SEVIS ( Student Exchange Visitor Information System) fee which is at present at $200.

Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee) which is at present $160 (at the exchange rate of INR 70).

Student visa requires you to carry a lot more documents than you would for a tourist visa, by comparison. You need the mandatory documents along with supporting documents of financial and academic records. Make sure you refer to this checklist before going to the consulate for the visa interview.

• A valid passport with a validity date at least six months beyond your period of stay.
• Printed copy of DS-160, the online application form.
• Interview appointment letter (original and copy)
• Form I-20 sent by the college (where you are going to study).
• Visa fees payment confirmation receipt.
• Bank statement for at least three years showing that you have enough assets to pay for the first year (could be of parent or guardian).
• Pay slips
• Original mark sheets/provisional certificates
• Score sheet of exams like TOEFL, GMAT, IELTS, etc

For the USA, students need to show proof of the amount of fund they need to cover for the first year total expenses. It includes tuition fees, living expenses, and other expenses (like books). They also need to show the proof of the readily available funds for rest of the tenure of education.

• Tax returns for the past 3 years (Form 16).
• Bank statements/passbook for the past 3 years.
• Original pay/salary slips and letters of employment.
• Statement from certified CA
• Scholarship letter (If the applicant has received it).
• The loan approval letter by the bank or the concerned authority.

Remember, F1 student visas can be issued up to 120 days before the starting date of your course of study. However, you will not be allowed to enter the United States on F1 status earlier than 30 days before your start date. There are several steps to apply for a student visa:

• Your visa process starts when you receive Form I-20 from your college. Though you can pay the SEVIS fee anytime during the application, it is strongly recommended that you pay the SEVIS I-901 fee before you start your US visa application.
• After paying the SEVIS fee and getting a receipt, you can apply for a DS-160 visa form. It is an online application form.
• Print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
• Pay the visa fee through NEFT or at authorized AXIS bank/Citi bank locations.
• Schedule a Biometric appointment and Interview appointment.
• For the Biometric appointment, you will be required to appear in person to get your photograph clicked for the visa and get your fingerprints scanned.
• At the Personal interview, the interviewer will ask you questions about your choice, of course, college, finances, and intent of coming back. If s/he is convinced, they will keep your passport with them to get the visa stamped. Here is a guide to help you prepare for your F1 Visa Interview.

Finally, the conversation explored two attractive work opportunities for international students studying in the US: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT).

CPT enables students to work in the US during their studies.

OPT allows students to work in the US for one year upon graduating or up to three years if graduating from a STEM-designated program or major.

During the first year of studies, students cannot accept off-campus employment. Students cannot work more than 20 hours per week. During holidays and breaks, the student may work up to 40 hours per week. The student can work for a commercial firm that provides services to the college, such as a bookstore or cafeteria.