Embassy of the United States

Nonimmigrant Visas

Studying in the United States

Hundreds of thousands of people come to the United States from around the world to study and improve their skills. Numerous programs provide a wide variety of learning opportunities.

We recognize that recent changes in visa law have made it more difficult to get a visa in a timely manner. We are working to improve security clearance procedures to protect our borders and at the same time facilitate legitimate travel. The security clearance procedures delay the issuance of visas in some cases. Apply for your visa as soon as you have completed your preparation to study in the United States.

We made changes in various procedures to make sure that both US citizens and visitors are safe. Two new measures allow us to know that you are following your education program. Registration after arrival in the U.S. tells us that you are following the terms of your visa. The SEVIS program makes it easier for you, the school immigration officials, and the consulate/embassy where you apply for a visa to make sure you are in lawful student status.

There are three major types of student visas:

• Academic studies (F visa): For people who want to study or conduct research at an accredited U.S. college or University.
• Academic studies as an Exchange Visitor (J visa): For people who will be participating in an exchange visitor program in the United States. The "J" visa is the primary visa for educational and cultural exchange programs
• Non-Academic or Vocational Studies (M Visa): For people who want to study or train at a non-academic institution in the U.S.

Resources

Go to the United States Educational Foundation of India (USEFI) website at www.fulbright-India.org to get comprehensive information on all aspects of studying in the United States. There you'll find answers to questions like:

• How can I study or conduct research in the U.S.?
• How do I qualify for a student visa?
• What kind of visa do I need?
• How do I apply for a student visa?

The USEFI address in New Delhi is:

USEFI 12, Hailey Road, opposite Modern School New Delhi, India 110 001 Tel. (011) 2332 8944 Fax: (011) 2332-9718

Additionally, you may also go to Education USA to get more information on studying in the U.S. Education USA is produced by the U.S. Department of State.

Also go to the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the Department of State to find other information about studying in the United States, including information on the Fulbright Program, English Language Programs, Humphrey Fellowships, Educational Partnership Programs and much more.

First, you need all the documents required for any nonimmigrant visa:

Then, the following documents are also required for student applicants:

• An I-20 Form, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, obtained from a U.S. college, school or university. Please be sure to give us both pages of the newer, bar coded SEVIS form. The form must also be signed by you and by a school official.
• Mark sheets, transcripts and certificates from previous institutions attended.
• Scores from U.S. standardized tests such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT, wherever applicable.
• Financial evidence showing you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period of your intended study.

You must prove that funds are immediately available to cover the first year's costs, and show evidence that funds will be available for all subsequent years. Any financial documentation you provide should be in support of this. This applies to ALL student visa applicants.

All students have to apply in person and must schedule an appointment at the website: http://www.vfs-usa.co.in

The Student Dependent Visa - F-2

Applicants for F-2 visas should submit:

All the required documents for any visa applicant and you will also need to submit the following:

• An I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, obtained from the U.S. College, school or university where the spouse is studying with the dependent visa applicants name on the I-20. SEVIS Confirmation numbers for family members are also mandatory.
• The marriage registration certificate for the spouse and birth certificate for each child.
• A copy of the wedding invitation and wedding ceremony photos -no fewer than 10 and no more than 20.
• A good quality photocopy or the original of their spouse's passport - all 36 pages. The copy should be of GOOD quality and the photo must be clearly identifiable.
• Proof of funds to support the stay of the applicants in the United States during the spouse's course of study.

You must appear at the Embassy with all of your documents for a personal interview.  To arrange an interview, you must log on to http://www.vfs-usa.co.in/. First time student applicants should plan to apply 120 days before the program start date as listed on their I-20s.  We encourage the principal applicant to schedule appointments for all family members together in the same slot.

Need more information? Click here for our frequently asked questions for student visas.