Types of Visa:
There are mainly two types of
student visas:
- F-1 (Student Visa). The F-1 visa is for
full-time students enrolled in an academic or language
program. F-1 students may stay in the US for the full
length of their academic program plus 60 days. F-1 students
must maintain a full-time course load and complete their
studies by the expiration date listed on the I-20 form.
- J-1 (Exchange Visitor Visa). The J-1 visa
is issued for students needing practical training that
is not available in their home country to complete their
academic program. The training must be directly related
to the academic program. The J-1 visa obligates the student
to return to their home country for a minimum of two years
after the end of their studies in the US before being
eligible to apply for an immigrant (permanent residence)
visa.
The rules and regulations governing the
entrance of all international students into the United States
are complicated and should be properly looked into before
applying for a visa.
Visa Application Procedure
Applicants should apply at the consular section
of the American Embassy any working day, Monday through Friday,
between the hours of 8:30 and 10:00 AM.
Documents required are :
- Valid Passport
- One Passport size photograph (Black and
White or Colour)
- A Non-immigrant Visa Application (Form
156) available from the Consular section.
- Form I-20 executed by the authorizing
official of institution concerned, signed by the applicant.
- Evidence of financial ability to cover
the costs of the education and maintenance involved
- Visa fee to be paid in Indian Rupees by
Bank Draft
When to apply :
An applicant may apply for
a student Visa not earlier than 90 days before the registration
date specified on the FORM I-20. If the registration date
is already passed or the applicant cannot reasonably expect
to arrive at the school by the registration date, the applicant
should obtain an amended I-20 or a letter of extension from
the issuing institution stating by what date the applicant
may arrive.
After the Completed application forms
along with the documents are submitted;
In most cases, the visa will be issued within a few hours
or days of the submission of the application. In some instances,
the process may take longer depending on the time of year,
consular caseload or other factors.
If your application is denied, you should ask the Consular
Officer for a "written denial decision." This will provide
you with the official reason for your visa denial.
- Your total personal annual income
- Total annual income of your Parents
- Your average annual living expenses
- Some details of your and your parents' assets
Sources of funding for your education other than from the
University
Note : Even if no assistantship is available at the time
of admission, most Indian students manage to get some kind
of financial aid from the university after one or two semesters.
So it makes sense to go to the US for education if you can
manage one year’s expenses on your own.
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