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Mbbs 11 Apr, 2024
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A Complete Guide to US Study Visa Cost for Indian Students - According to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), 1,99,812 Indian students travelled to the United States for higher education in 2022. The number of Indian students in the United States grew by more than 19% in 2022 as compared to 2021. So, is it easy to get a study visa in the USA? This is a common question among international students, and the answer is that it is not difficult to obtain a student visa to study in the United States, particularly for Indian students, as long as their documents and applications are completed and their interviews proceed properly.
The US study visa is divided into three categories: one for university studies, one for exchange-level programmes, and one for vocational education, known as F, J, and M student visas in the US. The timing for application review for each of these student visas varies. This US student visa guide briefly analyses the many types of visas available to overseas students and aims to provide a thorough method for applying for the F1 Student Visa, which is applicable to students wishing to pursue both bachelor's and master's degrees in the United States.
There are three categories of USA study visas available to overseas students. The following are the many forms of USA study visas; students may also review the related US student visa requirements:
Students seeking for a programme that requires more than 18 hours of study per week must get an F1 visa in the United States. This comprises all undergraduate programmes as well as graduate programmes in the United States, such as an MS or MBA.
Spouses and children accompanying F-1 visa holders will travel on F-2 visas. Please keep in mind that spouses are not permitted to work, but they may accompany and/or seek for their own visa to the United States to work or study.
The J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa is for students, visiting researchers, or lecturers participating in an exchange programme. Fulbright scholars, as well as many students participating in short-term study abroad programmes at Indian colleges, will go to the United States on a J-1 visa.
A J1 visa is often obtained by a working professional travelling to America on an exchange programme, thus the term Exchange Visitor Visa. These might include a 10-month vocational training programme, a research scholarship, and so forth. Whatever the situation, the applicants will be contacted by the appropriate institutions.
Spouses and children accompanying J-1 visa holders will travel on a J-2 visa. Please keep in mind that spouses can work if they acquire permission prior to time.
The M1 visa is a sort of student visa that is limited to vocational and technical institutions. While the application process for both the F1 and M-1 visas is similar, the M1 visas are time-stamped upon entry, and students are not permitted to overstay their visit. Also, learn about student visas for studying abroad.
Students are not permitted to work outside of school during their first year of study. They are only permitted to work 20 hours each week. During vacations and breaks, people might work up to 40 hours each week. The student may work for a commercial company that offers services to the institution, such as a bookshop or restaurant. Students can learn about the top ten part-time jobs in the United States.
There are two costs linked with the F-1 student visa for the USA.
SEVIS price is now $350, while US student visa expenses in Indian rupees are roughly INR 29,116.
Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee), which is now $185, is INR 15,390.
Here's an overview of the several types of student visas in the USA and their associated fees:
|
Type of Student Visas in USA & Costs |
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|
Types of Student Visas |
F1 |
J1 |
M1 |
|
SEVIS Fee* |
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|
Amount |
$350 |
$220 |
$350 |
|
Accepted Modes of Payment |
Credit Card |
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|
Payable in |
Dollars at the relevant exchange rate as established by the bank. |
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|
MRV Application Fee / Visa Application Fee** |
|||
|
Amount |
$185 |
$185 |
$185 |
|
Accepted Modes of Payment |
NEFT Online Transfer |
||
|
Payable in |
Payable in INR at the exchange rate determined by the Consular Office. (At the moment, the currency rate is set at $1 = INR 83.18 until September 6, 2023.) |
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*If they are visiting the United States on an F-2 or J-2 visa, spouses and dependents are exempt from paying the SEVIS fee.
**MRV stands for Machine Readable Visa charge, sometimes known as an application charge. To attend a student visa interview to study in the United States, overseas students must have the MRV receipt.
In contrast to a tourist visa, a student visa needs you to carry significantly more documentation. You will need the required paperwork, as well as supporting financial and academic records. Before you go to the embassy for your visa interview, be sure you review this checklist.
A passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the duration of your visit.
A printed copy of the online application form (DS-160)
SEVIS Fee Receipt.
Interview appointment letter (original and copies)
Form I-20 provided by the college (where you will study).
Payment confirmation receipt for Visa fees
Bank statement for at least three years demonstrating that you have adequate assets to pay for the first year (may be of parent or guardian)
Pay/Salary Slips
Original mark sheets and provisional certificates
Score sheets from examinations such as TOEFL or IELTS can be used as ELP evidence, along with either the ACT or SAT for undergraduate applications or the GMAT or GRE for graduate entrance.
Financial documents are necessary to demonstrate financial strength to finance education in the United States.
Students in the United States must provide documentation of the amount of cash required to cover their overall first-year expenditures. It covers tuition, living expenses, and additional costs (such as books). Aside from that, students must demonstrate that they have the means to complete the remainder of their study.
The loan approval letter from the bank or the concerned authority.
Applying for a USA Study Visa involves multiple steps:
Your visa application procedure begins when you get Form I-20 from your college. Though you can pay the SEVIS fee at any moment during the application process, it is strongly advised that you pay the SEVIS I-901 charge before beginning your US visa application.
After paying the SEVIS fee and receiving your receipt, you can apply for a DS-160 visa form. It's an online application form.
To bring to your interview, print the confirmation paper from the application.
Pay the visa cost via NEFT or at an authorised AXIS/Citibank location.
Schedule a biometric and interview appointment.
For the Biometric appointment, you must appear in person to have your image taken for the visa and your fingerprints scanned.
During the personal interview, the interviewer will ask you questions about your college choice, finances, and intention to return. If s/he is convinced, they will keep your passport to have the visa stamped. This article will help you prepare for your F1 Visa interview.
Remember that F1 student visas can be issued up to 120 days prior to the commencement of your term of study. However, you will not be permitted to enter the United States on F1 status more than 30 days before your scheduled start date.
In conclusion, applying for a student visa to the United States might be difficult. However, with careful planning and attention to detail, it is feasible to secure a visa and effectively pursue higher education abroad. We learnt about the USA Student Visa needs, including the application procedure, papers necessary, cost, visa period, work allowances, financial needs, and application centres.
Q.1. Who requires a student visa for the United States?
Ans. Anyone who is not a US citizen or permanent resident who intends to study in the US for more than 18 hours per week must get a student visa.
Q.2. Can I work on a student visa in the United States?
Ans. Yes, students with an F-1 visa can work on campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours per week during school holidays. However, off-campus jobs require further approval.
Q.3. How long may I stay in the United States on a student visa?
Ans. You can stay in the United States on a student visa for the duration of your academic programme, as long as you maintain full-time enrollment and follow the requirements of your visa.
