The document provides information on the student visa process for Indian students seeking to study in the US. It outlines the steps which include getting accepted to a SEVP-approved university, receiving Form I-20, paying the SEVIS fee, and applying for either an F-1 or M-1 visa. It describes the documents required such as DS-160, valid passport, I-20 form, interview confirmation, and financial documents. The process involves determining the visa type, completing the DS-160, scheduling appointments, and carrying the correct documentation to the visa interview.

2. QUICK GUIDE: THE US STUDENT VISA PROCESS
FOR INDIAN STUDENTS
 The USA attracts students from all over the world to study in its
colleges and universities for higher education. Every year around 1
million students immigrate to the US in pursuit of an international
degree for bigger and brighter career prospects. The present article
aims to provide information on how to apply for a USA study visa.
 First and foremost, a student has to apply to a college/university
approved by the SEVP (Student Exchange and Visitor Program). Once
the application is accepted and approved by the college, the student
receives a form I-20 from the designated school official (DSO)
depending on the course program and purpose of coming to the United
States.

3. The form may either be :-
 F Students: Form I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student
Status for academic and language students or
 M Students: Form I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student
Status for vocational students
The student is required to pay the SEVIS I – 901 fee of $200 USD in order to be
enrolled in the Student Exchange and Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
Once the necessary steps are taken, a student is ready to fill in the visa
application form of either
 F – 1 Visa: for academic courses from an accredited US college or university,
if course of study is more than 18 hours a week
 M – 1 Visa: for non-academic or vocational study/training at a U.S.
institution

4. Following documents have to be submitted for visa application
 A non-immigrant visa electronic application form (DS – 160).
 A valid passport with a validity date of at least 6 months beyond the intended
period of stay in the US
 One 2x2 inches photograph taken within the last six months
 Original approved signed form I – 20 from the respective US college/university
 Interview appointment confirmation letter

5. VISA APPLICATION PROCESS
1. Determine the visa type by reading common non-immigrant visas
and choose the one that caters to your situation.
2. Complete the non-immigrant visa electronic application form (DS –
160).
3. Make the visa processing fee payment.
4. Schedule your visa appointment for visa application (visa application
centre, VAC) and visa interview (US Embassy or Consulate)
respectively. For booking appointments your valid passport number,
the date of fee payment and 10-digit barcode on DS-160 confirmation
page is required.

6. DOCUMENTS TO CARRY AT THE VISA APPLICATION CENTER AND EMBASSY
 Current passport with validity at least six months beyond the intended
period of stay in the United States
 Printed copy of the DS-160 confirmation page
 Appointment confirmation page
 A printed copy of interview appointment letter
 Supporting documents as per visa type
 Form I-20 sent by the college
 Visa fee payment confirmation receipt
 Bank statement and tax returns for at least past 3 years
 Work experience letter and pay slips