Once the admission to a college or University
is confirmed, the University will sent to the applicant Form 1-20 or the Form
IAP-66. These documents are needed to apply for a non-immigrant student visa.
There are
three categories of student visa
- F-1 Visa (Academic student) is for students
who have been accepted for full time study in academic or language programs.
It allows you to study at an approved university or college and lead to graduating
with a Master's Degree, Doctoral Degree or Diploma Certificate.
- J-1 Visa (Exchange student) is issued to visiting
scholars, medical doctors who seek advanced training or candidates pursuing
graduate or post graduate studies on an exchange program.
- M-1 Visa is for students who are accepted
for non-academic or any vocational programmes.
The 1-20 and I AP-66 Forms are visa petitions that
state your eligibility to apply for the non-immigrant student visa status.
1-20 A-B is a certificate of eligibility issued
by universities as proof of acceptance as their student. This form is needed
for applying for F-1 non -immigrant Visa. This can also be used to change any
other non-Immigrant Visa status to F-1. Form IAP-66 is needed for applying for
J-1 Visa.
Documents required for applying for visa
- Passport which is valid for at least 6months
after the date of travel.
- Completed visa application form from the U.S
Consulate
- Form 1-20 or IAP-66 originals from the
Universities where you have been accepted.
- Passport size photographs signed on the reverse
side
- Transcripts of all admissions tests
taken like TOFEL, SAT, GRE, GMAT etc.
- Affidavit and evidence of financial support
(bank statements) of at least 1st year of study and details of scholarships
if any. They include
- A certificate issued by an officer of the
students own bank explicitly stating the amount of money available to support
you during your stay in the U.S.
- If there is sponsor or guarantor, a certificate
issued by a bank officer of this guarantors or sponsors financial ability
- A statement from a sponsoring organization
or institution giving the terms of sponsorship.
- Any other documents as specified by the Visa
Officer.
Passport
Holders of F-1, J-1, or M-1 Visas should keep
their passports valid for at least six months into the future. Passport will
become invalid six months before the expiration date noted in the passport.
You have to reapply for your passport several months (6 months plus the time
you take to get fresh passport) before the date of expiry.
Passports can be renewed at the Indian Embassy
in Washington, DC or its various consulates in the U.S. A letter confirming
your students status can be got from Registrars office or the International
students Service Office at your college or University. The passports should
be registered at your country's nearest consulate or Embassy. This makes your
passport on record and it will be easier to replace in case of the passport
is lost or stolen.
