United States Student Visa: Key Steps, Costs

Many Indian students start their US university applications early but get stuck waiting for a visa interview slot. These slots can be booked out for months. The key is to apply for your visa as soon as you receive your Form I-20 from the university, ideally 3 to 6 months before your program starts.

The visa interview is where most refusals happen. The consular officer wants two clear answers: why you chose this course at this university, and how you will pay for it. Practice answering both in under a minute, in your own words.

Accept your offer and get Form I-20: The university issues this after verifying your financial documents. Check every detail carefully; errors mean delays.
Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee: ₹31,000 ($350) online at FMJfee.com. Print the receipt for your interview.
Complete Form DS-160 and pay MRV fee: ₹16,000 ($185). Your photo and answers here are the first thing the officer sees. Mistakes cause administrative delays.
Book your visa interview: Two appointments: biometrics at a VAC, then the consulate interview. Slots open in waves in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad.
Attend the interview: Be ready to explain your course choice and funding clearly. Bring all documents, including your I-20 and SEVIS receipt.
Enter the US: You can arrive up to 30 days before your program starts, no earlier.

SEVIS I-901 fee: ₹31,000 ($350)
MRV visa application fee: ₹16,000 ($185)
Visa Integrity Fee: ₹22,000 ($250) — expected to start collection in 2026, budget for it
Health insurance: ₹1.3L – ₹2.6L / year ($1,500 – $3,000), usually compulsory and billed by the university

Confirm the current fees on the official visa pages before paying.

Tuition varies widely:

Public state universities (Master's): ₹18L – ₹35L / year ($20,000 – $40,000)
Private universities (Master's): ₹31L – ₹62L / year ($35,000 – $70,000)
Undergraduate: ₹22L – ₹53L / year ($25,000 – $60,000)
Community college (2 years, then transfer): ₹7L – ₹13L / year ($8,000 – $15,000) — the cheapest route

Living costs depend on location:

New York, Bay Area, Boston: ₹1.4L – ₹2.2L / month ($1,600 – $2,500)
Chicago, Seattle, Los Angeles: ₹1.1L – ₹1.6L / month ($1,200 – $1,800)
Texas, Midwest, South: ₹70,000 – ₹1.1L / month ($800 – $1,300)

A realistic all-in first-year budget for a public university master's is ₹35L – ₹48L ($40,000–$55,000). Assistantships can reduce this significantly, so apply for them early.

Most master's programs require 16 years of education. Many US universities accept a 3-year Indian bachelor's, but not all. Check each university's policy carefully.

English tests accepted:

TOEFL iBT: 80 – 100 (100+ for top-30 programs)
IELTS Academic: 6.5 – 7.5 (No band below 6.0 at most universities)
Duolingo English Test: 110 – 125 (Accepted widely but not universally)

GRE is often waived since 2021 but check your program's requirements.

While studying, you can work on campus up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during vacations. Off-campus work requires CPT or OPT authorization. Working without authorization ends your visa status immediately.

After graduation, you get 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT). If your degree is STEM-designated, you can extend OPT by 24 months, for a total of 36 months. STEM OPT requires an E-Verify employer and a formal training plan.

OPT applications are filed through your university and USCIS, not your employer. The I-765 filing fee rose to roughly ₹1.6L in 2026, plus a one-off institutional fee of around ₹35,000 for STEM OPT extensions.

Inability to clearly explain why you chose your course and university.
Insufficient proof of funds to cover tuition and living costs for the first year.
Errors or inconsistencies in your DS-160 form or I-20 details.
Applying too late and facing long interview wait times.
Working without proper authorization during your studies.

Prepare your answers, double-check all documents, and book your interview early.

The main intake is Fall (August–September). Apply to universities 12 months before this intake. University application deadlines are usually December to January.

Spring intake (January) has fewer courses and less funding; apply by August–September.

Summer intake is rare and mostly for specific programs; apply by January.

Start your visa process as soon as you get your I-20, ideally 3 to 6 months before your program starts.

Start your US university applications at least 12 months before your intended intake. Apply for assistantships early to reduce costs. Book your visa interview immediately after receiving your I-20 and paying the SEVIS fee. Prepare clear answers for your visa interview and budget for all fees, including the upcoming Visa Integrity Fee.

Is a 3-year Indian bachelor's degree accepted for a US master's?

Many US universities accept a 3-year Indian bachelor's degree, but not all. Some require a WES evaluation or 16 years of education. Check each university's policy before applying.

Do I still need to take the GRE for US master's programs?

Many programs waived the GRE requirement after 2021. Check your specific program's website. If optional and you have a strong score, submitting it can help.

What is the $250 Visa Integrity Fee?

This fee was created by law in July 2025 and will be collected when the visa is issued, on top of the ₹16,000 MRV fee. Collection is expected to start during 2026. Budget for it.

Can I work off campus while studying in the US?

Off-campus work is only allowed with CPT or OPT authorization. On-campus work is limited to 20 hours per week during term. Unauthorized work ends your visa status immediately.

How does the September 2026 visa rule change affect me?

From 15 September 2026, your visa will be issued for a fixed period matching your I-20, up to four years plus a 30-day departure window. If your program is longer, you must file an extension with USCIS.

How long does the US student visa process take in India?

Interview wait times vary from weeks to several months. Book your interview as soon as you have your I-20 and SEVIS fee receipt to avoid delays.

United States Student Visa: Key Steps, Costs & Common Pitfalls

Why the US Student Visa Interview is the Bottleneck

Step-by-Step US Student Visa Process

Visa Fees and Other One-Time Costs

How Much Will Your First Year Cost?

Academic and English Language Requirements

Work Rights During and After Study

Common Reasons for Visa Refusal and How to Avoid Them

When to Apply and Intake Deadlines

What to do next

Frequently asked questions

Is a 3-year Indian bachelor's degree accepted for a US master's?

Do I still need to take the GRE for US master's programs?

What is the $250 Visa Integrity Fee?

Can I work off campus while studying in the US?

How does the September 2026 visa rule change affect me?

How long does the US student visa process take in India?

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