Student Visa for the United States: Types of Visas, Eligibility, and Process

Understanding the U.S. Student Visa

The USA is considered the best destination by thousands of Indian students for top-notch education, cultural diversity, and high-paying career opportunities. India has now become the country that is sending its students to the USA in a large number. 

Recent reports suggest that in 2024-25, around 3.63 lakh Indian students opted for the USA and were studying there. This number is very high, and it also makes India the top sender of international students, leaving China behind. About 9.5 to 10% has increased from the previous 2023-24 figure, which was 3.31 lakh students. India has become super dominant in this space as 30% of the Indian students are among International students, which makes it one in four. 

The USA is also Indian students' favourite destination for education as it offers degrees that are valued all over the globe and have high demand. Along with this, Indian students get cultural exposure and get high-paying jobs. But what every student fears is getting a U.S. visa. This is the most important and needed step before booking your ticket and getting on that dream flight. 

Let us begin with understanding the types of U.S. student Visas in detail below.

Understanding Types of U.S. Student Visas

Choosing the appropriate US student visa is, in fact, the first and most important step on your journey for studies overseas. However, most Indian students intending to take up regular degree programs are normally applying for an F‑1 visa.

The F‑1 visa is issued for students who join full‑time academic courses at approved universities, colleges, schools, language institutes, and other education providers. If you want to join a vocational or non‑academic course, then the M‑1 visa is the better fit for you.

The simple difference:

• F‑1 Visa: For students in full‑time academic programs at SEVP‑certified colleges, universities, schools, or language centers.
• M‑1 Visa: For vocational or technical training program students

Pro tip: Always check whether your college/institute is SEVP-approved before applying. It's a mandate that makes you qualified to apply for a US student visa.

Eligibility Requirements

To be qualified for a USA student visa, there are some basic rules and required documents that you should consider. The rules are not very complicated; however, you have to be very careful with each detail.

1. Being admitted to a US institution

You must get an admission offer to a full‑time course at an accredited university/college in the United States, which leads to obtaining a student visa. You cannot apply for the student visa without this official offer letter.

2. Proof of financial support

You must prove that you can afford to pay tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs of living in the US for your entire stay. This typically includes:

• Recent bank statements
• Affidavits of financial support from parents/sponsors
• Scholarship letters, if you have received any

3. Intent to return to India

To apply for an F‑1 visa, you need to show that you are not going to stay in the US permanently; you do this by proving you have strong ties to India, such as:

• Close family living in India
• Property in your or your family’s name
• Job offers or clear career plans in India after your studies

 

U.S. Student Visa Application: Step by Step

Step	What to Do	Notes
1. Get Accepted	Apply to SEVP schools and get an I-20/DS-2019.	Check details, sign the form.
2. Pay SEVIS Fee	Pay SEVIS I-901 online.	Keep the receipt.
3. Fill DS-160	Complete the DS-160 form online.	Upload photo, print confirmation.
4. Pay Visa Fee	Pay the MRV visa fee.	Carry the receipt to the interview.
5. Book an Interview	Schedule an interview at the U.S. embassy/consulate.	Book early.
6. Collect Documents	Gather all required papers.	Passport, I-20/DS-2019, SEVIS receipt, DS-160 page, visa fee receipt, and financial + academic proof.
7. Attend Interview	Go for the interview.	Answer about the course, funds, plans, and home ties.
8. Get Visa & Travel	Receive a passport with a visa.	Enter the U.S. 30 days early; show documents at the airport.

 

U.S. Student Visa Documents – Two Sections Only

Section	Documents Included
1. Essential & Academic Documents	- Valid passport (6+ months) - Signed I-20 or DS-2019 - DS-160 confirmation page - SEVIS I-901 fee receipt - Visa fee (MRV) receipt - Passport-size photo (51×51 mm) - Admission letter - Transcripts & mark sheets - Previous education certificates - Test scores (TOEFL/IELTS/SAT/GRE/GMAT, if needed)
2. Financial Documents & Home Country Ties	- Bank statements (6–12 months) - Education loan letter (if any) - Scholarship letter (if any) - Sponsor affidavit - Sponsor’s tax returns & salary slips - Proof of relationship with sponsor (birth certificate) - Property papers - Family details - Job offer letter (optional)

 

What are the Financial Requirements for a U.S. Student Visa?

You must show that you have enough money to pay for everything while studying in the U.S. This includes:

• Tuition fees
  
• Living costs (rent, food, travel)
  
• Books and study materials
  
• Health insurance
  
• Travel expenses
  

The total amount you need is written on your I-20 or DS-2019 form. It is usually between $30,000 - $80,000 per year, depending on your school and the city.

Acceptable Financial Proofs

You can show any of these as proof of money:

• Personal or family bank statements
  
• Fixed deposits
  
• Savings certificates
  
• Education loan approval letter
  
• Scholarship or assistantship letter
  
• Sponsor’s income proof
  
  

Important Points

• Your money should look stable. Very big, sudden deposits can create doubt.
  
• If you are taking family members with you, you must show extra money.
  
• There is no fixed amount for everyone — the amount your school mentions is what you must show.

Visa Interview Preparation

The last and most important step of your US journey is the Visa preparations. 

Below are the Tips to Prepare Well

1. First things first, documents should be properly arranged.
2. Prepare short answers for various questions, like

• Why do you want to study in the US?
• Why this particular school?
• What course will you be studying?
• Who will be paying for your study?
• What are your plans after finishing the course?

3.     Try not to memorize the answers, but be so confident that the answers seem fluent.

4.     Dress for the occasion - simple and neat.

5.      Do not try to lie; be honest with your answers.

6.      Be punctual and arrive on time

7.      Be precise, only answer what has been asked. Do not overdo. 

Reasons for Visa Rejection & How to Avoid Them

Let's look at the Common Reasons for Rejection

• Not showing strong ties to your home country.
• Not proving that you have enough money.
• Giving ambiguous or unclear responses.
• Mistakes or mismatches in the DS-160 form.
• Nervous or doubtful behaviour during the interview.
• Previous visa or immigration violations.
  
  

How to Avoid Rejection:

• Make sure all of your documents are complete and correct.
• Be consistent: all your answers should match your documents.
• Demonstrate clear links to your country of origin.
• Practice your answers before the interview.
• Remain calm and courteous.
• Be honest about your goals and plans.

Sum up,

To obtain a U.S. student visa, you first need to be admitted to a designated school, prove your ability to finance your education, and demonstrate your intention to return home upon completion of your course.

You need to fill out the DS-160 form, pay the required fees, collect your documents, and go for the visa interview.

There are several types of student visas available, such as F-1, M-1, and J-1, depending on what you will study. Having all your documents ready, knowing the process, and giving clear and confident answers in the interview will make things much easier.

Following all the steps, being truthful, and preparing well will lead you to acquire a U.S. student visa to start your study journey.