Student and Exchange Visitor Visas

Student F Visas

For additional general information about studying in the U.S., the Guide to U.S. Higher Education sponsored by the U.S Department of State’s Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs is an excellent source of information concerning educational programs for undergraduate and graduate study, opportunities for scholars, financial aid, testing, admissions, and much more.

Applicants for an F-1 visa should bring the following documents to their visa interviews:

• All documents required for any nonimmigrant visa applicant, plus
• An I-20 Form, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, obtained from a U.S. college, school or university. Please be sure to submit both pages of the I-20 form, signed by you and by a school official.
• Degree certificates or provisional degree certificates, mark sheets, and transcripts from all previous institutions attended.
• Scores from U.S. standardized tests such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT, wherever applicable.
• Financial evidence showing you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period of your intended study.
• I-901 fee receipt as proof of payment of SEVIS fee.

The Student Dependent Visa - F-2

Applicants for F-2 visas should submit:

• All the required documents for any visa applicant, plus
• An I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, obtained from the U.S. College, school or university where the spouse is studying. This should include the dependent’s name on the form and indicate the expected financial means necessary to support him/her in the financial calculation.
• The marriage registration certificate for the spouse and birth certificate for each child.
• Your wedding invitation and wedding ceremony photos. Please submit no more than 30; please do not bring entire wedding albums.
• Photocopy or the original F-1's passport - all 36 pages. If a copy of the passport is submitted, it must be clear and the photo must be easily identifiable.
• Proof of funds to support the stay of the F-2 applicants in the United States during the spouse's course of study.

All students and their dependents must apply for their visas in person at the Consulate.

To arrange an interview, log on to http://www.vfs-usa.co.in/. We encourage families to schedule one appointment for all family members to be interviewed together. When the appointment is confirmed, applicants will receive a return email with instructions.