Visa is a very important document when you’re planning on studying in the USA. And with the USA having strict visa regulations, making sure your application is completed correctly before your visa interview is very important. Your course of study and the type of school you plan to attend will determine whether you need an F-1 Visa or M-1 Visa. Depending on your requirement you can apply for a student visa to the US Consulate or Embassy. However, before applying, you will be required to obtain the I20 Form from the university which has accepted your academic application for studying in the USA.

For easy reference, this article will take you through the stepwise process of US visa application:

1. Book your interview slot online for obtaining a US student visa. The application fee for the most common non-immigrant visa types is $160.

2. Once you have applied, the US Embassy will issue a date to attend the visa interview. On the given date you will be required to appear for a personal interview at the US visa application centre.

3. During the interview, while answering all the questions asked by the Visa officer one should be brief and to the point. In a little amount of time, the applicant should be able to convince the officer by explaining one’s situation verbally, and by answering all questions promptly, patiently, and confidently.

4. If by any chance, you have not performed well and have not submitted the correct documents at the time of the interview, your visa might be rejected. On the same day of attending the interview, the applicant will be informed whether their application has been approved.

5. If for any reason your visa is rejected on the first attempt, you can reapply for the US Student Visa after 3 working days.

Checklist for US Visa

While attending the interview you need to carry some mandatory documents along with your Visa application. The US Embassy will ask for them during the interview to check your purpose for visiting the country. Below is the list of documents you need to submit during your Interview. Organize all documents according to the USA Visa requirements before attending the interview:

• Passport having a validity of at least Six Months
• Interview Appointment letter
• Educational Certificates, Degrees, Diplomas & Mark sheets
• Visa Fee Receipt
• D6-160 form Submission
• SEVIS Fee Receipt
• Evidence of Scholarship/Aid/Grant, if any
• Score Reports of TOEFL and GRE/GMAT/SAT
• I-20 and Admission Letter from the University/College mentioning the total cost of education in the USA (If You have received Admission letters/Rejection letters from more than one University, carry all of them)
• Bank Statements/Pass Books of the sponsors for the last Six Months
• Work Experience Certificate/Reference Letter from Employer, if Employed
• Sponsorship Letter
• Statement of Purpose (SOP)
• Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
• Summary Statement of Assets and Total Income of Family Members
• Income Tax papers of the sponsor and his Family for the last 3 years
• Proof of all movable and immovable assets