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USA Student Visa Process - Complete Details

Written by  Piyush Bhartiya

Reviewed by  Priyanka Bhargava

Published: Mon, September 30, 2019 9:30 AM IST  Updated: Mon, September 30, 2019 9:30 AM IST  9 mins read

USA Student Visa Process - Complete Details

Written by  Piyush Bhartiya

Reviewed by  Priyanka Bhargava

Published: Mon, Sep 30, 2019 9:30 AM IST  Updated: Mon, Sep 30, 2019 9:30 AM IST  9 mins read
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US Visa Process

The process of obtaining the visa of the United States of America is easy yet tricky. The United States of America is one of the most developed countries across the globe and is the priority of many people for education, business, tourism, etc. Therefore, the country’s embassy and government have increased the security check stages during the visa process. Whether it be any single document or an interview, there is a lot to the process of the United States of America.

USA Visa Process

The visa process of United States consists of filling the D-160 application, after submitting the application, profile of that individual is created and submitted, visa fees should be submitted, after submission of these documents an appointment is scheduled by the embassy, there are two appointments scheduled which are the Fingerprint and photography interview and afterward the final interview session is conducted, the process is concluded with the visa issuance.

US Visa Process in India

  • The visa process in India for the United States of America is quite easy.
  • The individual needs to decide whether he/she wants to apply for the visa or not.
  • The individual needs to fill out the form.
  • The individual needs to fill out the D-160 Application form.
  • Creating a profile of that individual.
  • The individual then needs to submit the visa fees.
  • After the payment, appointments will be scheduled.
  • The individual needs to visit the VAC location.
  • The interview session will take place.
  • Concluded with the Visa issuance.

US Visa Payment India

The payment section is very important as without giving the visa fees, the process for a US visa cannot be acknowledged. Payment is very important as it is part of the process and the payment receipt is a document that is to be submitted and shown during the interview session. Thus, how and what about and which mode should be used for payment is very important.

  • USA visa payment should only be made from an Indian recognized branch.
  • Bulk applicants, bearers, etc. cannot pay the amount.
  • Some people apply for their passports and for their visas from the travel agents, but the travel agent also cannot pay the amount as it won’t be recognized.
  • Cash payments won’t be considered.
  • NEFT can be the best option for the individual to pay the amount.

Visa Application Process

The visa process of United States consists of filling the D-160 application, after submitting the application, profile of that individual is created and submitted, visa fees should be submitted, after submission of these documents an appointment is scheduled by the embassy, there are two appointments scheduled which are the Fingerprint and photography interview and afterward the final interview session is conducted, the process is concluded with the visa issuance.

  • Individuals should check and finalize whether he/she wants to apply for the visa.
  • Choose the type of visa you want.
  • The choice should not be changed afterward.
  • Individuals need to fill out the D-160 form.
  • The individual needs to fill the required details asked in the form.
  • Pay the applicable visa fees.
  • Schedule the interview.
  • Make a separate document file and compile all the necessary documents.
  • Attend the interview
  • Wait for the visa to arrive.

Online Application Process

The online application process is similar to the other process, in the online process after filling the form online, the individual needs to take out a print out of the form for the submission later, and rest of the process is similar to the other process that is The visa process of United States consists of filling the D-160 application, after submitting the application, profile of that individual is created and submitted, visa fees should be submitted, after submission of these documents an appointment is scheduled by the embassy, there are two appointments scheduled which are the Fingerprint and photography interview and afterward the final interview session is conducted, the process is concluded with the visa issuance.

  • Fill the D-160 form online.
  • Take the print out of the form.
  • Submit the form later on with the documents.
  • Wait for the interview round.
  • Wait for the visa processing.

US Visa Processing Status Update

After the whole process for obtaining the visa, people need to wait for at least 10 to 15 days, until the visa arrives. Sometimes the processing may need time due to any issue, thus at times people can track and know till what time their visa will be updated and issued and would finally arrive. It is a very simple and easy process for tracking the visa and most people do it to know the arrival date. The status update process is as follows:

  • Contact the US visa service desk.
  • The number of the US visa service desk is 1-202-485-7600.
  • People can also contact the Cellular Electronic Application Center as well.
  • Tell the US embassy from where you filled your visa details.
  • They will let the individual know about their current visa status.

FAQs

Q1. How long does it take to get a US visa?

A1. About 3 to 5 weeks is the time taken to get the US visa.

Q2. What are the documents required for the US visa interview?

A2. Following are the list of documents required for the US visa interview:

  • Passport valid up to 6 months at least.
  • All old passports are required.
  • 1 photograph with the required specifications.
  • USA visa application D-160 form.
  • Proof of fee payment done.
  • Printout of the US interview appointment scheduled letter.

Q3. How do you know if a US visa is approved?

A3. If the individual’s visa is approved then the individual will get a call from the embassy to collect their passport and visa.

Q4. Do you need an air ticket before applying for the USA?

A4.  No, you do not need to buy flight tickets before getting the visa but instead, you can buy flight itinerary tickets.

Q5. Can I apply for a US visa 6 months in advance?

A5. 6 months would be too soon because, the visa processing is done at the most till 3 to 5 weeks, therefore 3 months will be more appropriate.

Q6. What documents should I carry for a US visa interview?

A6. Following are the list of documents required for the US visa interview:

  • Passport valid up to 6 months at least.
  • All old passports are required.
  • 1 photograph with the required specifications.
  • USA visa application D-160 form.
  • Proof of fee payment done.
  • Printout of the US interview appointment scheduled letter.
About the Author
PB
Piyush Bhartiya
Study Abroad Expert & Co-Founder @ AdmitKard
Piyush values education and has studied from the top institutes of IIT Roorkee, IIM Bangalore, KTH Sweden and Tsinghua University in China. Post completing his MBA, he has worked with the world's # 1 consulting firm, The Boston Consulting Group and focused on building sales and marketing vertical for top MNCs and Indian business houses.