Visa Applications
F-1 Student Visa (U.S. Student Visa)
The F-1 Visa (Academic Student) allows an individual to enter
the United States as a full-time student at an accredited college,
university, or other academic institution. A student must be
enrolled in a program or course of study that culminates in a
degree, diploma, or certificate and the school must be authorized
by the U.S. government to accept international students.
Steps for Applying for an U.S. Student Visa
The visa application process commences with the receipt of an
I-20. The I-20 confirms a students’ acceptance and enrollment at
the university.
The visa process is long and looks difficult, but your personal
counselor at IDP will assist and guide you every step of the
way.
Step 1: Pay SEVIS Fee (Student and Exchange Visitor Information
System)
SEVIS is the internet based part of the Student and Exchange
Visitor Program that is developed by the U.S. Department of
Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of State (DOS).
SEVIS maintains current and accurate information of all F, M, J
visitors and their dependents. Schools (universities, colleges,
institutions) transmit mandatory information via SEVIS to all the
relevant U.S. government bodies.
You cannot apply for your F-1 visa until you pay the SEVIS
Fee.
Fee payable: USD 200
Payment option: Credit card at http://www.fmjfee.com
Step 2: Pay Visa Fee at HDFC Bank
You are required to pay the Visa Application fee at the approved
HDFC Bank. The visa fee is also known as the MRV (Machine Readable
Visa) Fee.
Fee payable:USD 140 + VFS INR 374
Payment options:
- Cash
- Demand Draft
- HDFC bank cheque
The Visa Fee Receipt will have a barcode sticker with the
identical number and must be kept safely. The barcode number will
be activated in two working days from the date of payment.
Step 3: Complete the Visa Application Form
The visa application form for your F-1 visa is completed online
through the VFS website. The form that needs to be completed
is:
You also need to upload a recent (within the past six months)
passport size photograph of size 50mm X 50mm (2" x 2") with a white
background.
You should print the confirmation page with a barcode at the end
of the visa application form.
Step 4: Book Visa Interview Appointment
Once the barcode number on your visa fee (MRV Fee) receipt is
activated, you can use this to login to the VFS website and book
your appointment at the U.S. Embassy.
Step 5: Attend you Visa Interview
On the day of your visa interview, report to the appropriate
gate at the U.S. Embassy, 30 minutes before your appointed time.
You will need to carry all the mandatory documents as per the
checklist given by your IDP counselor.
F-1 Visa (Student Visa) Document Checklist:
- Passport (at least 6 months validity required)
- Photograph (recent photograph)
- VFS interview appointment letter
- DS-160 (Confirmation page with barcode)
- HDFC visa application fee receipts
- SEVIS receipt
- I-20
- Scholarship letter
- Financial Documents
- Academic Documents
- Test Scores
- Work experience certificates
- Other relevant certificates
Step 6: Return of Passport by Courier
The visa officer at the U.S. Embassy will retain your passport
after the interview. Once a decision is made on your application
the U.S. Embassy will deliver your passport to VFS, who will then
courier the same to you within seven working days to the address
provided in the visa application form.
Remember your personal IDP Counselor will help you from start to
finish providing assistance in organizing documents, completing the
forms and preparing you for the interview with the visa officer at
the U.S. Embassy.