US student visa Information

Given below is some general information regarding obtaining a VISA to the US.

Types of visas

There are generally two types of visas available for students wishing to study in the US.

• F-1 Student Visa
• J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa

With an F-1 visa,you are allowed to seek employment in the US after completing yourstudy there. But with a J-1 visa, you have to return to your homecountry and cannot enter the US again for atleast two years. Check withthe American consulate for more information regarding these types ofvisas.

I-20 form and F-1 visa stamp

Onceyou are admitted to a University, they will send you an I-20 form. TheI-20 form is a legal document that entitles you to apply for a studentvisa at the US Consulate. If your application is successful, then theConsulate will stamp your passport with an F-1 visa stamp.

Documents required for the visa interview

You will need to take the following documents with you :

• Visa application form
• Visa fees
• Valid passport
• 12 colour photographs
• I-20 or IAP-66 form
• Acceptance letter
• Documentation to prove your ties to your home country
• TOEFL, GRE score reports (student copy will do)
• Mark sheets/degree certificates of undergraduate course work
• Financial documentation to prove your ability to pay for your education

Visa application fee and visa fee

Eachvisa application has to be accompanied by a non-refundable fee of $45.If you are granted a visa, then you are required to pay a fee of $75.Payment has to be made in the form of a bank draft.

IAP-66 Form

Ifyou are receiving financial assistance from a university in the US,then they might send you an IAP-66, rather than an I-20 form. With anIAP-66 form, you get a J-1 or Exchange Visitor category visa. This visacomes with a stipulation that you have to stay in your home country fortwo years.

Sponsor’s Letter

Ifrelatives or friends are sponsoring your education, then you’ll need anotarised affidavit of support from them clarifying their relationshipwith you and their commitment to pay for your education. You will alsoneed to supply a statement of their annual income, bank statements andother financial assets.

Granting of Visa

When you are granted a visa, you will immediately be asked to submit yourpassport. You can then collect it the evening of the same day.