US Student VISA Update

Step 1: Complete the Online Visa Application
Complete the online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form DS-160, take a print out of it and bring it to the interview.
While filling in the DS-160 form you would be asked to upload a photo of yourself. 

Dimensions and requirements of the picture:
The size of your head in the photo should be between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (22 mm and 35 mm), or about 50% to 69% of the total height from the bottom of your chin to the top of your head in the image.
Make sure the photo was taken recently, within the last 6 months, to reflect your current appearance.
Take the photo in front of a plain white or off-white background. 
Face the camera directly and have a full-face view in the photo.
Keep a neutral facial expression with both eyes open.
Wear your regular daily clothing in the photo and avoid uniforms, except for religious clothing that you wear every day.
If you don't wear a hat or head covering daily for religious reasons, avoid wearing one that hides your hair or hairline. Your entire face should be visible, without any shadows from the head covering.
Don't wear headphones, wireless hands-free devices, or similar items in the photo.
In most cases, you should not wear eyeglasses in the visa photo. However, if you have exceptional circumstances where you cannot remove them for medical reasons, you must provide a medical statement. If accepted, the eyeglasses must not cover your eyes, create glare, or cause shadows that hide your eyes.
If you normally wear a hearing device or similar items, you can wear them in the photo.

Step 2: Schedule an Interview
You need to schedule the interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in India.
The length of time you have to wait for an interview appointment can vary depending on the location, season, and type of visa you are applying for. Therefore, it is advisable to apply for your visa well in advance.

Step 3: Appointment Wait Time
You have the option to verify the waiting period for your specific embassy by visiting the official website of the U.S. Department of State.

Step 4: Prepare for Your Interview
Make the payment for the non-refundable visa application fee prior to your interview. In the event that your visa is approved, there may also be a visa issuance fee that you need to pay, depending on your nationality.

Step 5: Application Fee
Make the payment for the non-refundable visa application fee prior to your interview. In the event that your visa is approved, there may also be a visa issuance fee that you need to pay, depending on your nationality.

Application Fee: 160 USD

Step 6: Gather Required Documentation
Before your visa interview, you should collect and prepare the following necessary documents:

• Ensure your passport is valid for travel to the United States. It must have a validity of at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the country, unless there are specific agreements exempting your country from this requirement. 
• Each person applying for a visa, including family members mentioned in your passport, must submit a separate application.
• Have the confirmation page of your Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160) ready. This page serves as proof that you have completed the online application.
• If you are required to pay an application fee before the interview, make sure to bring the receipt as evidence of payment.
• While filling out the online Form DS-160, you will need to upload a photo. 
• In case the photo upload fails, it is necessary to carry a printed photo that meets the requirements specified in the Photograph Requirements section.
• If you are applying for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status for academic and language programs, you will need to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility in the form of Form I-20. 
• For vocational programs, you will need a Certificate of Eligibility in the form of Form I-20 (M-1). 
• Your school will provide you with the appropriate form after entering your information into the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor System) database. Both you and a school official must sign the Form I-20. 
• All students must be registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS). If your spouse and/or minor children plan to accompany you in the United States, each of them will receive an individual Form I-20.

Step 7: Additional Documentation May Be Required

During your student visa interview, a consular officer will assess your eligibility for the visa and may ask for supplementary documents as proof of the following:

• Official records such as transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from the educational institutions you have attended.
• Standardized test scores that are required by the U.S. educational institution you plan to enroll in.
• Your intention to return to your home country after completing your course of study in the United States.
• Your ability to finance your education, living expenses, and travel costs. You may be required to provide evidence of your financial capability to cover these expenses.
• To apply for a visa, it is important to carefully review the application instructions provided on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will be submitting your application.

Step 8: Attend Your Visa Interview

• A consular officer will conduct an interview to assess your eligibility for a student visa, ensuring that you meet the requirements set forth by U.S. law.
• As part of the application process, digital fingerprint scans, which do not require ink, are typically taken during your interview. However, the specific procedure may vary depending on the location and embassy.
• Following your visa interview, the consular officer may determine that your application requires additional administrative processing. If this is the case, the officer will inform you accordingly.
• Once your visa is approved, you may be required to pay a visa issuance fee. . Additionally, you will need to make arrangements for the return of your passport and visa. For more information, refer to the visa processing times.

Step 9: Entering the United States

• Upon reaching the port-of-entry in the United States, you will need to present your passport, visa, and Form I-20 to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official. This official has the authority to determine whether you will be granted permission to enter the country.
• Once the CBP official grants you entry into the United States, they will provide you with an admission stamp or a paper Form I-94, known as the Arrival/Departure Record.
• For detailed information regarding the procedures for students with F or M visas entering the United States, it is advisable to visit the CBP website and refer to the section on Arrival Procedures for Students or
• Exchange Visitors. On the CBP website, you can also find information about admission and entry requirements, regulations regarding the importation of food, agricultural products, and other restricted or prohibited goods, as well as other relevant information.

Extending Your Stay

• Indian students studying in the United States on F visas are required to depart the country within 60 days after their program's end date as indicated on their Form I-20, which includes any authorized practical training. 
• If additional time is needed, these students can request an extension through the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website. The USCIS Extend Your Stay page offers detailed instructions on how to proceed with such a request. 
• It is crucial for students to maintain their immigration status, and further information on doing so can be found in the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement SEVP website in the section titled Maintaining Your Immigration Status While a Student or Exchange Visitor.
• Failure to depart the United States by the specified deadline will result in a loss of status. Under Section 222(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, individuals who fall out of status will have their visas automatically invalidated. If a multiple entry visa is voided due to out-of-status status, it will not be valid for future entries into the United States.
• Furthermore, failing to leave the United States on time may render individuals ineligible for future visas. For comprehensive information regarding visa denials, ineligibilities, and waivers, it is advisable to review the relevant laws and guidelines provided under Visa Denials and Ineligibilities and Waivers.

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