A visa application is a formal request submitted to a country’s government asking for permission to enter, stay within, or leave their territory. It’s essentially an official document that convinces the country you’re not a security risk and that you’ll abide by their immigration laws.

The process of applying for a visa to the United States will involve a few steps. First of all, you need to identify the appropriate visa for your visit to the United States. If you are going for a student visa, you need to follow the following steps:

Step-1

You need to fill out the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160), which is the standard U.S. nonimmigrant application form. You can register at ceac.state.gov and kindly remember your application ID too.

Step-2

Once you’ve completed the DS-160 online application form, you can visit ustraveldocs.com to pay the visa fee. The website will guide you through the payment process. You may need to create an account on ustraveldocs.com to schedule a visa interview after paying the fee. The visa fee can be paid on cash over the counter at Axis Bank and Citibank, through National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) or by means of mobile payments-IMPS. It can take up to 2 business days for your receipt to be activated from the time of payment.

Step-3

To schedule your appointments, you need to visit the same website, ustraveldocs.com. There are two appointments you’ll need to schedule:

First appointment (OFC or VAC appointment): It is scheduled to capture your Biometric fingerprints and photograph. This appointment must be at least 1 day before your visa interview appointment at the Consulate.

Second appointment: This appointment is scheduled for your interview with a Visa Officer at the consulate.

Step-4

You’ll find your SEVIS number on your I20. After receiving your I20, you’ll need to pay a mandatory SEVIS fee of $350 and this fee must be paid before your U.S. visa interview. You can pay the fee online at fmjfee.com.

Note: Student (F and M) visas for new students can be issued up to 120 days in advance of the start date for a course of study. But even with a valid visa, you won’t be allowed to enter the U.S. more than 30 days before your program’s official start date.

It is essential to have all the necessary documents in order to ensure a smooth application process when applying for a visa to the United States. There are various documents to be carried for First (OFC or VAC) appointment and Second appointment (visa interview with the consulate). For first appointment, you need to carry your DS-160 confirmation page, your appointment confirmation page and valid passport. Similarly for second appointment, you need to carry all your passports (current and past), your appointment confirmation page and DS-160 confirmation page. You need to carry all academic records, including the provisional or final degree certificate, Standardized test score report (GRE, GMAT, SAT, ACT, or any other test) and English proficiency score report (IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE). You also need original visa fee payment receipt, SEVIS fee payment confirmation page and original I20. Likewise, you also need all original financial documents, all offer and rejection letters and if relevant the parents’ and student’s IT returns.

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