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F-1 student visa · Indian applicants
Understand the F-1 visa process for Indian students: your I-20, DS-160, fees, documents and interview preparation, organised into practical stages.
Selected sources reviewed October 18, 2026
The F-1 visa process
Start at the stage that matches your progress. Each stage explains the actions and what to have ready before your next step.
A structured profile review maps your academics, backlogs, test status, budget, intake, and career goal to realistic US options. This is also where admission-versus-visa planning starts: universities evaluate your academics, while the visa interview later tests your intent, funding clarity, and study plan.
Research SEVP-certified schools and compare course content, admission criteria, full costs and funding terms. Check programme-specific tests and any STEM designation with the school. An offer does not guarantee a visa or later work permission.
Keep a course shortlist with entry criteria, costs and deadlines, alongside your academic records and preferred intake.
Applications go directly to universities or through portals. Typical requirements: transcripts (10th, 12th, bachelor's), English test score, SOP/LORs, resume, passport copy, and application fees. GRE, SAT, or GMAT are submitted only where required or where they strengthen your profile.
After admission, follow the school’s funding and document requirements for Form I-20. Review your personal details, programme, start date and financial information with the school before using the form for your visa application.
Review the school’s admission and funding instructions. Check your name, course and start date on the I-20 with the school.
Use your school’s published financial requirements and document checklist. Prepare genuine evidence of how you will cover educational, living and travel costs, including any confirmed sponsor, award or education loan.
The published F-1 I-901 SEVIS fee is $350. Use the official fee website and retain your receipt. Confirm whether you need a new payment if you are changing schools or reapplying.
Organise evidence of available funding, any confirmed award or loan, and your SEVIS payment receipt. Keep copies together.
The DS-160 (ceac.state.gov) is the online nonimmigrant visa application. Fill it yourself or with your counsellor, answer every question truthfully, and list all social media identifiers used in the last five years - officers review online presence. Submit, print the confirmation page with barcode, and remember: you must carry the confirmation page of the exact DS-160 used to book your appointment.
The published visa application fee for F visas is $185. Follow the official consular payment instructions and check whether additional charges apply to your case. Do not treat an old fee estimate as the final payable amount.
Review the DS-160 answers before submission. Keep the confirmation page and required payment records with your application documents.
Follow the US embassy or consulate’s current instructions for appointment booking, biometrics and the interview. Appointment availability varies. Do not assume an interview waiver applies to your application.
The interview usually lasts a few minutes. Expect questions on why this university and program, how you will fund your studies, your academic background and gaps, and your plans after graduation. Answer precisely, honestly, and consistently with your I-20, DS-160, and financial documents. Ties to India - family, property, career plan - matter, because F-1 is a nonimmigrant visa.
Check your appointment instructions and document checklist. Practise explaining your course choice and funding in your own words.
Wait for the official decision and passport-return instructions. If further documents or administrative processing are required, respond as instructed. A refusal should be reviewed against the official refusal notice before deciding your next step.
Confirm housing and insurance with the school. New students may not enter more than 30 days before the programme start date. Carry your travel and study documents, check your I-94 after arrival, and follow your DSO’s reporting instructions.
Follow the official decision. Once travel is appropriate, confirm arrival arrangements with your school; discuss deferral if your start date is at risk.
Preparation can overlap: your school may need funding evidence before issuing the I-20. Follow its sequence and the consulate’s current instructions. Admission, visa issuance and permission to stay in the US are separate decisions.
F-1 visa documents
Mark items as you prepare them. Keep your original records, application details and financial evidence consistent.
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Use this as a preparation aid. Check the document instructions for your appointment and school. Your selections last while this page is open.
SEVIS & visa application fees
Plan these payments separately from university deposits, travel and other application expenses. Confirm current amounts and any additional applicable charges before paying.
Published fee for an F-1 applicant. Keep the payment receipt with your visa documents.
See where this fitsPublished F-visa application fee per applicant. Follow the consulate’s current payment instructions.
Review funding preparationFee references: ICE I-901 SEVIS information and US Department of State student visa instructions. These two amounts are not a quote for your total application cost.
The details that matter
Explore admission and visa requirements, funding evidence, family plans and work permissions without leaving this guide.
Critical distinction: there is no IELTS, TOEFL, or GRE score set by US visa rules. A university's IELTS requirement is an admission requirement only - the consular officer instead assesses whether you can genuinely communicate and pursue your stated program.
Explore admission requirements| Test | What to check |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | Confirm overall and section scores |
| TOEFL iBT | Confirm accepted test version and current score scale |
| PTE Academic | Confirm acceptance for your course |
| Duolingo English Test | Confirm acceptance for your course |
The university sets English proficiency requirements and exemptions. A test or waiver accepted by one course may not be accepted by another. Confirm current requirements before booking a test.
Explore test preparation| On-campus employment | Eligible F-1 students are generally limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session. Confirm eligibility with your DSO. |
|---|---|
| CPT | Must be part of the curriculum and authorised by the school before starting. |
| OPT | Eligible students may apply for up to 12 months at an education level. DSO recommendation and USCIS authorisation are required. |
| STEM OPT | Eligible graduates of qualifying STEM programmes may apply for a 24-month extension, subject to employer, training-plan and reporting requirements. |
A visa’s expiry date does not determine how long you may stay in the United States. Check your I-94, I-20 and DSO instructions. UC Merced’s international student office reports that a September 14, 2026 court order postponed the fixed-admission rule scheduled for September 15. Do not assume the announced change is in force; confirm current guidance for your circumstances.
Reference: UC Merced international student office’s duration-of-status update. Ask your DSO to confirm current requirements for your situation.
Your questions, answered
Common questions about preparing your F-1 application.
Your school sets its English proficiency requirements. Check accepted tests, score requirements and exemptions for the particular course. Admission and visa requirements are separate.
Use your school’s current cost and funding requirements, and prepare evidence of how you will cover educational, living and travel costs. The amount depends on the school, course and your circumstances.
The published F-1 SEVIS fee is $350 and the visa application fee is $185. Check official payment instructions for additional applicable charges and current amounts before paying.
Interviews are generally required with limited exceptions. Follow the current embassy or consulate instructions for your application rather than assuming you qualify for a waiver.
No. Check your I-94, I-20 and current status requirements with your school’s DSO. The scheduled September 2026 fixed-admission rule was postponed by a court order according to UC Merced’s international student office; confirm current guidance before travel.
Work requires the appropriate permission. Discuss on-campus work, CPT and any later OPT or STEM OPT application with your DSO before beginning employment.
Contact the university promptly about its arrival deadline, deferral options and any updated I-20. Follow official consular instructions for your pending application.
Your profile. Your preparation.
Discuss your I-20, document preparation, funding plan and interview questions with Ratnas Overseas.
Selected sources reviewed October 18, 2026: US Department of State student visa instructions, ICE SEVIS fee and practical training guidance, and UC Merced’s duration-of-status update.