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Applicants should apply at the consular section of the American Embassy any working day, Monday through Friday,
during working hours of the consular section.

 

     
R calid Passport
R ¦ne Passport size photograph (In a specified format)
R A Non-immigrant cisa Application (Form 156) available from the Consular section.
R ¦ther require forms. (Will depend on the country you apply from)
R Form I-20 executed by the authorizing official of institution concerned, signed by the applicant.
R Evidence of financial ability to cover the costs of the education and maintenance involved
R cisa fee to (to be paid in the currency mentioned)

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An applicant may apply for a student cisa not earlier than 90 days before the registration date specified on the
F¦ M I-20. If the registration date is already passed or the applicant cannot reasonably expect to arrive at the
school by the registration date, the applicant should obtain an amended I-20 or a letter of extension from the issuing
institution stating by what date the applicant may arrive.

      

 

    

 
  

In most cases, the visa will be issued within a few hours or days of the submission of the application. In some
instances, the process may take longer depending on the time of year, consular caseload or other factors.

If your application is denied, you should ask the Consular ¦fficer for a "written denial decision." This will provide
you with the official reason for your visa denial.


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Acceptance of the applicant by an institution of learning for a full course of study is essential. Evidence in support of
this requirement consists of a Form I-20 (Certification of Eligibility) filled out by the accepting school, and signed
by the applicant and presented with the visa application.

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Evidence that the applicant has sufficient scholastic preparation and knowledge of the English language, if required
by the school to undertake a full course of study in the accepting institution. Proof of the required scholastic
preparation is usually established by the I-20 from the institution involved and the entries on the form. To establish
their knowledge of English, applicants are encouraged to take the ³Test of English as a Foreign Language"
(T¦EFL), available in many countries around the world. For more details, check our Tests to be taken section.

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This involves proof that the applicant has sufficient funds to cover the total cost of education and stay in the U.S.
This implies evidence of readily available funds to meet all expenses for the first year, and of the availability of
funds for the following years from reliable financial resources. To satisfy this requirement applicants may show that
funds are available from the educational institution, from their personal resources or from sponsors, (normally a very
close relative) who have agreed to pay for their education.

If the support is from the educational institution, in the form of a scholarship, assistantship, on-campus employment,
etc.,it is usually noted on the I-20.

If the support is from your home country, the applicant must produce bank books and statements or other documents
showing a total amount in your currency equal to the dollar cost of the first year, and evidence regarding sources of
funds for subsequent years. If the student is not paying his own expenses, an affidavit of support executed by the
sponsor and sworn before a registered authority (a first class magistrate in India) must also be presented, along with
financial evidence indicating the ability to carry out the undertaking.

If the support is from outside your country, the sponsor must provide a letter from his/her bank indicating that the
sponsor has sufficient funds to cover the costs involved, together with a current notarized Affidavit of support
stating willingness to finance the applicant¶s educational expenses. The sponsor should also provide evidence of
current employment and income.

With regard to sponsorship, particular weight is given to promises of support from immediate family members.
Affidavits from less than immediate relatives and family friends do not carry the same degree of commitment as do
affidavits from immediate family members and should be accompanied by a statement explaining in detail what
compelling reasons the person has to carry out the promises made on the affidavit.

The Embassy emphasizes that the commitment contained in an affidavit of support is not a mere formality. The U.S.
Government regards Affidavits of support to be binding, legal documents that oblige the sponsor to be financially
responsible for the student during his/her time in U.S.

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It is difficult to prove that you intend to return to home country after your studies are complete even though you
sincerely intend to. This is because by law, all non-immigrants are viewed as "intending immigrants." This means
that the visa officer is under the assumption that you will be coming to the US and will remain in the US
permanently.

You should carry with you documents that demonstrate ties to your home country and would help convince the
consul of your intent to return. Such documents may include:

1. Proof of land ownership

2. Economic and Social ties are very important: An applicant's future role in a family business, academic
institution, government agency, professional organization are all possibilities. Bring letters from
appropriate parties to demonstrate such facts.

3. If other family members have studied in the U.S. and returned it should be mentioned.

4. Letters from prospective employers recognizing the need for specialized training offered in the U.S.
can also serve to aid an application in the applicant¶s home country.

5. Providing an explanation of why equivalent educational training is not available in your home country,
if applicable.

Most importantly, Consular ¦fficials want to hear from the applicant. At no time, is it recommended that the
applicants bring family members with them to the interview.

If you prove to the Consular ¦fficial¶s satisfaction that you intend to come to the U.S. solely for the purpose of
study and will return to your home country upon completion of the program, a visa stamp will be affixed to a page in
your passport. You should apply for a   
F-1 student visa. With a multiple entry visa you can travel
between US and your home country during the duration of your stay in the Unites States.