US visa is very important for students wishing to study abroad. Now after the easing of travel restrictions, IIE Survey, observed an increase in the number of international applications to US universities. Over 4000 American universities would be available to Indian students who choose to study there in 2023. Even though admissions there are extremely tough, the USA student visa is still the third-most requested visa globally. The US student visa application process is challenging, just like admissions. Consequently, Only 85% of US student visa applications were approved in 2023.
Read along to know everything about US visa!
How Do You Schedule a US Visa Appointment in India?
To schedule a US visa appointment in India in 2026, complete the DS-160 online application, pay the $185 MRV fee, and pay the SEVIS I-901 fee of $350 (for student visas). Then create an account on the US visa appointment portal and book your interview at the nearest US Embassy or Consulate in New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad, or Kolkata.
Students who wish to visit the United States of America to pursue their studies would need a US Student Visa to do so. SO to successfully schedule a visa appointment for the US with the US Embassy and obtain their visa pass, students who are interested in learning about the US Visa Procedure from India need to follow the procedures listed below. More worthy students can now migrate to the US, thanks to the streamlining of the US Student Visa Application procedure over time.
Step-by-Step Procedure for US Visa Appointments:
Step# 1. submission of the DS-160 application form
Step# 2. creating the CEAC barcode,
Step# 3. Payment of the application fee for the US visa,
Step# 4. and scheduling the appointment date
Step# 5. Examine the status of your US visa appointment.
How Do You Track Your US Visa Passport After the Interview?
After your US visa interview, track your passport through the courier tracking number provided at your Visa Application Centre. If the status shows 'Origination Scan', it has left the embassy. Do not contact the embassy directly for delivery status. Use your VAC receipt's tracking number or check your application status at ceac.state.gov using your application ID.
You can track your visa passport by following this method. If your passport's status reads "Origination Scan," it has left the embassy or consulate and is currently travelling to the delivery address you specified. . When the status reads "Ready for Pick Up," you can pick up the passport from the designated delivery location.
Keep in mind that the Embassy or Consulate cannot assist you in determining the delivery status of your passport. Do not make the same inquiries to the Embassy.
You can send out an email. is an address where you can send an email. Put the current passport number in the subject and/or body of the email exactly as it was stated when the appointment was made. There is no need to cite any supporting content, such as a signature. You'll get an automated response with the status.
What Is the Application Process for a US Student Visa?
The F1 student visa process in 2026 involves eight steps: receive your Form I-20 from a SEVP-approved institution, pay the $350 SEVIS I-901 fee, complete the DS-160 online application, pay the $185 MRV application fee, schedule your interview at the nearest US Embassy or Consulate, gather required documents, attend the visa interview, and if approved, collect your visa-stamped passport.
There are multiple sequential processes involved in the application process for a US student visa. The following are the fundamental processes of applying for a visa:
Step 1: Complete the DS-160 nonimmigrant visa application online.
Step 2: Upload your picture using the appropriate format: 51x51mm
Step 3: Print the application form's confirmation page and keep it with you during the interview.
Step 4: Make an appointment for an interview at the closest US Embassy or Consulate in your home nation. Students can apply at a US Embassy or Consulate abroad, but it will be difficult to obtain a visa in that situation.
Step 5: Pay the 185 USD (approximately 17,760 INR) non-refundable visa application fee.
Step 6: Pay the one-time SEVIS charge for a continuous duration of F1, M1, or J1 status in
Step 7: Gather the necessary paperwork for the visa interview.
Step 8: Attend the visa interview; after receiving word that your application has been approved, travel to the USA to begin your studies.
What Are the Main Types of US Visa for Students?
The three main US visa categories for students in 2026 are: F visa (for full-time academic students at SEVP-approved colleges or universities, including F1 for main applicants and F2 for dependants), M visa (for vocational and non-academic programme students, including M1 and M2), and J visa (for exchange visitors on government-approved exchange programmes, including J1 students and J2 dependants).
Depending on the purpose of the trip, the length of the course, and the number of applicants, there are many types of US visas. Depending on the type of programme and length of the term, there are three more categories for US student visas. The three categories of visas for studying in the US are the F, M, and J visas.
F Visa
Full-time students apply for F- visa. For Indian students, F-1 visas are valid for up to 5 years. F-1 visa holders who are international students may work a part-time job on campus for fewer than 20 hours per week. Three subcategories of the F visa are the F-1, F-2, and F-3 visas. The varieties of F visas and their advantages are shown in the following table:
| F Visa Types (2026) | Eligibility | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| F1 visa | International students enrolling to a full-time program in a SEVP approved US institute | Part time employment for a maximum of 20 hours per week. Temporary employment permission provided, students can attend 12 month OPT after graduation |
| F2 visa | Dependents of F-1 visa holders, usually family members like spouse or children | F-2 visa holders can study part time postsecondary programs and full time elementary courses in USA |
| F3 Visa | Canadian students staying in their home country while attending full-time or part-time programs at US institutes | F-3 visa applicants can avail US Green Card. This allows them the work permit in USA |
M visa
Non-academic students who are enrolled in vocational programmes or training in the USA are granted a M visa. With a M visa, you can stay in the USA for up to a year. The three separate M visa categories are listed below:
| M Visa Type (2026) | Eligibility | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| M1 visa | Students pursuing vocational and non-academic programs in USA | Permission to work in USA (with certain restrictions), access healthcare, driver’s licence, banks and other facilities in USA |
| M2 visa | Dependents of M-1 visa holders, generally spouse or children | M 2 visa holders can pursue education in elementary and vocational schools in USA. They can travel in and outside of USA anytime. |
| M3 visa | Mexican and Canadian national commuter vocational students |
J Visa
Students enrolling in exchange visiting programmes in the USA are given the J visa, which is a US visa for exchange students. J-1 and J-2 are the two types of J visas that can be obtained.
| J Visa Type (2026) | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| J1 visa | Nonimmigrant individuals studying an exchange visitor program in USA |
| J2 visa | Dependents of J1 visa holders |
What Is the Photo Size Requirement for a US Visa?
US visa applications require a 2x2 inch (51x51mm) photo taken within the last six months. The background must be white or off-white, showing your full face facing the camera with a neutral expression in colour. Eyeglasses are generally not permitted. Upload one digital photo with your DS-160 form and bring one printed copy to your visa interview.
Photo size for US visa is 2×2 inches (51x51mm)
What Are the US Visa Fees in 2026?
US student visa fees in 2026 include two mandatory payments: the $185 MRV visa application fee (approximately 17,760 INR at the April 2026 consular rate) and the $350 SEVIS I-901 fee (approximately 33,600 INR). The total mandatory government cost is $535. Additional costs include courier fees and Visa Application Centre charges depending on your location.
The following table lists the different levels of US visa application fees:
| Fee Type (2026) | Cost in USD | Equivalent Cost in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Non-petition based nonimmigrant visa | $185 | 11,900 |
| Petition based visa | $190 | 14,132 |
| Border Crossing Card Fees | $185 | 11,900 |
| SEVIS Fee for F visa applicants | $350 | 26,000 |
| SEVIS Fee for M visa applicants | $350 | 26,000 |
| SEVIS Fee for J visa applicants | $220 | 16,360 |
| SEVIS Fee for special J visa categories | $35 | 2,600 |
| SEVIS Fee for Government visitor | Free of cost | Free of cost |
What Happens in the US Visa Interview?
The US visa interview in 2026 is a brief consular conversation about your academic intentions, chosen US institution, financial capacity, and ties to India. Officers may review social media for F, M, and J visa applicants since the December 2025 vetting requirement. Prepare clear, honest answers and bring all original documents including your I-20, financial proof, and SEVIS fee receipt.
The interview for a US visa resembles a job interview in certain ways. The questions that are frequently asked during the interview for a US student visa are listed below.
What Are the US Visa Requirements for Indian Students?
US student visa (F1) requirements in 2026 include: a valid passport with at least six months validity beyond your intended stay, Form I-20 from a SEVP-approved institution, DS-160 confirmation page, SEVIS fee receipt ($350), MRV fee receipt ($185), passport-size photograph (2x2 inches/51x51mm), academic transcripts, financial proof covering the first year's tuition and living costs, and English proficiency scores.
A US student visa requires the following fundamental paperwork:
- Valid Passport for Travel to USA: A passport which is valid for 6 months beyond the period of stay in the USA.
- Confirmation page of form DS-160 for nonimmigrant visa applications.
- Form I-20 : Students must present a form I-20 that has been signed by both them and school representatives. The applicant's spouse and children are also eligible to receive an individual I-20 form.
- For students who must pay costs of USD 160 prior to the interview, an application fee payment receipt is required.
- Students must pay the Student & Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) charge in addition to the application fee for a student visa. To track exchange visitors and students in the USA, an automated system called SEVIS is used.
- Photo: When completing the application form, applicants must provide a photo. Applicants may bring their printed photo in the directed format if the photo upload fails.
How Do You Renew a US Visa?
To renew a US student visa, complete a new DS-160 form, pay the $185 MRV fee, and schedule a renewal interview. Eligible applicants may qualify for an interview waiver. Gather updated documents: a current I-20, financial evidence, academic transcripts, and your passports. Processing typically takes a few weeks after the interview, depending on the consulate and visa category.
Follow the instructions for US visa renewal application:
- Fill out the online application (Form DS-160).
- Make an appointment for an interview at the US Embassy or Consulate
- Pay the fee for renewing a US visa.
- Send in the necessary paperwork to renew your US visa.
- the interview for a new visa.