US F-1 student visa for Indian students

The consular officer applies section 214(b): you must show that you are a genuine student with the academic background and English for the program, that you can pay for it without unauthorised work, and that you intend to leave the US after your studies. Officers ask why this university, why this course, who pays and what you plan to do afterwards. A clear, specific answer that fits your record matters more than any document.

The Form I-20 is issued by the school's designated school official once you have accepted the offer, paid the deposit and shown funds. It records the program dates, the first-year cost and the SEVIS ID you need to pay the I-901 fee. Students changing schools or levels get a new I-20 but keep the SEVIS record; transfers inside the US do not need a new visa until the next trip abroad.

Since June 2025 F, M and J applicants are asked to set social media accounts to public so consular staff can review them, and the DS-160 lists every identifier used in the last five years. Posts that contradict the stated plans or the application, or that suggest an intention to stay, are a documented ground for refusal or revocation. DHS proposed in 2025 to replace duration of status with fixed admission periods of up to four years; check the rule's status before travelling.

The school's own costs, the TOEFL or IELTS, and the education loan processing fee are separate. Vistolane charges the USD 185 fee at the official rate and shows it separately; the SEVIS fee is paid directly to DHS in your name.

1. 1

   Get the I-20 and pay SEVIS

   Accept the offer, pay the deposit, send the financial documents the school requires and receive the I-20. Pay the USD 350 I-901 fee against the SEVIS ID and print the receipt.

2. 2

   Complete the DS-160 and pay the fee

   Enter the SEVIS ID and school details, list social media identifiers, upload the photo and pay USD 185 through the appointment portal.

3. 3

   Book biometrics and the interview

   Student slots are released in batches for each intake; book at any Indian post. Set social media accounts to public before the interview.

4. 4

   Attend the interview

   Bring the passport, I-20 signed by you, SEVIS receipt, DS-160 confirmation, admission letter, academic transcripts, test scores and financial evidence. Answer briefly and specifically about the course, the funding and your plans.

5. 5

   Travel and report

   Enter up to 30 days before the program start date, report to the school's international office, and keep the I-20 updated for travel signatures.

Start the I-20 process by April for a September start, pay SEVIS as soon as the I-20 arrives and book the first slot you see; you can reschedule a limited number of times. A refused student can reapply for the same intake if a slot exists.

F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours a week in term and full time in breaks. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is authorised by the school for internships that are part of the course after the first year; Optional Practical Training (OPT) gives 12 months of work after graduation, filed with USCIS on Form I-765, and STEM graduates can extend by 24 months with an E-Verify employer. Unauthorised work, dropping below full time or failing to report changes terminates the SEVIS record.

F-2 spouses cannot work and can study only part time; F-2 children attend school. Most Indian graduates move to H-1B through the registration lottery while on OPT; the cap-gap extension keeps OPT alive until 1 October if the petition is selected and filed. The H-1B route page covers the 2026 registration rules.

• State Department: student visa ↗
• State Department: fees for visa services ↗
• State Department: global visa wait times ↗
• Study in the States: SEVIS I-901 fee ↗
• USCIS: Optional Practical Training for F-1 students ↗
• US Embassy and Consulates in India: visas ↗