Study in USA

Study In USA

The United States of America is the world’s third largest country in size and nearly the third largest in terms of population. Located in North America, the country is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and to the east by the Atlantic Ocean. Along the northern border is Canada and the southern border is Mexico. There are 50 states and the District of Columbia.

www.usa.gov/study-in-us
https://educationusa.state.gov
https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov

Interesting facts about USA

1. United States are composed of 50 states
2. Approximately half of the best global universities are located in the USA, according to U.S. News & World Report.
3. In the US, you can choose from more than 5,000 higher education institutions.
4. The Harvard Library is the largest academic library in the world.
5. The US has the maximum number of entrepreneurs in the world.
6. With less than 5 percent of the world’s population, the United States produces about onefifth of the world’s economic output.
7. The United States is the world’s greatest economic power, measured in terms of gross domestic product (GDP).
8. Someone has the control to your GPS – who? The US OFFICIAL NAME: United States of America
9. Form of government: constitution-based federal republic
10. Capital: Washington, D.C.
11. Population: 330,175,936
12. Languages: English, Spanish (no official national language)
13. Area: 3,794,083 square miles (9,826,630 square kilometers)
14. Google, Apple, Face book, Amazon, Microsoft : the giants of the Internet are American
15. Major US cities: New York City, NY (Population: 8,622,357), Los Angeles, CA (Population: 4,085,014), Chicago, IL (Population: 2,670,406), Houston, TX (Population: 2,378,146), Phoenix, AZ (Population: 1,743,469), Philadelphia, PA (Population: 1,590,402), San Antonio, TX (Population: 1,579,504), San Diego, CA (Population: 1,469,490), Dallas, TX (Population: 1,400,337), San Jose, CA (Population: 1,036,242).
16. The top student cities (and the state they are in) in America are:

The top student cities (and the state they are) in America are:

Why Study in Usa

Benefits of Studying in the USA:

• Real-world working experience: when you enroll at a US university or college, you may be able to work at one or more internships and connect with top employers. Many degree programs require an internship or co-op in order to graduate, which can build your network and provide future opportunities.
• Career prospects: US universities and colleges regularly hold career fairs and often host career workshops with guest speakers from prominent organizations. These events connect you with industry experts who can be valuable contacts in your professional network.
• Cutting-edge facilities: Many US universities and colleges have highly advanced research laboratories, manufacturing workshops, and more, which allow you to take part in groundbreaking research and create innovative new products.
• Multicultural experiences: The US is home to people from all over the world, each with their own unique cultures and traditions. While studying in the US, you have the chance to live, work, and learn with diverse groups of people, giving you valuable teamwork experience that employers value in an increasingly globalized world.
• Commitment to Excellence: Only the best students around the world are admitted to the top schools in the US, where quality education is imparted to them by an expertly trained faculty.
• Academic Flexibility: The US education system offers a kind of flexibility in terms of the courses that are offered, which enables you to select your choice of subject from a variety of topics. You can now specialize in the area of your choice without having to take any unnecessary classes. You also have the flexibility to choose a class at any time during the academic year, since some courses are offered multiple times during the academic year.
• Financial Support: Most universities offer students grants, loans, and stipends to cover their daily expenses as well as tuition in some cases. University assistantships are provided on the basis of merit rather than financial need. If you can prove your excellence in academics, your US education may even turn out to be free.
• Lucrative Job Opportunities: Upon completion of your degree, you are legally authorized to work in the US in your related field for about a year. You need to apply for Optional Practical Training Employment Authorization (OPT). Most international students get inducted into the company that hires them during their OPT period, by sponsoring their H-1B or work visa. The H-1B work visa is usually granted by employers if they are hiring international students in specialty areas such as software, engineering, accountancy, teaching, or marketing. Once your employer grants your H-1B, you are allowed to work in the US without returning to your home country.

Education System in USA

Types of Educational Institutions: If you are planning to study in the USA there are many types of colleges and universities, each having its own mission and course within American Education.

Types of Educational Institutions

If you are planning to study in the USA, there are many types of colleges and universities, each having its own mission and purpose within American Education.

• Public Universities
• Community Colleges
• Private Universities
• Ivy Leagues

Public Universities:

• State Funded Institutions. Not for profit and financially supported by Public Taxes. University offers Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate courses. Usually large in Size. All levels of degrees with different fields of study are offered.
• Top Rank University : University of Texas at Austin, Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Florida — Gainesville, University of California — Berkeley, University of Maryland, College Park.

Community Colleges:

• Two-year community colleges usually offer the associates degree such as an Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS).
• colleges often have open admissions policies with low tuition. These institutions offer academic, technical and vocational degrees. Provide Certificates, Diplomas & Associate Degrees.
• Some community colleges have automatic enrollment agreements with a local 4 year college or University where the community college provides the first two years of study and the University provides the remaining two years of study. These programs are often called 2 + 2 programs.

Private Universities:

• These Universities are Not State funded.
• Tuition fees are higher.
• Even all ranked Ivy Leagues are Private.
• The tuition fees are almost the same for Domestic as well as International students.
• Ranked Private Universities: Harvard University, Stanford University, MIT, and Camegie Mellon University.

Ivy Leagues:

• Oldest & most famous in the USA.
• Located main in the Northeastern part of the USA.
• Known for their Business School also have many graduate & professional schools.
• Tuition fees at these private schools are among the highest in the country.
• Admission is highly competitive.
• Institutions :- University of Pennsylvania, Harvard University, Yale University, Princeton University, Brown
• University, Dartmouth College , Cornell University & Columbia University.

Types of USA College Degrees

USA college degrees fall under four major categories:

Associate’s Degree (2 years)

• You can earn an associate’s degree after two years at a US community college.
• Many students who earn an associate’s degree continue their schooling at another US college or university in order to earn a bachelor’s degree. Speak with your college adviser if you want to transfer to another college or university.

Types of Associates degrees:

• Associate of Arts
• Associate of Science
• Associate of Applied Science
• Associate of Occupational Studies

If you eventually want to earn a bachelor’s degree, take an AA or AS program.
AAS and AOS programs are meant to help you find a job immediately after earning your degree.

Bachelor’s Degree (4years)

Students at four-year undergraduate colleges and universities in the USA earn bachelor’s degrees.

Most students earn one of two types of bachelor’s degrees:

• Bachelor of Arts
• Bachelor of Science

You also may earn a more specialized bachelors degree, such as a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism
Colleges and universities in America have their own list of majors in which you can earn a bachelor’s degree. Some even will let you create your own college major!

Master’s Degree (2 years):

You can earn a master’s degree at a US graduate school in nearly any field. The subject you study will determine the type of master’s degree you will eam, such as a:

• Master of Arts
• Master of Science
• Master of Business Administration

Some master’s degree programs are terminal, but others can eventually lead to a doctoral degree.
Before you are accepted into a master’s degree program, you probably will need to take the GRE or GMAT.

Doctoral Degree:

A doctoral degree is the highest type of US college degree.
A doctor of philosophy (PhD) is the most common type of doctoral degree.
Some fields, however, require a doctoral degree before you can obtain a job, including:

• Doctors
• Lawyers
• Dentists
• Veterinarians

Fields such as these may also require professional US licensure

List of Universities/Colleges

Click here to download List of Universities/Colleges

IVY League universities in the US:

Top 10 Most Popular US Universities and Colleges for International Students:

Location wise Universities:

New York

Texas

Illinois

California

Connecticut

Arizona

Florida

New Jersey

Michigan

Montana

Virginia

Oregon

Massachusetts

Nebraska

Kentucky

Pennsylvania

Tennessee

Colorado

New Hampshire

Rhode Island

Alabama

Iowa

Missouri

Kansas

Courses Available

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENT

All students must have the required English language proficiency with regards to the course. A minimum criterion for IELTS is 6.5 and TOEFL is 80 ibt. Some institutions are also accepting PTE for admission and the minimum requirement is 54.

Students from Engineering school have to appear for GRE (Graduate Record Examination) and have to score minimum 300 to get admission in a good university. Management students have to appear for GMAT (Graduate Management Aptitude Test) and students have to score minimum 600 to get admission in good university.

Undergraduate students will appear SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) to get admission in colleges/universities.

Entry Requirements + Eligibility

• Undergraduate: 10+2
• Graduate: 16 years of education required (10+2+4)
• Some institutions accept 15 years of education into their Bridge/Masters Programs
• Good & strong academic background
• Good scores in entrance exams like SAT, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, IELTS, etc.
• Strong recommendation letters
• To the point Statement of Purpose/Personal Statement, essays & resumes
• Certificates of achievement & extra-curricular activity participation
• Strong financial background or good grades to get a scholarship

USA is the favorite study destinations for students all over the world. Generally every university has their own International Centers to support international students; they provide basic information about accommodation. They may have well connects with nearby residences who can provide PG facilities to the students, which is one of the best options for the students, initially. In a later stages student can explore other options.

1. Home stay: The cost will vary on the basis of the type of home stay you choose. You can expect to pay between $550 and $ 650 per month, depending on the type of meals, rooms, and utilities.

2. Residential Colleges: For living on or near campus in a residential college is a popular choice. The cost of residential college apartments vary. However, you can expect to pay somewhere between $400 and $750 including utilities monthly.

At a residential college, students will get:

3. Private Rental: This is the best accommodation option for International students who want to immerse themselves in the local culture. You can live with your friends or alone, according to your preference. These are inexpensive options compared to other forms of accommodations. The cost varies, depending on location. If you choose downtown area then it would be expensive. You can expect to pay around $200 and $300 per month ( in sharing ). However, you will have to pay for food and utilities yourself. Moreover, there is usually no furniture available, so you will have to bring your own furniture.

4. Hostel Accommodation: This is a popular option for students who are moving overseas to study. It is a good short-term option for students until they find some permanent place to live.

5. Move-in With Family or Someone You Already Know: If you already have reliable contacts, such as family or relatives living in USA who have a place for you, then it is always a great idea to stay with them. This is a perfect way to build social connections outside the university campus and enjoy an independent life. However, you may miss the opportunity to experience the fun and social element of living in student accommodation.

USEFUL LINKS

Student.com: https://www.student.com/us
Unispaces: https://www.uniplaces.com/
University Living: https://www.universityliving.com/country/united-states
Nestpick: https://www.nestpick.com/united-states/
UniAcco: https://uniacco.com/united-states
Amber Student:https://amberstudent.com/places/search/united-states
Spotahome: https://www.spotahome.com/
Homelike: https://www.thehomelike.com/united-states/
USA Consulate: https://in.usembassy.gov/
USA Embassy – New Delhi: https://in.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/new-delhi/
USA Consulate – Mumbai: https://in.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/mumbai/
USA Consulate – Hyderabad: https://in.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/hyderabad/
USA Consulate – Chennai: https://in.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/chennai/
USA Consulate – Kolkata: https://in.usembassy.gov/embassy-consulates/kolkata/
GRE: http://www.ets.org/gre/
GMAT: https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat
TOEFL: https://www.toeflgoanywhere.org/
IELTS: https://www.ielts.org/
SAT: https://www.collegeboard.org/
SAT Subject Test: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat-subject-tests
ACT: http://www.act.org/
WES: http://www.wes.org/
DS 160: https://ceac.state.gov/GenNIV/Default.aspx
SEVIS: https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/index.html

INTAKES

US universities have 3 intakes:

Major intake is the Fall intake, but most of the universities are open for Spring and few of them for summer & winter intake too. However all subjects commence in Fall and only some in Winter and Summer intake.

• Spring: January/February
• Fall: August/September
• Summer: April/May

Admission Procedure Flowchart

USA Document Checklist for Admission

Entry Requirements + Eligibility

• Undergraduate: 10+2
• Graduate:16 years of education required (10+2+4)
• Some institutions accept 15 years education into their Bridge /Masters Programs
• Good & strong academic background
• Good scores in entrance exams like SAT/ACT, GRE, GMAT, TOEFL/IELTS/DUOUNGO/PTE etc
• Strong recommendation letters
• To the point Statement of Purpose/Personal Statement, essays & resumes
• Certificates of achievement & extra -curricdar activity participation
• Strong financial background or good grades to get a scholarship

Minimum English Proficiency Requirement

TOEFL is widely accepted in the USA. IELTS, Duolingo and PTE is also accepted by most of the universities. The exam requirements to study in the USA vary as per the course you have chosen.

General requirement for both UG and PG: TOEFL — 80, IELTS — 6.5, PTE — 58, Duolingo — 110
Few or high ranked University may required higher Scores.

Minimum Academic Requirement:

Most of the courses require a 3.00 GPA.

Student can get admitted into pathway programs, if they do not meet the general entry requirements.

COMMON QUESTIONS ASKED AT ARRIVALS

Below is a list of commonly asked questions that students may be asked when they arrive at the airport by Immigration Officers:

• What is your name?
• Where are you from?
• What is your home address?
• What is your mother’s and father’s name?
• What is your date and place of birth?
• What school are you going to attend in the US?
• What program are you going to study and how long is the program?
• What are your plans after completing the program?
• Who packed your bag(s)?
• Do you know what’s inside the bags? How much cash are you carrying with you?
• How are you paying for your education?
• Do you have relatives/friends/family in the US? If yes, where do they live? If no, where will you stay?
• Is someone coming to pick you up at the Airport?

Note: Students should respond to all the questions asked by the Immigration Officer with simple and clear answers, and ask for clarification if they do not understand the question clearly.

Cost of Study

US Universities fall under two major categories:

• Public (state supported), and
• Private (independent) institutions.

The tuition fee is different for different universities and varies widely with courses. It can vary from as low as $ 10000 a year for state universities to as much as $ 35000 per annum for some private universities. For more specific details, please contact the universities.

Living Expenses

The approximate annual living expenses are about $10,000, which includes accommodation as well as other daily expenses. However, the expenses are different for different people depending on the lifestyles and this is just a rough idea. The main expenses can be split up as:

So, about $1000 per month is a good estimation. Most people can survive with $700-$1000 a month. The key here is to share apartments/houses so that you save on the utilities, fixed charge portion of phone and to some extent on groceries.

ESTIMATED EXPENSE FOR USA VISA PROCESS

OTHER CHARGES

Scholarship for
International Students

The United States is one of the prime destinations for students who are looking to benefit from a top notch and widely recognized international education. However, there are limited scholarship options for international students who wish to study in the US for free. Below mentioned is few of the scholarships granted by US government and institutions. Each US Colleges and Universities offers specific Scholarships for International Students.

USA Government Scholarships for International Students

Foreign Fulbright Student Program

The Fulbright Program are full scholarships in USA for international students who wants to pursue a Master’s or PhD degree. The scholarships can also be awarded for non-degree postgraduate studies. The grant covers tuition fee, textbooks, airfare, a living stipend, and health insurance.

Humphrey Fellowship Program

The Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program provides a year of professional enrichment in the United States for experienced professionals from designated countries throughout the world. Fellows are selected based on their potential for leadership and their commitment to public service in either the public or private sector. The fellowships are full grants covering all related expenses.

Institutions that fund international scholarships for study in the US

Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarships

The Joint Japan World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program provides full scholarships to students from World Bank member countries to pursue development .- related studies at selected Universities around the world. Students can choose to study in 8 participating USA Universities including Harvard University, John Hopkins University, University of Chicago, Cornell University and Columbia University.

AAUW International Fellowships

AAUW (formerly known as the American Association of University Women) awards international fellowships for full-time study or research in the United States to women who are not US citizens or permanent residents, the scholarships are worth $18,000 for Masters, 20,000 for PhD and $30,000 for Post doctoral students.

Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme

The Aga Khan Foundation provides a limited number of scholarships each year for postgraduate studies to outstanding students from selected developing countries that have no other means of financing their studies. The studies can be undertaken anywhere in the world including the US. Scholarships are awarded on a 50% grant: 50% loan basis through a competitive application process once a year.

WORKING AS A STUDENT AND POST-GRADUATION WORK

F1 visa does allow international students to work (under specific guidelines) while they are studying in the US. Students with a valid F1 visa are allowed to work on-campus only. Students are able to:

• Work 20-hours per week during regular full-time semesters
• Work more than 20-hours per week between quarters semester
• Work more than 20-hours per week during school breaks (including winter and summer break)

On-campus work is typically available at the cafeteria, library, research labs, or admissions offices. In these instances, students are usually employees of the institution. Students can work in more than one job but they must comply with the hour restrictions.

Working Off-Campus with F1 Visa

International students have two options for working off-campus. It’s important to note they must complete their first academic year before they are eligible for off-campus work.

The options are:

• Curricular Practical Training (CPT): CPT allows students to participate in off-campus training/work/internships outlined in their degree program. Some degree programs require students to complete an internship prior to graduation.
• Optional Practical Training (OPT):OPT provides students with the option to participate in an off-campus job or internship for 12 months, given it is in their field of study. There is an option for a 24 month

OPT extension, for a total of 36 months, for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs. Students

who would like to apply for OPT will need an additional visa. Within the umbrella of OPT there are two options for students:

• Pre-Completion OPT: Students are limited to work 20-hours a week during their study and can work up to 40-hours a week when on their break. This is a great way for students to gain experience before graduating and entering the workforce.
• Post-Completion OPT:Students who opt-in to work after they graduate are allowed to remain in the US for up to 12 months. The job they obtain must be within their field

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

F-1 visa holders may be eligible for up to 12 months of optional practical training following completion of all course requirements for graduation (not including thesis or equivalent), or after completion of all requirements. OPT is separate from a student’s academic work, and time for OPT will not normally be reflected during the student’s academic program or in the completed study date. Students applying for an F visa to do OPT may present an I-20 with an original end of study date that may have passed. However, these I-20s must be annotated by the designated school official to reflect approval of an OPT program that extends beyond the end of the regular period of study. In addition, the student must have proof that USCIS has approved their practical training program or that an application is pending, either in the form of an approved Employment Authorization Card or a Form I-797 indicating that s/he has a pending application for an OPT program.

Validity of Student Visas after a Break in Studies

Students who are away from classes for more than five months can expect to apply for and receive a new F-1 or M-1 student visa to return to school following travel abroad, as explained below.

Students within the U.S.

A student (F-1 or M-1) may lose that status if they do not resume studies within five months of the date of transferring schools or programs, under immigration law. If a student loses status, unless USCIS reinstates the student’s status, the student’s F or M visa would also be invalid for future travel returning to the U.S. For more information see the USCIS website, and instructions for Application for Extend/Change of Nonimmigrant Status Form I-539 to request reinstatement of status.

Students – Returning to the U.S. from Travel Abroad

Students who leave the U.S. for a break in studies of five months or more may lose their F-1 or M-1 status unless their activities overseas are related to their course of study. In advance of travel, students may want to check with their designated school official, if there is a question about whether their activity is related to their course of study.

When the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) immigration inspector at port of entry is presented a previously used, unexpired F-1 or M-1 visa by a returning student who has been outside the U.S. and out of student status for more than five months, a CBP immigration inspector may find the student inadmissible for not possessing a valid nonimmigrant visa. CBP may also cancel the visa after granting the student permission to withdraw the application for admission. Therefore, it is prudent for students to apply for new visas at an Embassy or Consulate abroad prior to traveling to the U.S. to return to their studies, after an absence of more than five months that is not related to their course of study.

Temporary Non-Immigrant

Workers

After graduation, students can apply to temporarily work in the US. The prospective employer must file a non-immigrant petition on their behalf with USCIS. If students would like their spouse or children who qualify with them they will need to apply directly at a US consulate for a visa.

USA Visa Process

• Step 1: Step 1 Log on to https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/- Click on visa application form (DS-160) — complete it and print your confirmation page. (Make sure to note down the application ID which starts with “AAOO …”)**
• Step 2: Log on to US Visa: For scheduling your appointment — click “Sign up Now” and create profile.
• Step 3: Click on Start Application — complete details — after completing your details — as per your visa category it will give you the correct visa a lication fee amount.
• Step-4: You can choose your option of paying the visa application fee
  • NEFT — National Electronic Funds Transfer — (Net Banking)
  • Pay via Credit Card/Debit Card
  • Pay via UPI
  • Cash a ment at an of the authorized bank and branch
• Step 5: Once you choose payment mode and make the payment— take a print of the transaction, wait for the update (you will get a message) and once the system is updated, you can schedule an appointment.
• Step 6:You have to make 2 appointments
  • Visa appointment at the respective Embassy/Consulate
  • OFC appointment for fingerprints.
• Step 7: Pay your SEVIS FEE (this is different fee than the visa application fee): www.fmjfee.com
• Step 8: After taking your fingerprints at the OFC – be ready with your entire document for your visa interview at the respective USA Embassy/Consul ate.

Dependents

Spouses, including same-sex spouses, and/or unmarried children under the age of 21 who wish to accompany or join the principal visa holder in the United States for the duration of his or her stay require derivative F or M visas. There is no derivative visa for the parents of F or M holders.
Family members who do not intend to reside in the United States with the principal visa holder, but wish to visit for vacations only, may be eligible to apply for visitor (B-2) visas.
Spouses and dependents may not work in the United States on a derivative F or M visa. If your spouse/child seeks employment, the spouse must obtain the appropriate work visa.

Supporting Documents for Dependents

Applicants with dependents must also provide:

• Proof of the studenfs relationship to his or her spouse and/or child (e.g., marriage and birth certificates)
• It is preferred that families apply for their visas at the same time, but if the spouse and/or child must apply separately at a later time, they should bring a copy of the student visa holder’s passport and visa, along with all other required documents.

PROCESS TIMELINE:

HOW TO APPLY FOR VISA

Step 1

For Nonimmigrant Visa applicants: Determine your visa type by reading Common Nonimmigrant Visas. Each visa type explains the qualifications and application items. Choose the visa type that applies to your situation.

Be sure to also review the Visa Waiver Program. If your country participates in the Visa Waiver Program, you do not need to apply for a visa if you are travelling for business or pleasure and will only be staying in the Unites States for 90 days or less.

Note: If you are under 14 or over 79 years old, or if you previously received a U.S. visa that expired within the last 48 months or 12 months and you are returning to the United States for the same purpose of travel, you may be able to obtain a visa without coming to the consulate for an interview.

Step 2

The next step is to complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form. Be sure to read the Guidelines for Completing the DS-160 Form carefully. All information must be correct and accurate. Once the form is submitted, you cannot make any changes. If you need assistance, please consult an immigration lawyer or translator. The call center cannot help you complete your DS-160. You will need your DS-160 number to book your appointment.

Note: If denied visa previously please complete a new Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic (DS-160) form.

Step 3

Once you have determined the correct visa type and completed the DS-160, you must pay the visa fee. The visa fee page lists the visa types and correlates visa fees in US dollars and native currency.

To pay your visa fee, read the Bank and Payment Options page. This page explains how to make your visa fee payment. You will create a profile and must keep your receipt number to book your visa appointment

Step 4

You are almost ready to schedule your visa appointment! Now you will need to login to your profile with the same credentials you used to pay your visa fee. Once you are in the system, you will see your dashboard. Click on Schedule Appointment on the left-hand side menu. This will start the process for scheduling your appointment.

You must schedule two appointments, one for the Visa Application Center (VAC) and one for the visa interview at the Embassy or Consulate.

First, schedule your visa interview appointment at the Embassy or Consulate.

Second, schedule your appointment at a Visa Application Centre. This appointment will allow you to go to one of the five Visa Application Centre locations to have your fingerprints and photo taken. This appointment must be at least 1 day before your visa interview appointment at the Embassy or Consulate. You will need three pieces of information in order to schedule your appointment:

• Your passport number
• The date you paid your fee
• The ten (10) digit barcode number from your DS-160 confirmation page

As you go through the process you will be able to select your visa type, enter personal data, add dependents, select your document delivery location, confirm visa payment, and schedule your appointment.

Step 5

For your Visa Application Centre appointment, you will need to bring:

• A passport valid for travel to the United States with validity dates at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States (unless country-specific agreements provide exemptions). If more than one person is included in your passport, each person desiring a visa must submit an application.
• Your DS-160 confirmation page
• Your appointment confirmation page.
• One photograph as per U.S. visa specifications if the applicant is under 14 years of age. See the
• Photos and Fingerprints page for more details

As you go through the process you will be able to select your visa type, enter personal data, add dependents, select your document delivery location, confirm visa payment, and schedule your appointment.

Step 6

Following your visit to the Visa Application Centre to have your photo and fingerprints taken, you will then visit the U.S. Embassy or Consulate on the date and time of your visa interview. You must bring :

• A printed copy of your appointment letter,
• Your DS-160 confirmation page
• Your current and all old passports
• A Form I-901 SEVIS fee receipt indicating the SEVIS fee. The SEVIS website has more details
• Supporting Documents as per your visa type

Applications without all of these items will not be accepted

Note: Children under 14 years of age are not required to attend the appointment at the Visa Application Centre or visa interview at the Embassy/Consulate. Accompany/Guardians/Parents can carry the above documents

Supporting Documents

Supporting documents are only one of many factors a consular officer will consider in your interview. Consular officers look at each application individually and consider professional, social, cultural and other factors during adjudication. Consular officers may look at your specific intentions, family situation, and your long-range plans and prospects within your country of residence. Each case is examined individually and is accorded every consideration under the law

Caution: Do not present false documents. Fraud or misrepresentation can result in permanent visa ineligibility. If confidentiality is a concern, you should bring your documents to the Embassy or Consulate in a sealed envelope. The Embassy or Consulate will not make your information available to anyone and will respect the confidentiality of your information.

You should bring the following documents to your interview:

• Your passport number
• The date you paid your fee
• The ten (10) digit barcode number from your DS-160 confirmation page

As you go through the process you will be able to select your visa type, enter personal data, add dependents, select your document delivery location, confirm visa payment, and schedule your appointment.

• You are 18 or over;
• Documents demonstrating strong financial, social, and family ties to your home country that will compel you to return to your country after your program of study in the United  
  States ends.
• Financial and any other documents you believe will support your application and which give credible evidence that you have enough readily-available funds to meet all expenses for the first year of study and that you have access to funds sufficient to  
  cover all expenses while you remain in the United States. M-1 applicants must demonstrate the ability to pay all tuition and living costs for the entire period of their intended  
  stay.
• Photocopies of bank statements will not be accepted unless you can also show original copies of bank statements or original bank books.

 

• If you are financially sponsored by another person, bring proof of your relationship to the sponsor (such as your birth certificate), the sponsor’s most recent original tax forms  
  and the sponsor’s bankbooks and/or fixed deposit certificates.

 

• Academic documents that show scholastic preparation. Useful documents include school transcripts (original copies are preferred) with grades, public examination certificates (A-levels, etc.), standardized test scores (SAT, TOEFL, etc.), and diplomas.

 

Dependents

Spouses, including same-sex spouses, and/or unmarried children under the age of 21 who wish to accompany or join the principal visa holder in the United States for the duration of his or her stay require derivative F or M visas. There is no derivative visa for the parents of F or M holders.

Family members who do not intend to reside in the United States with the principal visa holder, but wish to visit for vacations only, may be eligible to apply for visitor (B-2) visas.

Spouses and dependents may not work in the United States on a derivative F or M visa. If your spouse/child seeks employment, the spouse must obtain the appropriate work visa.

Supporting Documents for Dependents

Applicants with dependents must also provide:

• Proof of the student’s relationship to his or her spouse and/or child (e.g., marriage and birth certificates)
• It is preferred that families apply for their visas at the same time, but if the spouse and/or child must apply separately at a later time, they should bring a copy of the student visa holder’s passport and visa, along with all other required documents.

LOCATION AND CONTACT INFORMATION

The U.S. Embassy and Consulates in India are located at the following addresses:

The U.S. Embassy in New Delhi

Shanti Path, Chanakya Puri 110021

Telephone +91-11-2419-8000 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting +91-11-2419-8000 FREE

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Fax: +91 11241 98587

Website: http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov

The U.S. Consulate General in Mumbai (Bombay)

C-49, G-Block, Bandra Kurla Complex, Bandra East, Mumbai 400051

Phone: +91 22267 24000

Website: http://mumbai.usconsulate.gov

The U.S. Consulate General in Chennai (Madras)

220 Anna Salai, Gemini Circle, 600006

Telephone +91-44-2857-4000 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting +91-44-2857-4000 FREE

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Fax: +91-44-2811-2027

Website: http://chennai.usembassy.gov

The U.S. Consulate General in Kolkata (Calcutta)

5/1 Ho Chi Minh Sarani, 700071

Telephone +91-33-3984-2400 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting +91-33-3984-2400 FREE

end_of_the_skype_highlighting

Fax: +91-33-2282-2335

Website: http://kolkata.usconsulate.gov

The U.S. Consulate General in Hyderabad

Paigah Palace, 1-8-323, Chiran Fort Lane, Begumpet, Secunderabad 500 003

Telephone +91-40-4033-8300 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting +91-40-4033-8300 FREE

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Website: http://hyderabad.usconsulate.gov

USEFUL LINKS

USA Consulate

Website: http://cdn.ustraveldocs.com

SA Embassy-New Delhi

Website: http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov

USA Consulate-Mumbai

Website: http://mumbai.usconsulate.gov

USA Embassy-Chennai

Website: http://chennai.usembassy.gov

USA Consulate-Kolkata

Website: http://kolkata.usconsulate.gov

USA Consulate-Hyderabad

Website: http://hyderabad.usconsulate.gov

GRE:
Website: http://www.ets.org/gre/

GMAT:
Website: https://www.mba.com/exams/gmat

TOEFL:
Website: https://www.toeflgoanywhere.org

IELTS:
Website: https://www.ielts.org

SAT:
Website: https://www.collegeboard.org

SAT Subject Test:
Website: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard.org/sat-subject-tests

ACT:
Website: http://www.act.org

WES:
Website: http://www.wes.org

DS 160:
Website: https://ceac.state.gov/GenNIV/Default.aspx

SEVIS:
Website: https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/index.html

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