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F-1 Visas

F-1 Visas
F-1 Visas

Academic Student Visas to the United States


Students who have been admitted to academic programs in the United States are required to obtain F1 visas prior to entry. It is important to remember that there are a number of steps to attend to before an applicant comes to the consulate for an appointment.  

  1. Accredited academic institutions that accept international students must send a completed form I-20 to the applicant.
  2. The SEVIS fee must be paid by the applicant before his case can be heard.  For more about SEVIS, click here.
  3. Two passport-sized photograph must be taken.
  4. Applicants must complete forms DS-156, DS-157 and DS-158 before making an appointment.  
  5. Once all of the above have been completed, an student may make an appointment through VFS. Their website address is:
    https://www.vfs-usa.co.in/Home.aspx 


The following documents are required for an interview with an officer:

  • Valid Passport
  • Completed Form I-20 from the University
  • Completed Form DS-156 with approved photograph attached


Applicants may wish to bring the following documentation, as it may assist in the interview process:

  • Degree Certificates
  • GRE or TOEFL Test Results
  • SAT or ACT Test Results (if applying as an undergraduate)
  • Acceptance letter from the university in the United States
  • Scholarship confirmation letter, if applicable
  • SEVIS Fee receipt (especially if the fee was paid recently)
  • Consolidated Marks Sheet
  • Individual Marks Sheets
  • Secondary School Marks Sheets (if applying as an undergraduate)