Table of Contents

Which Visa to Apply For .............................................................................................................. 3

Documents You Need to Apply - Checklist ................................................................................. 3
English Eligibility .......................................................................................................................... 3
English Proficiency ..................................................................................................................... 3
English Requirement Waiver ....................................................................................................... 3
How to Apply................................................................................................................................. 4
Step 1: Get your admissions documents from the SEVP institution ................................... 4
Step 2: Apply online through the DS-160 form .................................................................... 4
Step 3: Pay the application fee .............................................................................................. 4
Step 4: Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee ............................................................................................ 4
Step 5: Schedule your F1 visa interview ............................................................................... 4
Step 6: Submit the file with the required documents ........................................................... 4
Step 7: Attend the student visa interview ............................................................................. 4
Finances Required......................................................................................................................... 6
Conditions For Financial Proof Waiver ....................................................................................... 6
Where to Apply ............................................................................................................................. 6
When to Apply .............................................................................................................................. 7
Post Visa Application .................................................................................................................... 7
Visa Decision Duration ............................................................................................................... 7
Visa Fees ........................................................................................................................................ 8
When Can You Travel .................................................................................................................. 8
Stay Back Period ........................................................................................................................... 8
Reasons for Rejection of F1 Student Visa .................................................................................... 8
Sample SOP 1 for F1 Student Visa ............................................................................................. 10
Sample SOP 2 for F1 Student Visa ............................................................................................. 12
 USA Visa Guide

Which Visa to Apply For

You must have a student visa to study in the United States. Students must apply for F1 student visa
to study in the United States.

Documents You Need to Apply - Checklist

 Your valid passport.

 Form DS-160 for non-immigrant visa applications.
 Two photographs meeting the US Visa Photo Requirements.
 Proof of paid F1 visa fee.
 Form I-20. Your Form I-20 states the amount of funds you need to finance your
education and living in the US. You must submit documents which prove you have that
amount readily available.
 Documents that prove your previous education and current qualifications:
 Original transcripts
 Standardized test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, GMAT, etc.)
 Acceptance letters from the educational institution which accepted you
 Previous degree diplomas
 Proof of purchased health insurance for international students.

English Eligibility
There must be evidence that you have obtained a satisfactory test score in an English language test
that has been approved by US Embassy.

English Proficiency

You must prove that you can speak and understand English at a level that enables you to
enrol in an academic program. Students can prove their language proficiency by taking
standardized English proficiency tests such as the IELTS.

Students taking IELTS need to score a 6.5 band to be accepted for the F1 student visa.

English Requirement Waiver

Students need to prove their English language proficiency to obtain the F1 visa.
However, if you’re a resident or completed under graduation from a country with
English as it’s native language, you would be exempt from this requirement.
How to Apply

Step 1: Get your admissions documents from the SEVP institution

After you apply and are accepted into the school you want to attend, they will have to complete
some procedures so that you can apply for the F1 visa. The most important document you need to
have is Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status. Without this form,
you will not be able to apply for an F1 student visa and attend your interview.

Step 2: Apply online through the DS-160 form

After you get your Form I-20, you can start the usual application process. This includes filing the
DS-160 form online with the necessary information about your visa status.

Step 3: Pay the application fee

The application fee for the student visa is $160. You must pay this fee and get the receipt, which
you will need later for your interview documents. You might have to pay additional fees based on
your country of origin and the US Embassy you are applying from.

Step 4: Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee

When you are admitted by the SEVP institution, your school immediately registers you in the
Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). To have full registration, there is a
SEVIS I-901 fee. For the F1 visa, this fee is $200.

Step 5: Schedule your F1 visa interview

After filing the DS-160 form and paying the fees, you will need to schedule your interview. The
interview is a mandatory step before you get your student visa. Try to schedule it as early as
possible, since there might be delays due to the heavy workload of the US Embassy. When you
schedule it, you will receive an interview appointment letter which you will need later on in the
application process.

Step 6: Submit the file with the required documents

Before you go to attend your interview, you should prepare your file with the required documents
for students.

Step 7: Attend the student visa interview

When you go to attend the student visa interview, the questions will mostly revolve around your
reasons for going to the US and the institution you are going to. The interviewer will try to assess
whether you intend to return to your home country after you complete your degree.
You can fill out the DS160 and pay your SEVIS fee here:
https://ceac.state.gov/GenNIV/Default.aspx

You will be directed to this portal to fill out the DS160 form. Start a new application to create an
account and fill out all your details. Once done and submitted, you can pay the SEVIS fee and
proceed to book your visa interview appointment at the nearest embassy/consulate.
Apply for an Expedited Appointment

Students applying for F-1 visa can apply for an expedited process in case visa slots are not
available.

Purpose of travel is to begin or resume a valid program of study in the United States within 60 days
when no regular visa appointments are available. This option is limited only to students and exchange
students who are within 60 days of their start date. It is also limited only to applicants who have not
been refused a visa within the last six months at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Essential documentation:
1. Original Form I-20 or DS-2019 indicating start date of program within 60 days

Finances Required

Students need to show that they have enough funds in their bank account to cover the tuition fee
and the cost of living for 1 year. This is also the amount mentioned on the I20 form.

Past bank statements and ITR are accepted as financial proof along with any loan or scholarships
provided to the students.

Submitting the SEVIS fee receipt along with other financial documents is also recommended.

Conditions For Financial Proof Waiver

The US immigration office does not consider any exceptions from displaying financial proof.
All the candidates applying for a student visa need to show the financial proof as well.

Where to Apply

You can visit the below mentioned link to fill out the DS160 form and find out the nearest US
embassy/consulate to book your visa appointment with complete information and documentation.

https://www.usembassy.gov/#results

There are several steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them
may vary by U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Please consult the instructions on the embassy or
consulate website.

You must:

1) complete the online visa application, and

 2) print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview. Photo –You will upload
your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained
in the Photograph Requirements. You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the
U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live.

When to Apply

• Student (F and M) visas for new students can be issued up to 120 days in advance of the start date
for a course of study.

• Student (F and M) visas for continuing students may be issued at any time, as long as the student
is currently enrolled at a SEVP-approved school or institution and in SEVIS.

Post Visa Application

When you enter the United States, you will arrive at a port of entry and meet with U.S. Customs and
Border Protection (CBP) officers for primary and sometimes a secondary inspection.

The CBP officer may ask questions about your reason for travel and to inspect important documents
like your:

 Student visa
 Form I-20
 Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least six months after the date of your re-entry. If you are an M-1
student, it is recommended that you bring your most recent Form I-94, “Arrival/Departure Record,”
with you as well.

Be sure to hand-carry all these items and do not put them in your checked baggage.

You do not need to repay the I-901 SEVIS Fee to re-enter the United States after travel.

Visa Decision Duration

When administrative processing is required, the timing will vary based on individual circumstances
of each case Except in cases of emergency travel (i.e. serious illnesses, injuries, or deaths in your
immediate family), before making inquiries about status of administrative processing, applicants
should wait at least 180 days from the date of interview or submission of supplemental documents,
whichever is later.
Visa Fees

The application fee is 160 USD for student visa.

When Can You Travel

• New Students

You will not be allowed to enter the United States on your student visa more than 30 days before
the start of your course.

• Continuing Students

Continuing students may enter the United States at any time before classes start.

Stay Back Period

Foreign students in the United States with F visas must depart the United States within 60 days
after the program end date listed on Form I-20, including any authorized practical training.

Duration this time, you may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), to stay and work in The
United States after the completion of your course.

The OPT period is 1 year for non-STEM courses and 3 years for STEM courses.

Reasons for Rejection of F1 Student Visa

Incomplete Visa Application: One of the most common reasons why your US student visa
application has been rejected is because you have not fully completed your visa application.
Insufficient, incorrect or skipping information on your visa application can lead to visa denials or
longer processing. Don't let even a small detail miss out or you could be subjected to unnecessary
wait times.

Applying for the Wrong Student Visa: Before applying for a US student visa, make sure you
have a clear understanding of all the different types of visas for international students. Once you
have figured out which visa you are eligible for, you can fulfil the requirements and meet the
conditions of the visa. Don't simply make assumptions that you are eligible for a certain visa and
go about applying for it without making certain. Being Unprepared: Never attend your visa
interview without knowing what you are up for. Get an expert opinion on what to say and what
not to say at a US visa interview. You can also dig out available information on the visa
application process and visa interviews available on the internet.

Have an Immigration Visa Pending: In case you have a pending immigrant visa petition, your
student visa applicant could get rejected. In order to qualify for a non-immigrant visa in the US,
you must overcome the presumption that you are an intending immigrant, who becomes difficult
to prove if you already have a pending immigrant visa petition. Similarly, if you have a spouse or
fiancé already residing in the US, it will become further difficult for you to prove that you intend
to immigrate.

Insufficient Funds: You should be able to prove that you have enough funds to pay for the first
year of your academic program. Parent-sponsors holding positions that are poorly paid may be
subjected to doubt and if your education is being sponsored by a family friend or a relative, it may
raise questions such as how strong a commitment is it with this sponsor or when was the last time
you saw them and so on. So, make sure that whatever proof you are providing, it is spot on and
devoid of any sort of skepticism. Also Read: Financial Requirements for a US Student Visa
Inability to justify Strong Ties to Your Homeland: For an applicant who is young enough, the ties
of your father to your homeland would be questioned. This would include questions based on the
duration of your family's stay in the country of origin, for how many years your parent(s) have
been employed. In this case, the number of years of work experience you have in your homeland
may increase your chances of proving your ties to it. Issues During the Interview: Many go wrong
here. They fail to make the first impression by speaking weak English, giving vague reasons for
selecting the US university and course and how the two fit their career plans, having poor body
language, poor code of conduct and so on. Do not ramble and sound doubtful or uncertain.
 Sample SOP 1 for F1 Student Visa

I, Mr. Your name born on (DOB) in (City name), (state name), would like to apply to study the
Master of Business Administration at (University name) USA. I would like to upgrade my
qualification and career from (University name) which would help to achieve my aspirations and I
am certain that an education from this International Institution of USA will provide me with the
right opportunity to achieve my career goals. I have completed my Secondary School Education in
(School name), (place name) in the year of (completion year) in which I secured(division)division
with(number)CGPA. My schooling revealed my interest and I have chosen Math’s, Economics.
Commerce stream for further education and completed my Intermediate examination from
(Intermediate college name), (place name) in the year(year) with (number)% After my Intermediate
I decided to pursue Degree course name. I joined (B. Com/ degree) in (Degree College name) which
is affiliated to (University name), place and I have completed my bachelor’s successfully in
(year)with(number)%I am especially interested in Master of Business Administration course
particularly fascination. So, I am very much eager to do Master of Business Administration course
and it provides intensive training in MBA field and is suitable for graduates of disciplines who are
preparing for a career in the Business Administration department. This course focuses on the
specific emerging domains within business administration, where there is increasing industry
demand and a skills shortage. It will enable me to develop the skills and knowledge I need to build
my career in these new and important areas of business administration, significantly enhancing my
employment opportunities. Though these courses are available in India, they aren’t designed with a
practical approach and a real-time environment. I still need expertise knowledge and to achieve
those skills, I take this golden opportunity to study abroad. Higher study will not only provide me
with advanced knowledge about the field but also prepares me to be a good researcher and it will
enable me to acquire sufficient skills for building a successful career as a professional and
consolidate my position in the growing business administration field in India. A USA qualification
is recognized and respected globally. The USA has grown to become one of the top destinations to
study around the world. With traditions of excellence dating back hundreds of years, high class
institutions at every corner and much more flexibility than many other countries students coming to
study scientific and technical subjects in the USA will benefit from learning alongside some of the
world’s top intellectual achievers. The USA learning experience allows students independent
thought, encourages proactive problem- solving skills, enables development of intellectual skills
and empowers creative and effective thinking. These skills are recognized by employers as the
qualities needed to meet the requirements of the global economy and to succeed in a competitive
job market. The diverse range of courses is also matched by the wide range of institutions that give
students a varied choice to find the most suitable study environment for them. USA education
system has a strong international reputation and is known for its effective structure, innovative
policy developments and independent thinking throughout its universities. USA is a safe, friendly,
sophisticated and yet harmonious society in which we can learn and travel. USA is currently the
most popular destination for international students among the English-speaking Countries. Many
international students choose to study USA because of its friendly, laid-back nature, excellent
education system, cultural diversity and high standard of living. Students can be a part of
multicultural environment and cultural activities. As an international student in USA, I can expect
to live, grow and learn in a well-developed, friendly country with full of opportunities. (University
name) is committed to learning, seeing its role as enabling students to ‘be what they want to be’.
(University name) graduates are among the highest paid in the country, and University researchers
are rated as world-class in several disciplines, fostering a culture of success across the institution.
(University name) campus is in USA which is most well equipped and modern campus.
(Name)University’s postgraduate programs are designed to expand and build on the existing
expertise and skills, in turn equipping me with everything I need to advance my career or shift it in
a new direction. (University name) offers a flexible learning environment that helps to combine the
study with career and lifestyle. (University name) Business Management programs offer me a
choice of specialization – namely in project management, international business, engineering and
marketing management, all of which are accredited with relevant industry bodies. University name
aim is to help students to achieve personal and professional goals. It helps to boost and widen the
career prospects or to satisfy a desire for further learning, (University name) delivers everything
that required for a successful career.

The Master of Business Administration is quickly evolving and growing to meet the demand of
today’s marketplace. (University name) Master of Business Administration will cover a wide range
of topics including finance, Accounting, Marketing, Operations Management Strategy, Economics,
Human Resource Management and strategy forming the core subjects. The (University name) MBA
postgraduates use their specialist knowledge and skills to support and business administration in
any organization that uses them and will be qualified for positions in business administration.
Through this program I can develop specification, as well as research to create new ideas. It
provides several challenges ranging from problem identification and the selection of appropriate
technical solutions, materials, test equipment, and procedures, to the manufacture and production of
safe, economical, high-performance products and services. This program prepares graduates for
careers such as Business Administrator, Finance Manager, Credit Analyst, Accounting Manager,
Risk and Insurance Manager, Chief Financial Officer, Treasurer, and Operation Manager.

My future is very clear. After completion of studies, I will come back to my motherland, as I am the
(elder son/ only son/ only daughter) to my parents. It’s my prime responsibility to see my parents.
As up to now my parents worked very hard to give us a very bright future now it’s my
responsibility to see them. The education will build my future bright. On my return, to my home
country, all the experience, knowledge and skills that I acquire from my study in USA at
(University name) will play a vital role in getting me a good job in a Multinational company like
Microsoft, Intel, Google, Cognizant, Oracle, DELL and many more. As now a day’s most of the
multi-national companies are investing in Indian market and will also help in executing my
responsibilities in a best way with an international standard, which not only gives me immense job
satisfaction and helps me to get a good career where I can procure my talents of being a good
professional and serve my nation well.
Thanking you for giving me an opportunity to express myself.
 Sample SOP 2 for F1 Student Visa

I hail from Delhi, India. I am honoured with a family of four individuals, which includes me, my
parents and my younger sibling. My dad is an accountant, my mother is a teacher, and my sibling is
pursuing his undergraduate from India.
As an academic enthusiast, I have always maintained a record of excellence ever since my school
days. I have completed my Btech in computer science from XYZ University in Delhi in the year 2
and further wish to pursue MBA from ABC University in the USA. But apart from this, I have also
ensured that I grab every opportunity to participate in school and college extracurricular activities.
To mention a few, I have won a state-level coding championship, a young entrepreneur award and a
few trophies in sports as well.
After completing my engineering, I worked as an intern at ACG Pvt. Ltd for six months. Later,
impressed with my performance, the company decided to hire me as a cloud engineer. I dedicated
two years to the company, headed various projects, and mentored some freshers. My professional
experience has been great so far, but now I believe it's high time to take my career a step ahead.
You can't stick to one thing, right! Everybody wants growth in their career, so do I. In these two
years, I realised how much I am inclined towards leadership and the world of business. My interest
in understanding the relationship between markets has gradually increased. Pursuing an MBA will
provide me with the knowledge to understand management techniques and teach me how to tailor
those strategies for different markets. MBA will give me skills and knowledge from industry
professionals, setting the foundation for my business management skills.
Without a doubt, an MBA in the US was a perfect choice. The education system of The US is
brilliant in many ways. Furthermore, the US is the leading country in the world when it comes to
business. As I was browsing various universities in the US for MBA, I came across ABC
University, one of the top institutes in the USA. Students here gain not only excellent placements
but also some incredible leadership opportunities. Pursuing my masters from ABC will not only
stimulate my career to a different level but also expose me to various cultures from around the
globe due to the high percentage of international students. It will be like a cherry on the top as it
will help me have a global experience and enhance my communication skills.
After I complete my MBA, I will find a suitable job exploring more about the IT industry and the
global market. And after working for a few years and gaining much better experience in the field, I
will take my career a step ahead and set up a business in an IT firm. Over the decade, we have seen
how the IT industry is booming and especially in times of a global pandemic. I aim to learn and
develop skills and have experiences to make me stand out from the crowd.