Visa Application Guide

US Visa Application Guide

Regular Method

1. 1. After obtaining your I-20, fill and submit your DS-160.
      1. DS-160 online form
      2. DS-160 Form-filling Guide (added to the iSLP)
      3. Share your DS-160 credentials with your counselor for review.
      4. Submit DS-160.

2. Schedule your visa appointments here.
   1. Pay 185 USD (approx 15400 INR) and wait for the payment confirmation to reflect in your Visa Application account – typically, takes 24 hours.
   2. Book your VAC (OFC/Biometrics) and Consular (Interview) appointments.
3. Pay your $350 SEVIS (I-901) fee here. You can pay your SEVIS fee up to 2 days before your Visa Appointment. However, it is recommended to do it at least 7 days before your appointment. The SEVIS fee can be paid as soon as your I-20 is in hand.
4. Collate your documents. Refer to F1 Visa Document List.
5. Prepare the most common Visa Interview Questions!
6. Answers about Visa appointments can be looked at Visa Appointment-FAQs. 

Expedited Method

1. Initiate your DS-160 form-filling. Note down your DS-160 Reference Number (critical), complete the “Personal Information 1” section completely, and “Save and Exit” the form.
2. Complete step 2a as above so that you can proceed to appointment booking i.e. step 2b.
3. Finish everything else mentioned above, including the incomplete DS-160.

The expedited method may end up saving you 2-3 days on average!

Interview Waiver

In you have been issued any type of US visa in or after 2008, and have never been refused a US visa before, you may qualify for a visa interview waiver.

1. Follow step 1 as above.
2. Based on your answers after creating your visa application account for step 2a, you will be automatically granted an interview waiver.
3. Finish step 3 as mentioned above.

Key Timelines

1. Your visa appointment can be up to 120 days before the program start date mentioned on your I-20.
2. You can enter the US up to 30 days before the program start date mentioned on your I-20.