I have started my quest for one more terra-incognito - US student visas. I am in the process of arranging my funds, getting my I20. Once these 2 things are done, I can apply for my visa. But I started on gathering the basic information about getting an US visa. This post is to share the information which I have gathered to help the my blog readers.
The useful step by step information I have put in below is taken from
VFS website
Step by Step process
 | Determine your consular district and visa type. |
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| Obtain a photo that can be uploaded and meets form specifications. |
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| Access the form DS-160. Complete your DS-160 application online. Save often to your desktop! Answer questions as thoroughly as possible before submitting, as incomplete forms may not be accepted. |
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| Print the DS-160 barcode confirmation sheet at the end of the DS-160 application on a laser printer. After you have printed it, email the confirmation page to yourself so you have a backup copy. The file is a PDF file, so Adobe you will need Adobe Acrobat on your computer to open it. |
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| Pay the visa application fee at an approved HDFC bank. |
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| Make your appointment using your barcode number and fee receipt. If appropriate, use the “coworkers/family members traveling together” option. Then, download and print your VFS appointment letter. |
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| For Mumbai district applicants only: Drop off your required documents three working days prior to your appointment at a VFS center in Mumbai, Pune or Ahmedabad. |
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| Report for your interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate fifteen minutes before your appointment. Carry appropriate documents and follow security regulations. All applicants can find a list of documents under their visa type in the All About Visas - Non-Immigrant Visas section. |
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| Approved visas are returned by courier. Click here to track your passport. |
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| Websites of U.S. Missions in India New Delhi Chennai Mumbai Kolkata Hyderabad |
Documents needed for the Visa application/interview
This webpage has all relevant information about students visa application and required documentation -
https://www.vfs-usa.co.in/USIndia/nonimmigrantvisas_student.html. For the quick reference here are the documents that are required (list may not be extensive) for Applicants applying at the U.S Embassy, New Delhi / U.S. Consulate Chennai, Hyderabad or Kolkata
Mandatory Documents
| Valid original passport. You are recommended to have passport valid for at least six months beyond your interview date. |
| One photograph as per specification. |
| CEAC Barcode printout. |
| Valid HDFC Bank visa fee receipt. (Embassy copy) |
| Original interview appointment letter. |
| Original form I-20 or DS-2019 as applicable. |
| Form I-901 (Sevis Fee Receipt) |
Additional Supporting Documents required at the time of interview
Principal Applicant
| Evidence of financial resources: proof of liquid assets sufficient to pay for the entire first year of education and living expenses as well as proof of readily available funds to cover the remaining year(s) of studies. |
| Proof of your relationship to the sponsor (such as your birth certificate), the sponsor's most recent, original tax forms, and the sponsor's bankbooks and/or fixed deposit certificates |
| Original degree certificates along with mark sheets. |
| Original Bachelor degree transcripts or high school diploma along with mark sheets from previous institutions attended. |
| Relevant test scores, e.g. TOEFL and SAT, GRE, GMAT or LSAT |
| Unlike F-1 visa applicants, M-1 applicants must demonstrate the ability to pay all tuition and living costs for the entire period of their intended stay and cannot work while in M visa status. |
Spouse / Dependent Children
| An approved form I-20 from the principal applicant's U.S. school or program with the dependent's name included; |
| A copy of the Form I-20 of the Principal Applicant. |
| Photocopy of the Principal Applicant’s valid visa (if applying separately). |
| Original Marriage Certificate (for spouse) along with your entire wedding photo album. |
| Original Birth certificate (for each child). |
| Additional financial resources to support the dependants |
Wait time for US Visa
Advance travel planning and early visa application are important. You can use this website to calculate the Visa wait time depending on your locality -
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/wait_4638.html
VISA FAQs
This FAQ section answers the most common doubts, we applicants can have about US student visa
http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html
This post is just to share the information I have gathered through online search. I will be writing a post about my personal experience of getting my US Student visa once I go through the process.
