Studying in the United States is a dream for many Indian students. This dream often begins with big hopes, vision boards, and the excitement of exploring world-class education, new cultures, and global career paths. But turning that dream into reality takes more than just inspiration – it means understanding and navigating the U.S. student visa process. This guide breaks it down for you, step by step, so you can confidently start your journey toward studying in America.
The Starting Point: Understanding the Form I-20
The Form I-20, officially known as the “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” is a critical document issued by a U.S. educational institution certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Once you’ve been accepted into a program and provided proof of sufficient financial resources, the Designated School Official (DSO) will issue this form.
Key Details on the I-20:
- SEVIS ID Number: A unique identifier for your record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
- Program Information: Includes start and end dates, level of study, and field of study.
- Financial Information: Details the estimated cost of attendance and the financial resources you’ve provided.
- Signatures: Both you and the DSO must sign the I-20.
You’ll need the I-20 to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, apply for your visa, and present it at your visa interview and upon entry into the U.S.
Types of U.S. Student Visas:
Understanding the different types of student visas is essential to determine which one aligns with your educational goals.
F-1 Visa: Academic Students
- Purpose: For students enrolled in academic programs, including universities, colleges, high schools, and language training programs.
- Work Permit: Allows for part-time on-campus employment (up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions) and eligibility for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT).
- Duration: Valid for the duration of your academic program, with potential extensions for OPT.
M-1 Visa: Vocational Students
- Purpose: For students enrolled in vocational or non-academic programs, such as technical courses.
- Work Permit: Limited; generally, M-1 students are not permitted to work during their studies.
- Duration: Valid for the length of the program plus a 30-day grace period.
J-1 Visa: Exchange Visitors
- Purpose: For students participating in exchange programs, including those sponsored by educational or other nonprofit institutions.
- Work Permit: May include practical training related to the academic program.
- Special Conditions: On completing their program, some J-1 visa holders may be subjected to a two-year home-country physical presence requirement.
L-2 Visa: Dependent of L-1 Visa Holder
- Purpose: For spouses and unmarried children (under 21 years) of L-1 visa holders (intra-company transferees). L-2 visa holders are allowed to accompany the primary L-1 holder to the U.S.
- Work Permit: Spouses of L-1 visa holders are eligible to apply for work authorization (EAD – Employment Authorization Document) and can work for any employer.
- Special Conditions: L-2 visa holders can study full-time or part-time in the U.S. without needing to switch to a student visa. Children on L-2 cannot work but may attend school.
SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System)
SEVIS is a US government database that keeps track of all international students and exchange visitors, including information on SEVP-certified schools and the F, M, and J visa holders.
Requirement: All prospective F-1, M-1, and J-1 students must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee before applying for a visa.
Payment: The fee can be paid online at FMJFee ( $350 for F-1/M-1 and $220 for J-1).
Receipt: It’s crucial to print and keep the payment confirmation, as you’ll need it for your visa interview and entry into the U.S.
The U.S. Student Visa Application Process
Navigating the visa application process involves several key steps:
1. Receive Form I-20 or DS-2019: Issued by your U.S. institution upon acceptance.
2. Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee: As detailed above.
3. Complete the DS-160 Form: This is the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form. Ensure all information is accurate and matches your documents.
4. Schedule a Visa Interview: Book an appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in India.
5. Prepare Supporting Documents:
- Valid passport (must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay)
- Form I-20 or DS-2019
- DS-160 confirmation page
- SEVIS fee receipt
- Visa application fee payment receipt
- Passport-sized photograph as per U.S. visa specifications
- Academic transcripts and standardized test scores
- Proof of financial resources
- Ties to your home country (to demonstrate intent to return after studies).
During the interview, be prepared to discuss your academic plans, reasons for choosing your specific program and institution, and how you plan to finance your education.
CPT and OPT: What You Should Know
Many students want to gain work experience in the US. That’s where CPT and OPT come in.
CPT (Curricular Practical Training)
- Internship or training during your study program
- Must be part of your curriculum and approved by your DSO
- Can be paid or unpaid
- Can be full-time or part-time, but using full-time CPT for 12 months may cancel OPT eligibility
OPT (Optional Practical Training)
- Work permit after graduation (or sometimes before)
- Must be related to your field of study
- Up to 12 months allowed for most students
- STEM students can apply for a 24-month extension
- No job offer is required at the time of applying, but strict deadlines apply
Visa Limitations and Conditions
- You must maintain full-time enrollment throughout your program.
- F-1 students can work on campus part-time. Off campus employment requires authorization (e.g., CPT or OPT). M-1 students have more restrictive work permissions.
- Any changes in your program, institution, or personal information must be reported to your DSO and updated in SEVIS.
- Grace Periods: F-1 students have a 60-day grace period after program completion; M-1 students have a 30-day grace period.
Post-Visa Approval: Preparing for Your Journey
After your visa is approved:
- Entry into the U.S: You may enter the United States up to 30 days before your program start date, as indicated on your I-20 or DS-2019.
- Report to your school and attend orientation/check-in
- Maintain active SEVIS status by: Attending classes, reporting updates, and staying in touch with your DSO
- Follow the travel and re-entry rules if you plan to leave the US during your course
Transition to H-1B
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. companies to hire foreign workers in specialty occupations, typically requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher. Many international students on F-1 visas choose to transition to H-1B status after completing their Optional Practical Training (OPT).
To begin this process, the company they work for must apply for the visa on their behalf. If a student’s OPT ends before the H-1B visa starts, they may qualify for a cap-gap extension. This helps them stay in the U.S. legally and sometimes keep working until the H-1B begins.
Current Visa Processing Times and Interview Tips
Visa Appointment Wait Times in India :
- Hyderabad: Approximately 75 days
- Kolkata and New Delhi: Over 60 days
- Chennai: About 45 days
Typical Visa Interview Questions:
- Study Plans:
– Why do you want to study in the US?
– What will you specialize in for your degree?
– What will be your major? - University Choice:
– Why did you choose this university?
– How many colleges did you apply to? - Academic Scores:
– What are your test scores (GRE, GMAT, SAT, TOEFL, IELTS)?
– What was your previous GPA? - Financial Status:
– Who is sponsoring your education?
– What does your sponsor do for a living? - Post-Graduation Plans:
– What are your plans after graduation?
– Do you intend to return to your home country?
Visa Rejections: Myths vs. Facts
There are several misconceptions surrounding the US student visa process. One common myth is that US student visas, particularly for Indian students, are randomly canceled or rejected. However, rejections typically occur due to incomplete documentation, misrepresentation, or concerns about the applicant’s intent. If your paperwork is complete, your university is legitimate, and you meet the requirements, the chances of rejection remain low.
Some also believe that the US is closing its doors to international students, but despite challenges due to COVID-19, the US remains a top destination for education, processing a high volume of student visas. Another misconception is that one rejection means you can’t try again. In fact, you can reapply after correcting errors or presenting stronger proof, and many students succeed on their second or third attempts. If you’re looking for expert guidance every step of the way, Oneiro Education is here to help. From application to visa interview, we ensure that the process is as seamless as possible. Reach out to us today and take the next step toward your future abroad!
