This post is intended to share my experience with those who are applying for F-1 visa to pursue education in the United States of America. Please note that this post is based on my OWN personal experience ONLY. Please follow the US-traveldocs (http://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/) website for the correct information.
There are many good websites online which gives a very detailed information about applying to F-1 visa. Here is how I applied for the visa.
Step-1: Receive i-20 from the university of your choice
Step-2: Pay SEVIS fee online (save this payment confirmation slip)
Step-3: Fill up DS-160 form online (My visa interview is in Hyderabad. So, no need for me to upload my photograph online. I went to OFC for a separate photo and fingerprint collection.)
Step-4: Take appointment for OFC and visa interview on ustraveldocs website
Step-5: At OFC: Take these documents along with you: passport, appointment confirmation, DS-160 confirmation. (Good to take i-20 as well but not required. I was not asked to show i-20)
You will be given a token number and asked to be seated. When your token number shows up, they will take your photograph and collect your finger prints (all fingers). They may ask you why you are going to the States.
Step-6: At the US consulate for visa interview: Take all the required documents which may include: passport, appointment confirmation, DS-160, SEVIS receipt, i-20, admission letter, GRE scorecard, TOEFL scorecard, funding letters (if no funding then bank loan documents that support you financially), transcripts, degree certificates, etc. And proceed for the interview.
Good luck for all the aspirants who want to pursue education in the US!
There are many good websites online which gives a very detailed information about applying to F-1 visa. Here is how I applied for the visa.
Step-1: Receive i-20 from the university of your choice
Step-2: Pay SEVIS fee online (save this payment confirmation slip)
Step-3: Fill up DS-160 form online (My visa interview is in Hyderabad. So, no need for me to upload my photograph online. I went to OFC for a separate photo and fingerprint collection.)
Step-4: Take appointment for OFC and visa interview on ustraveldocs website
Step-5: At OFC: Take these documents along with you: passport, appointment confirmation, DS-160 confirmation. (Good to take i-20 as well but not required. I was not asked to show i-20)
You will be given a token number and asked to be seated. When your token number shows up, they will take your photograph and collect your finger prints (all fingers). They may ask you why you are going to the States.
Step-6: At the US consulate for visa interview: Take all the required documents which may include: passport, appointment confirmation, DS-160, SEVIS receipt, i-20, admission letter, GRE scorecard, TOEFL scorecard, funding letters (if no funding then bank loan documents that support you financially), transcripts, degree certificates, etc. And proceed for the interview.
Good luck for all the aspirants who want to pursue education in the US!
