United States · Visa guide
United States · Visa guideUnited States USA Student Visa (F-1)
The F-1 student visa — to study a full-time academic programme at a SEVP-approved school or university in the United States.
- ProcessingDepends on interview-appointment availability at the US Embassy or Consulate
- Visa categoryUSA Student Visa (F-1)
- Your guideOne consultant
Your offer letter is only the start. Funds, SOP and the interview decide the visa. Call us with your course and intake. We tell you if the money and the story hold up.
Monday–Saturday, 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM IST
8
Documents mapped
5
Steps explained
3
Questions answered
Depends on interview-appointment availability at the US Embassy or Consulate
Typical processing
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United States USA Student Visa (F-1) — overview
The USA Student Visa (visa category F-1) is for studying a full-time academic programme — a degree, or an English-language course — at a school or university in the United States. The M visa covers vocational study. Your course and institution determine whether you need an F or an M visa.
Before applying you must be accepted by a SEVP-approved institution, receive a Form I-20, and pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. You then complete the DS-160, pay the visa fee, and attend a biometrics appointment and a consular interview. The interview turns on a genuine study plan and proof you can fund your studies.
Lifeset Overseas guides the I-20 and SEVIS steps, the financial documentation and your interview readiness so your case is strong and consistent.
8 items
Documents you need
Valid passport
A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay.
Form I-20
A Form I-20 issued by a SEVP-approved school or university in the United States.
SEVIS I-901 fee receipt
Proof of payment of the SEVIS I-901 fee.
DS-160 confirmation & visa fee
The completed DS-160 confirmation page and proof of payment of the visa application fee.
Appointment confirmations
Confirmation of the Visa Application Centre and consular interview appointments.
Proof of funds
Evidence you can pay tuition and living costs — bank statements, an education-loan sanction letter, or sponsor documents.
Academic documents
Mark sheets, degree certificates, and standardised test and English-test scores.
Genuine study plan
Evidence the course fits your background and a clear plan for after your studies.
5 steps
How the process works
Typical processing: Depends on interview-appointment availability at the US Embassy or Consulate — apply well before your course start date.
Step 1
Free profile & course review
We confirm your course and institution fit your background and map the I-20, SEVIS and financial steps.
Step 2
I-20 & SEVIS
We guide you through receiving the Form I-20 and paying the SEVIS I-901 fee.
Step 3
Complete the DS-160 & pay the visa fee
The online DS-160 is completed accurately and the visa application fee is paid.
Step 4
Schedule the VAC & interview
Biometrics and interview appointments are booked at the Visa Application Centre and the US Embassy or Consulate.
Step 5
Interview preparation & decision
We prepare you thoroughly for the F-1 interview; if approved, the passport is returned to your chosen pickup location.
Transparent
Costs & fees
Item
Amount
Visa application (MRV) fee
Non-refundable. Payable in INR.
USD 185
SEVIS I-901 fee
Paid to SEVP before the visa application — separate from the visa fee.
Confirmed at booking
Government and third-party fees change often — we confirm the exact current amounts for your case before you pay anything.
3 answers
Frequently asked questions
The I-20 is the document a SEVP-approved US school issues once it accepts you. You need it to pay the SEVIS fee and apply for the F-1 visa.
The F visa is for academic study at a university, college or school; the M visa is for vocational study. Your course and institution determine which applies.
That you are a genuine student — that the course fits your academic background — and that you can fund your tuition and living costs.
Why it matters
Going it alone vs filing with us
On your own
- Guessing the document list — one missing or wrongly formatted paper triggers a refusal.
- Generic cover letters copied from the internet that officers recognise and flag.
- No read on peak rejection windows or what this visa post is strict about.
- Government and VFS fees are non-refundable — money lost if you are refused.
- A refusal stamp follows you and weakens every future visa application.
With Lifeset Overseas
- An honest case assessment before you spend a rupee on government fees.
- A file built to the embassy's exact checklist and in the exact order.
- Weak finances, ties or purpose identified and fixed before submission.
- Previously refused? We can rescue and rebuild the file.
- Every case handled by one consultant, end to end.
Refused before?
A refusal isn't the end
A refusal is not a permanent bar — but it only improves if the actual reason is found and answered, and nobody can tell you a second application will succeed. If a United States visa has been refused, we:
- Read the actual refusal letter and pinpoint the real gaps.
- Advise whether to pull the officer's notes (CAIPS / GCMS) for the true reason.
- Identify which part was weak — funds, employment, purpose or ties.
- Tell you honestly whether to reapply now or strengthen the file first.
- Refused? Your fee back, or a rebuilt application free — your choice.
Other United States visas
Green Card (Permanent Residence)
A green card is US permanent residence. From India the realistic routes are family sponsorship by a US citizen and the EB-5 investor category, which is current for India; EB-1 and EB-2 face long queues.
USA Tourist Visa (B-2)
The B-2 visitor visa — for tourism, holidays, visiting family and friends, and medical treatment in the United States.
USA Business Visa (B-1)
The B-1 visitor visa — for business meetings, conferences and negotiations in the United States.
USA Exchange Visitor Visa (J-1)
The J-1 visa — for approved exchange-visitor programmes in the United States.
Start here · One message away
United States study visa: do not send a weak file. Call first.
- Honest assessment
- Fixed all-in fees
- No handovers between staff
- Licensed in Patiala
Let’s discuss your case
Send your offer letter and sponsor details on WhatsApp. We tell you plainly if the funds and the SOP are strong enough, and what is missing.