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US Visas for Students from India It is not difficult to get a US student visa from India, but you must follow all student visa requirements for the USA from India and give yourself plenty of time to complete and submit your paperwork. Before you can apply for your F-1 student visa for the USA from India, you have to be accepted into a degree program at an accredited US institution of higher education.
There are two types of student visas for exchange students from India to the USA, F-1 visa and M-1 visa. Students enrolling in vocational or nonacademic classes must apply for a M-1 visa. Students enrolling in academic courses from an accredited institution for a degree will require a F-1 visa. The following program types require a F-1 student visa:
• University or college
• High school
• Private elementary school
• Seminary
• Language training institute
• Conservatory
If you are looking for more information on how to apply for a student visa for the USA from India, including the documents required for US student visas and other F-1 visa requirements, be sure to read our step-by-step guide to the visa process, as well as our F-1 visa interview questions, including interview preparation tips and advice.
Here is a quick review of the visa application steps for students from India:
• Get accepted and get your I-20: Once an accredited US university accepts you, it will grant you an I-20 form. This form documents your study plans and provides supporting information about your stay.
• Pay your SEVIS fee: The $350 SEVIS fee is a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) processing and maintenance charge.
• Complete your DS-160 visa application: All prospective international students must complete a DS-160 to receive a F-1 visa.
• Schedule your visa interview: Wait times vary by country and can take several months. Schedule your appointment as early as possible to allow for delays.
• Attend your visa interview: In this step of the F-1 visa application process, the US consulate or embassy confirms you are coming to study as a legitimate, serious student.
India is the second-most popular country of origin for international students and exchange visitors in the US (China is the first). Most applicants for a student visa USA from India — around 165,000 — plan to study at the graduate level. According to Open Doors Report data, India surpassed China in 2022-23 to become the largest source of international graduate students in the United States for the first time after approximately 13 years. The next-highest group is students with an internship on OPT (Optional Practical Training) qualifications; these students may still be enrolled at their US university or have recently finished their studies.
Approximately 68% of all students from India travel to the US to pursue a course of science, technology, graduate or undergraduate engineering degree programs, or math (STEM) in the academic year 2022-23, while around 12% come to study in graduate or undergraduate business degree programs. The most popular states for international students are California, Massachusetts, New York, Illinois, Texas, and Pennsylvania, each hosting around 50,000 students or more from different countries.
While the US Department of State does not release the exact number of applications requested and the number denied, it was declared by the US embassy that a record number of more than 140,000 student visas were issued to Indian students between October 2022 and September 2023, marking a historic milestone in Indian student exchanges to the US.
It may take anywhere between eight and 13 weeks for a student visa USA to be processed and for an interview date to be scheduled. Wait times vary, depending on where you are applying from and how busy the embassy is, so be sure to schedule your US visa appointment as soon as possible. You can check the projected wait times at the US Department of State website.
Documents to bring to your student visa interview:
• Passport
• A copy of the photo you will use for your visa
• DS-160 and I-901 SEVIS payment confirmation pages
• I-20
• School transcript and official test scores you used on your university application
• Diploma (if applicable)
• Bank statements you used to fill out your college application
While there are no rules requiring a minimum bank balance to apply for a US student visa, it costs approximately $535 USD to obtain your F-1 student visa. The cost is broken down into two fees: the I-901 SEVIS fee ($350) and the DS-160 form fee ($185). You must apply for your student, non-immigrant visa within 120 days of your program start date, but you should not wait too long after you receive your acceptance letter, because it can take several months to complete your USA student visa process from India.
If you are late to the application process to get a student visa USA from India, do not worry — US consulates and embassies have an expedited interview appointment option for students who are about to start their university programs. But first, you must go through the regular process and pay the visa fees.
To start, complete the online written portion of your application (DS-160), pay the application fee, and schedule your appointment for the first available time, even if it is too late for your program start date. Once this initial paperwork is complete, the consulate will consider your request for a closer appointment date.
To submit an expedited request, the US Bureau of Consular Affairs recommends you reach out to the embassy or consulate where you will conduct your interview to make an appointment for an expedited meeting. You can email the embassy your request for an expedited interview or get in touch with the India call centre by phone. The embassy will email you with further instructions after you submit your request, generally within two days.
If you are wondering how to apply for a US student visa from India, there are several US consulates and embassies in India where you can schedule your interview. To find your nearest US embassy location please refer below.
• Chennai/Madras
• Hyderabad
• Kolkata
• Mumbai
• New Delhi
The US H1B Visa is one of the most popular ways to work in the US. It is a visa that an employer must apply for on behalf of a specialist employee. Since the visa is granted to specialists, typically applicants hold at least a Bachelor’s degree and are from fields such as IT, finance, architecture, medicine, science etc. Eduroute helps employers with filing for H1B petitions for their employees. We also help employees from across the world get hired by companies likely to sponsor them for an H1B visa.
• Choose US H1B Visa to work in the USA.
• Bachelor’s in IT, Finance, Architecture, Medicine, and Science are eligible.
• Earn in USD (5 times more than your current salary).
• Direct path to get a Green card.
• Settle in the USA along with your family.
The US H1B Visa is one of the most popular ways to work in the US. It is a visa that an employer must apply for on behalf of a specialist employee. Since the visa is granted to specialists, typically applicants hold at least a Bachelor’s degree and are from fields such as IT, finance, architecture, medicine, science etc. Eduroute helps employers with filing for H1B petitions for their employees. We also help employees from across the world get hired by companies likely to sponsor them for an H1B visa.
The H1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows U.S. companies to employ graduate-level workers in specialty occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise in specialized fields such as in IT, finance, engineering, mathematics, science, medicine, etc. Here’s an overview of how the H1B visa process generally works:
• Petition Filing: U.S. employers start the process by filing a petition on behalf of the candidate they wish to hire with the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The petition includes Labour Condition Application (LCA) approval from the Department of Labour.
• (DOL), which ensures that hiring the foreign worker will not adversely affect the conditions of U.S. workers.
• Cap and Lottery System: There is an annual cap on the number of H1B visas issued each fiscal year – typically 85,000, with 20,000 of those reserved for applicants holding a master’s degree or higher from a U.S. institution. Due to high demand, a lottery system is usually employed when the number of petitions exceeds the cap.
• Selection and Approval: If the petition is selected in the lottery, USCIS will review it. If approved, the foreign worker can apply for the H1B visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their home country. Approval is not guaranteed and depends on the merits of the individual case.
• Visa Application and Interview: Once the petition is approved, the foreign worker must apply for the H1B visa with the Department of State (DOS) and may need to attend a visa interview.
• Admission to the United States: Upon visa approval, the beneficiary can enter the United States. The H1B visa typically allows for an initial stay of up to three years, which can be extended to a maximum of six years.
• Change of Employer: H1B workers can change employers, but the new employer must file a new H1B petition for the employee.
• Dual Intent: Unlike some other visas, the H1B is a dual-intent visa, meaning that H1B holders can legally seek permanent residency in the U.S. while on a temporary work visa.
• Portability: H1B visa holders have the benefit of portability, allowing them to move between jobs, provided the new job is in a specialty occupation and the new employer files a new H1B petition.
Throughout the process, there are numerous legal and regulatory steps to be followed, and the timing and specific requirements can vary based on individual circumstances and current immigration laws. The complexity of the process often necessitates legal advice or the assistance of an immigration professional.
The H1B Visa is one of the most competitive visas to apply for. Due to there being an annual visa cap, there is a huge demand from US employers applying for this visa. Additionally, since it is a route to a Green Card, it is one of the best visas to apply to work in the US.
• Live and work in the US.
• Extend the stay in the US.
• Change employers during H-1B status.
• Stay with their dependent spouse & children (aged under 21) in the US.
• Visa has a validity of three years with the option to extend it up to a maximum of six years.
• Once the validity is over, a foreign worker must either leave the U.S. or obtain a different visa.
• If he does not comply, he can lose his legal status and can even be deported.
The H1B is a point-based visa system and you need a minimum of 12 points for your application to be assessed. You must have:
• A Bachelors or Master’s degree from the US (or an equivalent in your country).
• Or 12 years work experience.
• Or a mix of education and work experience.
• 3 points for every 1 year of college studies.
• 1 point for every 1 year of work experience.
Once you score a minimum of 12 points, your H1B petition can then be prepared.
Applying for an H1B visa and sponsoring an H1B candidate can come with a variety of challenges both for the applicants and the sponsoring employers:
For H1B Visa Applicants:
• Lottery System: Due to the high demand for H1B visas, the USCIS uses a random lottery system to select applicants for the available visas. This means that even highly qualified candidates are not guaranteed a visa.
• Documentation and Deadlines: The process requires meticulous attention to detail when it comes to documentation. Any errors or missed deadlines can result in the denial of the application.
• Uncertainty and Wait Times: The uncertainty of the lottery system and the potential for long processing times can be stressful, especially for applicants who are trying to plan their careers and lives.
• Changing Policies: Immigration policies can be subject to change, which can affect applicants' chances of obtaining an H1B visa. For instance, changes in administration can lead to shifts in the interpretation and application of immigration laws.
• Costs: The application process can be costly, especially if legal assistance is sought, and these costs are not always reimbursed by the employer.
• Dependents' Ability to Work: The ability for H4 visa holders (spouses and children of H1B visa holders) to obtain work authorization can vary based on the prevailing policies, creating uncertainty for families.
Competitive and Costly Process: The cap on H1B visas makes the process highly competitive. Additionally, sponsoring an H1B visa can be expensive for employers due to filing fees, legal costs, and the potential for needing to reapply each year if not selected.
Regulatory Compliance: Employers must comply with various regulations, including labour condition applications that attest to the wages, working conditions, and that the employment of H1B workers will not adversely affect U.S. workers.
Public Scrutiny and Audits: There is increasing scrutiny of companies that employ H1B workers. Employers may face audits by the DOL to ensure compliance with the terms of the labour condition application.
Workforce Planning Challenges: The uncertainty inherent in the lottery system makes it difficult for employers to plan their workforce needs, as they cannot be sure that a selected candidate will actually receive a visa.
Retention Concerns: If an H1B employee chooses to leave the company or if their visa is not extended, the employer must find a replacement, which can be a time-consuming and costly process.
Risk of Visa Denials: An increase in visa denials or Requests for Evidence (RFEs) has been reported in recent years, creating additional hurdles for employers trying to hire foreign talent.
Both applicants and sponsors must navigate a complex web of legal and procedural requirements throughout the H1B visa process. The dynamic nature of immigration policies, the competitive landscape, and the administrative burdens can present significant challenges for all involved parties.
The best time to apply for an H1B visa is generally early in the year before the U.S. government's fiscal year begins on October 1. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) typically starts accepting H1B petitions on April 1 for the visas that will be issued in the fiscal year starting October 1. Here's a timeline and some considerations for H1B visa application:
January to March: This is the period when applicants and their prospective employers should start preparing their H1B visa petitions. It involves gathering all the necessary documentation, including labour condition approval (LCA) from the Department of Labour, which must be filed before the H1B petition.
April 1: USCIS begins accepting H1B petitions. Since there's a cap on the number of H1B visas issued each year, and the demand often exceeds the cap within the first few days of April, it's crucial to have the petition ready to submit by this date.
After April 1: Once the cap is reached, USCIS will not accept any new H1B petitions for that fiscal year. If the petition is selected in the H1B lottery and approved, the beneficiary can start working on October 1, the start of the fiscal year for which the visa is issued.
It's important to note that the preparation for filing an H1B petition should begin well in advance of these dates. Employers and applicants need to account for the time it takes to:
• Establish eligibility for the H1B program.
• Complete the LCA, which itself can take a week or more to be certified.
• Prepare a detailed job description that fits within the specialty occupation requirements.
• Compile educational and professional documents, including evaluations for foreign degrees.
• If necessary, prepare responses to Requests for Evidence (RFE), which are commonly issued by USCIS if they need more information to determine eligibility.
• Due to the competitive nature of the H1B visa process and the cap on the number of visas issued, it's advisable to work with a knowledgeable immigration attorney or a consulting firm specializing in H1B visas to ensure timely and correct filing.
Here are the steps to apply for H1B visa
Determine your visa type by reading Common Non-immigrant Visas. Each visa type explains the qualifications and application items. Choose the visa type that applies to your situation.
The next step is to complete the Non-immigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) form. be sure to read the Guidelines for Completing the DS-160 Form carefully. All information must be correct and accurate. Once the form is submitted, you cannot make any changes.
Once you have completed the DS-160, you must pay the visa fee.
You will need to log in to your profile with the same credentials you used to pay your visa fee. On the website, you must schedule two appointments, one for the Visa Application Centre (VAC) and one for the visa interview at the Embassy or Consulate.
Ensure you take the required documents with you for the Visa Application Centre (VAC) appointment.
After your visit to the Visa Application Centre to have your photo and fingerprints taken, you will then visit the U.S Embassy or Consulate on the date and time of your visa interview along with the required documents.
The cost of an H1B visa can vary depending on a variety of factors, including attorney fees, the size of the sponsoring company, and whether the employer chooses to expedite the processing of the petition using Premium Processing. The basic costs set by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) are as follows:
• Base Filing Fee: The standard H1B filing fee is $460 for the I-129 petition.
• American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act (ACWIA) Fee: Employers with 1 to 25 full-time equivalent employees pay $750, while employers with 26 or more full-time equivalent employees pay $1,500.
• Fraud Prevention and Detection Fee: A $500 fee is required for new H1B applications and for those changing employers.
• Public Law 114-113 Fee: Employers with more than 50 employees, with more than 50% of those employees on H1B or L-1 visas, must pay an additional $4,000 for H1B petitions.
• Optional Premium Processing Fee: Employers who wish to expedite the processing of their H1B petitions can pay an additional $2,500 for the USCIS Premium Processing Service, which guarantees a response within 15 calendar days.
• Immigrant Attorney Fees: Attorney fees can vary widely but are typically around $1,000 to $3,000 for H1B visa services. Some companies may have in-house immigration counsel and might not incur this cost.
• H1B Visa Issuance Fee: Based on reciprocity, the fee can vary by nationality for the visa to be issued at the U.S. Consulate or Embassy. This is typically paid by the applicant.
• Visa Application Fee: Applicants may be required to pay a visa application fee, which is $190 for the H1B visa.
• Visa Issuance Fee: This fee varies by country and is based on reciprocity. It should be checked with the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
• Medical Examination and Vaccination Fees: If required, these fees will vary by provider.
• Travel and Accommodation Fees: For attending the visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate and for moving to the U.S. if the visa is granted.
• SEVIS Fee: This is not required for H1B visas but is relevant for those applying for an F or J visa for study or exchange programs.
• It's important to note that the costs can change, and the USCIS may update fees; applicants and sponsors should check the latest fees on the USCIS official website or consult with an immigration attorney for the most current information. Moreover, according to U.S. law, the employer is required to pay the H1B visa petition fees, not the employee. This is to ensure that the hiring of foreign workers does not come at a lower cost than hiring U.S. workers.
The processing time for an H1B visa can vary based on several factors, including the workload at the USCIS service centre where the petition is filed, the accuracy and completeness of the petition, and whether the employer has opted for premium processing. Here is a general breakdown:
The standard processing time can range from 2 to 6 months. However, this can fluctuate widely depending on the volume of applications received by USCIS and other factors affecting their workload.
Employers can choose premium processing by paying an additional fee of $2,500. This service guarantees that USCIS will process the petition within 15 calendar days. If USCIS fails to meet this deadline, they will refund the premium processing fee but will continue to process the petition expeditiously.
• Service Center Workload: Different USCIS service centers may have different processing times based on their caseload.
• Request for Evidence (RFE): If USCIS issues an RFE, the processing time will be longer. The clock stops on the initial processing time until the additional documentation is received.
• Accuracy of the Application: Incomplete or inaccurate applications can result in delays or denials, affecting processing time.
• Visa Cap: If the application is subject to the annual cap, it can only be filed during the H1B filing period starting on April 1st, and the processing will begin after the petitions are selected in the lottery.
Once the H1B visa petition is approved, the applicant needs to apply for the visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their home country. The time frame for an appointment can vary, and visa processing at the consulate typically takes a few days to a few weeks.
Applicants and employers should monitor the USCIS website for the most current processing times, as these can change. Additionally, it is recommended to consult with an immigration attorney or a professional for the most up-to-date and detailed information regarding individual circumstances.
The EB5 Visa Program is a type of investor visa that allows people from all nationalities to obtain residence permits in the USA by making a certain investment in US commercial enterprises. The program contributes to the US economy simultaneously as it offers investors the opportunity to reside in the USA permanently. The EB5 Investor Visa has countless benefits for Indian citizens as well. Read on to learn about the benefits and requirements of the EB5 Visa India.
Indians are the second most crowded immigrant group in the United States. The members of this immigrant group are predominantly young professionals with university degrees.
The EB5 Visa Program is the fastest and the most impactful route to US residency for Indian citizens.
Find below the most significant of the countless benefits of the USA Investment Visa for Indian citizens:
• Your spouse and children under 21 (unmarried) can benefit from the program.
• It enables you to get permanent residency.
• You’re free to travel as you like throughout the country and reside wherever you choose.
• You can get a job or establish a business.
• You enjoy the international privileges of a US green card like traveling visa-free to many locations in the world.
• You can apply for both American citizenship and an Overseas Citizen of India status, getting to hold the privileges of both citizenships.
In addition to these perks, through USA EB5 Visa for Indian citizens, your unmarried children automatically gain the right to the following as permanent residents:
• Access to excellent education without having any obstacles related to their foreign student status.
• Benefitting from tuition fees lower by 150% to 300% and enjoying various scholarship/funding opportunities compared to other foreign students.
• Access to many job opportunities without any restrictions on work permits, visa expiration, or the like.
There are a series of requirements you need to meet to become eligible for the EB5 visa. The most crucial of these is to make the qualifying investment. Then, in addition to meeting the financial requirements, you need to follow certain steps and submit various documentation.
The investment requirements of the EB5 US investment visa for Indian nationals are as follows:
• Investing a minimum of $1,05 million to a US commercial enterprise or at least $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area.
• Guaranteeing that the said investment will create at least 10 full-time jobs for US citizens in two years.
You’re required to submit various documents for your application for EB5 India to be valid. The following are the demanded documents:
• A valid passport.
• Copy of passports (both personal and of family members).
• Documentation of the household registration.
• Evidence of any former immigration applications (if applicable).
• Criminal record.
• Evidence of business ownership.
• Business License(s).
• Proof of source for the investment sum.
• Detailed EB5 business plan.
• Organizational documents and agreement of partnership.
• Position/Title statement and duty descriptions.
• Tax Returns and Bank Statements (last 5 years).
• Documentation of any other sources of capital.
• Approved I-526 petition proving you’ve started the investment process.
• Evidence to prove required investment has been made.
• Documentation regarding the establishment of the relevant business in a TEA.
• Document demonstrating that the said investment made into the regional centre is to create 10 direct or indirect full-time jobs for the US citizens.
In addition to the required investment amount, there are other costs and fees you need to pay throughout the EB5 acquisition process. Find these fees and costs below:
USCIS Form I-526 filing fee: $3,675.
USCIS Form I-829 filing fee: $3,750.
Legal fee for the immigration lawyer: Varies depending on the lawyer.
Adjustment of status fee or Immigrant visa application fee: $1,225/$345.
EB5 business plan expenses: ∼$3,500.
Regional centre administration fee: $50,000 – $70,000.
Business entity formation: Varies depending on the hired lawyer/company.
Translation of documentation: Varies depending on the translator.
There are certain steps to obtaining the EB5 US investment visa for Indian citizens. Here’s a list of what you need to do:
Hire a professional to help with your process (advisor/lawyer).
Establish your EB5 plan that qualifies for the program.
Make the required investment.
File a Form I-525 with USCIS.
File a Form I-485 and DS-260 to apply for the adjustment of status.
Get a 2-year conditional permanent residency. File the Form I-829 and get your permanent residency by removing the conditions on your status.
The estimated EB5 processing time India typically varies between 29 and 61 months.