F-1 Student VisaStudy in United States
from India
US$20,000–60,000/year (≈₹17–50 lakh); public state universities cost far less than private ones, and assistantships can offset postgraduate costs. Applications are filed from India via DS-160 online + usvisascheduling portal; OFC biometrics then interview at the US Embassy/Consulates (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata) — no VFS — and everything from admission to the visa appointment can be handled for you, end to end.
Work while studying
On-campus 20 hours/week during term; off-campus work only via authorised CPT/OPT
Intakes
August/September Fall (main) + January Spring
Visa processing
Interview-slot wait varies from weeks to months by city; passport back ≈3–7 working days after approval
After you graduate
OPT — 12 months; eligible STEM degrees can extend by 24 months (up to 36 months total)
The money, honestly
What you spend.
What simply stays yours.
Most agents blur these two numbers together. The visa asks you to show funds — that money remains yours to live on in United States. What you actually spend on the visa process is far smaller.
You spend
visa process, one-time- MRV visa fee (US$185)≈₹15,500
- SEVIS I-901 fee (US$350)≈₹29,400
- Visa Integrity Fee (US$250, on issuance)≈₹21,000
- Travel/stay for OFC + interview city≈₹3,000–10,000
Visa process typically under ₹2 lakh
Our filing service is charged separately (₹24,999–₹34,999, 18% GST included).
You show
stays your money≈₹34–59 lakh shown (varies by university)
No fixed figure — liquid funds ≥ first-year cost printed on your I-20 (typically US$40,000–70,000)
Bank balances, education-loan sanction letter, or sponsor affidavit with income proof — the consular officer judges the overall credibility, not a checklist number.
This is proof of funds, not a fee — you live on it in United States.
Excludes tuition, the funds shown on your I-20 (your own money), TOEFL/GRE test fees, flights and living costs. The US$250 Integrity Fee is charged only if the visa is issued, and collection is still rolling out post-by-post.
Step by step
Admission to boarding,
one clear path.
Step 1
Get the I-20
Secure admission at a SEVP-certified school; it issues your Form I-20 with the programme cost.
Step 2
Pay SEVIS fee
Pay the US$350 I-901 SEVIS fee online and keep the receipt.
Step 3
DS-160 + book slots
Complete the DS-160, pay the US$185 MRV fee, and book both OFC and interview appointments.
Step 4
OFC appointment
Give fingerprints and photo at the Offsite Facilitation Center.
Step 5
Consular interview
Face-to-face interview with originals; the officer usually decides the same day. Interview waivers largely ended in Sept 2025.
Step 6
Issuance
If approved, pay the US$250 Visa Integrity Fee where the post collects it; passport returns in ≈3–7 working days.
Your file
Documents we prepare with you
- Passport (6+ months validity)
- Form I-20 signed by you and the school
- SEVIS I-901 fee receipt
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Appointment confirmation (OFC + interview)
- University admission letter
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Test scores (TOEFL/IELTS, GRE/GMAT/SAT as applicable)
- Funds evidence — bank statements, loan sanction letter, sponsor ITRs/CA statement
- Photo per US visa specification (50mm x 50mm)
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Learn from refusals
Why United States refuses student files
Section 214(b) — failed to establish genuine student intent and ties to India
Financial evidence or sponsor story the officer found unconvincing
Weak or inconsistent interview answers on university choice, course logic or career plan
Already refused once? See how we rebuild refused files →
United States student-visa FAQs
What is a 214(b) refusal?
The default refusal ground: the officer was not convinced you are a genuine student who will comply with visa terms. You may reapply with a stronger case, but all fees are paid again.
How early can I get the F-1?
The visa can be issued up to 365 days before your course start date, but you may enter the US no more than 30 days before it.
Is there a minimum bank balance?
No fixed number. You must show readily available funds at least equal to the first-year cost printed on your I-20, with a believable source.
Do I have to make my social media public?
Yes — since June 2025, F/M/J applicants are asked to set profiles to public for vetting, and every handle used in the last 5 years must be listed truthfully on the DS-160.
Start with an honest answer
A ₹499 possibility report tells you Yes / Maybe / No for United States before you spend anything serious — refunded or credited if we file for you.
SureshotVisa is a brand of Pro Lifeset Overseas Pvt Ltd · Govt Licence 849/DC/PTA/PLA/LC-3/2024 · Verify us. We prepare and file your application — admission and visa decisions rest with institutions and embassies. No consultant can guarantee a visa.