How to apply for a Student Visa?

An early appointment with the nearest US Embassy or Consulate through mail, telephone or a visit is required. It is best to apply 12- 18 months in advance for the visa to make sure that there is sufficient time for visa processing.

Visa procedures often vary from country to country, for example, how to pay the visa application processing fee and how to make an appointment for an interview.

All necessary documents such as a valid passport should be kept ready to support the application procedure. Details about employment, financial status and reason of travel are crucial information.

You'll need to pay the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee, pay the visa processing fee (the procedure will differ from one U.S. Embassy/Consulate to another, so visit the website of the U.S. Embassy, and make an appointment for the visa interview (again, procedures will differ, so visit the website of the U.S. Embassy).Visa fee ought to be paid before an appointment and it is refundable.

After submission of the application with passport, and other supporting documents to the US Embassy or Consulate, it is usually screened by the Consular Officer and in many cases by officials in Washington DC. Visa may be issued within a few weeks or may be rejected. It is best to apply early for the visa to make sure that there is sufficient time for visa processing.
Additional information will be required in some cases. Any cases of security concern may delay your application procedure and you may be required to appear for additional interviews and also disclose further information.

The U.S. Embassy/Consulate cannot issue a visa more than 120 days before the actual start of the program in the United States. However, visa applicants are encouraged to apply for their visa as soon as they are prepared to do so.

If you have been issued a visa to enter the United States, you will not be allowed to enter the country more than 30 days before the start of your program, if you are an initial entry student. Returning students do not have this requirement.

In most countries, first time student visa applicants are required to appear for an in-person interview. Keep in mind that June, July, and August are the busiest months in most consular sections, and interview appointments are the most difficult to get during that period. Students need to plan ahead to avoid having to make repeat visits to the Embassy.