Understanding the process of obtaining a U.S. student visa in India can feel daunting, especially with the ever-evolving regulations and procedures. As thousands of students set their sights on pursuing higher education in the United States in 2025, understanding how to effectively book appointments and complete the application process is crucial. Whether you are aiming for a busy campus in New York or a serene university in California, this guide will walk you through the essential steps for securing your student visa, ensuring you are well-prepared for your exciting journey ahead. From gathering necessary documents to scheduling your appointment, let’s dive into the details that will pave your way to studying in the U.S.
What Is The US Visa Application Process?
The USA visa application process is a structured and multi-step procedure designed to assess an individual’s eligibility to enter the United States for various purposes, such as studying, working, tourism, or immigration. Whether applying for a nonimmigrant or immigrant visa, the process involves filling out specific forms, paying the required fees, attending interviews, and providing supporting documents. Each visa category has its own requirements, and it’s essential to understand the steps involved to ensure a smooth and successful application.
1. Acceptance at a SEVP-Approved School
- Apply and get accepted by a school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
- Upon acceptance, you will receive Form I-20, which is essential for your visa application.
2. Pay the SEVIS Fee
- After receiving Form I-20, pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee, currently $350 for both F-1 and M-1 visas. This fee helps fund the SEVP.
- Payment Methods:
- Online using a credit/debit card.
- By bank cheque or money order (not recommended due to processing delays).
- Western Union Quick Pay (for select countries, including India).
- Website for Payment: FMJFee.com
3. Complete the Visa Application (DS-160)
- Fill out the DS-160 form online (Nonimmigrant Visa Application).
- Print the confirmation page, as you will need it for your visa interview.
4. Schedule Your Visa Interview
- Schedule a visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in India. Booking early is recommended due to varying wait times.
- Timeline: You may apply up to 120 days before your course starts but can enter the U.S. only 30 days before.
5. Prepare Required Documents
- Primary Documents:
- Valid passport (should be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay).
- DS-160 confirmation page.
- SEVIS fee payment receipt.
- Form I-20.
- Passport-size photo.
- Supporting Documents:
- Academic transcripts.
- Financial proof (bank statements) to show you can fund your education.
- Evidence of intent to return to India after studies.
6. Attend Your Visa Interview
- During the interview, the consular officer will review your documents and ask questions about your study plans, financial situation, and career goals. Fingerprint scans are typically taken at this time.
7. Post-Interview Process
- If approved, you might need to pay a visa issuance fee (if required for Indian citizens).
- Your passport will be held for the visa to be affixed, and you will receive instructions on how to collect it.
Completing this process accurately and timely will help ensure a smoother journey toward your studies in the U.S.
How To Change Universities After A US Student Visa Appointment Booking?
Changing your university choice after initiating your U.S. student visa (F-1 or M-1) application requires careful planning. Below we have given the necessary steps to guide you through this process.
| Scenario | Steps to Change University |
| 1. SEVIS Fee Paid, DS-160 Submitted, but Visa Payment Not Made | – Transfer SEVIS fee from College A to College B via the fmjfee.com website. – Log in to the FMJFEE website, check for a valid I-901 record, and look for the “Transfer” button. – Enter the SEVIS ID and school code of the new university. – Submit the request; you’ll receive two emails: one confirming the transfer request and another with the transfer status (approved or rejected). – If approved, print the updated information for future use. |
| 2. DS-160 Submitted, Visa Payment Made, and Interview Date Booked | – Transfer SEVIS fee and follow steps as mentioned in step 1 – Create a new DS-160 with the SEVIS ID of the new university and submit it. – Log in to your CGI Federal account and update the DS-160 confirmation number and SEVIS ID. – If unable to update details on CGI Federal, bring both old and new DS-160 confirmation pages to your OFC appointment. Inform officials about the university change for updates before the interview. |
| 3. Visa Interview Attended | – Obtain the I-20 from the new university. – Transfer SEVIS fee as described in step 1. – Complete a new DS-160 with updated university details and submit it. – Pay the visa fee again. – Schedule and attend both OFC and visa interview appointments again. |
How To Update Sevis ID In CGI Federal?
This guide will walk you through the steps to correctly update your SEVIS ID in the CGI Federal system, ensuring a smooth continuation of your visa process.
| Step | Description |
| 1. Log into CGI Federal | Go to the CGI Federal website and log into your account. |
| 2. Go to SEVIS Section | Once logged in, find the “SEVIS” section of the website. |
| 3. Update SEVIS ID | Select the option to “Update SEVIS ID.” |
| 4. Enter New SEVIS ID | Input your new SEVIS ID in the designated field and double-check for accuracy. |
| 5. Submit Changes | Click on “Submit” to save your changes. |
| 6. Confirm Changes | You may be prompted to confirm your changes; click on “Confirm” to proceed. |
| 7. Receive Confirmation | If successful, you should receive a confirmation message regarding the update. |
| 8. Contact Support if Needed | If you encounter issues during this process, contact CGI Federal customer service for assistance. |
How To Transfer Sevis Fee?
Transferring your SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee is a key step for students and exchange visitors planning to study in the United States. This process can feel complex, but by understanding the steps, you will ensure your SEVIS details are accurate for a smooth transition.
| Step | Description |
| Gather Necessary Documents | Collect your Form I-20 or Form DS-2019, passport, and proof of payment for the SEVIS fee. |
| Visit SEVIS Fee Payment Page | Go to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) website and locate the SEVIS fee payment page. |
| Submit Payment Information | Follow instructions on the payment page to submit your personal and payment information. |
| Pay the SEVIS Fee | Make the payment using a credit/debit card or electronic check; keep a copy of the receipt. |
| Confirm Payment Transfer | Once payment is confirmed, the SEVIS fee will be transferred to your new school or programme sponsor. |
| Obtain New Form I-20/DS-2019 | The new school or program sponsor will issue a new Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 with the updated SEVIS ID. |
| Provide Documentation | If transferring within the U.S., give your new school the updated Form I-20/DS-2019 and proof of payment.If transferring outside the U.S., provide similar documentation and apply for a new visa in the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. |
In conclusion, securing a US student visa appointment in India for 2025 requires careful planning and timely action. By understanding the booking process, preparing all required documents, and staying updated on available slots, students can go through the application smoothly. The key to success is early preparation, ensuring financial proof aligns with the visa requirements, and being well-prepared for the interview. With the right approach, Indian students can look forward to pursuing their academic dreams in the United States without unnecessary delays.
FAQs
How do I get US visa appointment slots?
Booking an appointment to obtain your student visa for the USA is fairly simple! Start by filling the required form online, head to your nearest embassy and pay the application fee. Following this process, you can schedule your appointment and you just have to appear for your visa interview.
Is the US F1 visa slot open?
The F1 visa slots for Spring 2025 have opened. You can find available dates from September to January 2025, but it’s best to book your appointment between September and December for better availability.
What is SEVIS full form?
SEVIS stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. It is a fully automated system used to track exchange visitors and students during their stay in the United States.
How much bank balance is required for an F1 visa?
For an F1 visa, your bank balance should typically show at least 1.5 times the amount on your I-20 form or a minimum of $10,000.
How long does it take to get a student visa for the USA?
Many times, a student visa for the USA is issued up to 4 months in advance of your course join-in date. While the time varies among countries, you can expect to obtain your US student visa within three to five weeks after your application gets processed.
Thank you for reading our blog on ‘Guide To Changing Universities After A US Student Visa Appointment Booking’. If you liked this blog, check out other similar ones on our website –
Recent Posts