Visa Processing Times

Cost of Student Visa in the USA

There are two fees associated with for F1 student visa for the USA

1. SEVIS fee which is at present at $350, US student visa fees in Indian rupees is approximately INR 29,542.
2. Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee) which is at present $185 equals INR 15,615.

Here is the breakdown of different types of Student Visas in the USA and their corresponding fees:

*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. To appear for a student visa interview to study in the US, international students must carry along with them the MRV receipt.

USA Study Visa Requirements

To qualify for a US student visa, the requirements must be fulfilled. The following are the US study visa requirements:

1. Get accepted at an SEVP-registered institution. Get your I-20 form.

2. File your US study visa application.

3. Pay the SEVIS fee.

4. Complete the DS-160 visa application.

5. Schedule a US visa interview.

6. Attend the visa interview.

Documents Required for US Student Visa

USA Study Visa Requirements: The US study visa process 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
• Financial Documents are required to show financial strength to support education in the USA.

For the USA study visa requirements, students need to show proof of the number of funds they need to cover the first year's total expenses. It includes tuition fees, living expenses, and other expenses (like books). Apart from this, students also need to show proof of the readily available funds for the rest of the tenure of their education.

Evidence of Financial Resources Required for F1 Visa

The US study visa requirements also require applicants to carefully submit the evidence of financial resources required to study. Some of the documents required are as follows:

• 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:

1. 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.
2. After paying the SEVIS fee and getting a receipt, you can apply for a DS-160 visa form. It is an online application form.
3. Print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
4. Pay the visa fee through NEFT or at authorized AXIS bank/Citi bank locations.
5. Schedule a Biometric appointment and Interview appointment.
6. 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.
7. 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 of F1 Visa Holders

Spouses and children under the age of 21 who wish to accompany the applicant holding a student visa US for the duration of his or her stay require F2 or M2 visas. A spouse on F2 status cannot enrol for a full course of study but can attend classes that are vocational or recreational 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 full-time students. They may not enrol in a full-time course of study at a college or university.

The spouses 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 allowing students 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 for a Student Visa in the USA?

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

For the Biometrics interview, you need to visit –

If going for biometric US student visa interviews, applicants must carry with them their:

• Appointment notice
• Valid, unexpired photo identification
• Passport
• A copy of the OFC appointment
• DS-160 confirmation

US Embassy and Consulates Addresses -

For those who have submitted student visa applications online, will be called for an interview at the following consulates based on their residence address. Check them out below:

1. The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi
   Shanti Path, Chanakya Puri 110021
2. The U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai (Bombay)
   C-49, G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai 400051
3. The U.S. Consulate General in Chennai (Madras)
   220 Anna Salai, Gemini Circle, 600006
4. The U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata (Calcutta)
   5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, 700071
5. The U.S. Consulate General in Hyderabad
   Paigah Palace, 1-8-323, Chiran Fort Lane, Begumpet, Secunderabad 500 003

Check about Dropbox for US Student Visa if you are looking at the US student visa interview waivers. 

Essential Do's & Don'ts for Student Visa USA

To avoid US student visa rejection, applicants must follow the below given do's and don'ts to complete the US student visa process smoothly:

These are some of the most common mistakes an applicant can make when they are either applying for a student visa and appearing for a student visa USA. Applicants should follow these tips to avoid rejection of US student visas. Also check in detail about:

• What is 221(g) under US Visa Refusals?  
• Top Reasons for 214(b) Visa Denial

After Arrival Steps in USA on Student Visa

Applicants who arrive for the first time in USA on a student visa will have to ensure the following pointers:

• Complete the U.S. government's Immigration Check-in, which you can do through MyISSS.
• They must contact their designated school official as mentioned on their I-20 form.

• Attend college orientation and pay the fee if required. 

• Open bank accounts.
• Report to accommodation as shortlisted.

Rules While Staying in US on a Student Visa

International applicants who are going to study in the USA on a student visa must ensure that they have their student visas in place. They must be valid as they will be required during immigration check-in, when entering the USA, while attending US universities, applying for a part-time job and also for opening bank accounts. Applicants at all times adhere to the rules and regulations. Avoid missing their classes, and try to maintain their attendance and performance. Avoid getting into clashes and not adhering to any kind of rules. Non-adherence can lead to student visa rejection at any point of time and applicants can be deported back to their countries. 

If you are looking at admission in the USA for upcoming intakes, you can sign up for free Shiksha Abroad Counselling to help you navigate through the hurdles you face during the process. Upon signing up, our team of counsellors shall call you back.