The USA is a dream study-abroad location for most international individuals and those who wish to study a program there must obtain F1 US Student Visa. The application process for an F1 U Visa is simple but time-consuming. Firstly, candidates must fill out the I-20 application form, submit the SEVIS fee of $350 (29,000 INR), and then book an appointment at the Embassy. F1 Visa Slot Booking is mandatory to appear in the Visa interview before it gets approved.

In addition to this, the biometrics of candidates is also a prerequisite. Read further, to know more about the procedure of F1 Visa Slot Booking, along with steps that one must follow and required documents.
Also Check: F-1 Student Visa Timelines

What is an F-1 Student Visa?

The F-1 student visa is a type of non-immigrant student visa which allows international students to pursue any course in the USA without residing on a permanent basis. This means that you can stay in the USA for around 3 or 4 years, depending on the program's duration. For a shorter program, the visa duration will also be shorter.

The eligibility criteria for getting an F-1 US student visa is that the candidate must have applied for a college/university in the USA and he/she must have received the Letter of Acceptance from that particular institution.
Checkout: US Student Visa-Myth vs Reality

How to get an F-1 Student Visa for the USA?

After checking the eligibility, individuals have to look forward to applying for an F-1 student visa in the USA. It is a 6-step procedure including the following stages:-

• Fill in the I-20 application form
• Pay the SEVIS fee
• Fill in the DS-160 online application form
• Pay the visa registration fee
• Book your US Embassy visa appointment
• Attend the visa interview

Also Check: USA F 1 Visa Interview Questions: Tips & Required Documents

F1 Visa Slot Booking: Steps To Follow

Fill in the I-20 application form:

Filling out the application form is the first step for almost all the procedures. Here, candidates have to fill out an I-20 application form. It, along with the SEVIS ID, is sent by the university you have applied for. Actually, it is sent by the Designated School Official (DSO) of that very institution.

Pay the SEVIS fee:

After the I-20 application from submission, applicants have to submit the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee which is approximately $350, equivalent to ₹29,000.

Fill in the DS-160 online application form:

The next step in the F-1 Student Visa slot booking is filling out the DS-160 form. It is a fully integrated online application form that collects essential information about the application. Therefore, one must fill out this form carefully. Moreover, you can also look forward to printing the barcode, present at the end of the form, as a backup.

Pay the visa registration fee:

After the SEVIS fee, applicants have to submit another $160 in the name of registration fees, VFS service charges, and bank charges. You can pay this amount, which is equivalent to ₹13,200, through net banking, UPI, or by cash.

Once you submit the fee, you will receive a receipt, in duplicate, from the bank that should contain a barcode. This barcode is very essential in the process as it is used to schedule your appointment. The barcode is activated after 2 days.

Book your US Embassy visa appointment:

The second last step in this procedure is to book an appointment at the US embassy using the barcode you got from the bank. Afterward, you have to book a slot at the Visa Application Center (VAC) for a biometric scan, i.e., you have to submit your fingerprints, eye scan, and photograph at least a day prior to your interview
Checkout: OFC Appointment in USA Visa: Check OFC Fees & Documents

Attend the visa interview:

Finally, you have to be present for the F-1 US student visa interview on the given date at the correct time. It is the last and most important stage. During the interview, you will be asked about your goals, educational qualifications, and career-related questions. Make sure to answer them properly and politely. Any discrepancy may lead to counterproductive consequences.

Documents required for the F-1 Student Visa Process:

At each step of the above-mentioned procedure, some documents would be required, be it the time of form-filling or during the interview. The same is listed below along with the related step:

While booking your VAC appointment:

The following things will be asked at the time of F1 Visa Slot Booking:

• Passport number
• Date of fee payment
• 10-digit barcode from DS-160 form

On VAC day:

At the Visa Application Center, one must submit the following documents:

• A valid passport whose validity is at least 6 months more than the expected time of the stay.
• DS-160 confirmation page
• Your appointment confirmation page

During the F-1 US student visa interview:

Candidates must produce the following documents at the time of the F-1 US student visa interview:

• Copy of appointment letter
• DS-160 confirmation page
• One photograph taken not more than 6 months ago
• Current and old passports (if any)
• Original Visa fee payment receipt

These were the documents required for the F1 Visa Slot Booking. All the candidates must note that the application fees are non-refundable. Therefore, they must be ready with all the required documents, fill each form with precision, and avoid any discrepancies. Moreover, the interview dates can only be rescheduled for a fixed number of times. Hence, try to avoid the rescheduling procedure as far as possible as it would only delay the arrival of the Visa.

FAQs:-

Ques. How much bank balance is required for the F-1 US student visa?

Ques. Can I sponsor my F-1 US student visa?

Ques. What is the age limit for applying for the F-1 US student visa?

Ques. How to book visa slots for F-1?Ans. International students must follow the following while F1 Visa Slot Booking: