Visas for Indian students studying in United States.

There are three types of student visas for entry into the US:

F1 Visa: The F1 visa is the most common visa issued for students. This visa is for full-time students enrolled in an academic programme in a college or university. As an F1 student you maintain a full time course of study and complete your study by the expiration date listed on the I-20 form. The I-20 form provides details about the academic programme of the student including the expected duration.

J-1 Exchange Visitor visa: The J-1 visa is issued to students who require practical training that is not available in the home country in order to complete their academic programme.

M-1 Vocational Student visa: The M-1 visa is issued for those students attending non-academic or vocational colleges and is valid for a maximum period of one year. An M-1 visa cannot be converted to a F-1 visa

Requirements for obtaining a student visa:

The following documents are required in order for you to apply for a student visa at the US consulate.

Valid passport.

Two recent passport-sized photographs.

An US visa application form (OF-156)

Form I-20(in case of F-1 students) or form IAP-66(in case of J-1 students) of Form I-20M(in case of M-1 students). These forms are issued by a certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigration student status.

Visa application fee

Evidence of proficiency in English language - The TOEFL results.

Proof of sufficient financial resources to cover both your tuition fees and living expenses.

Permission to work:
An F-1 student visa holder is not permitted to accept any off-campus employment. After the first year of study, an F-1 student visa holder can apply to the immigration and Naturalization Services(INS) for off-campus employment by submitting form I-538(Certificate by designated college offical),and Form I-765(Application for Temporary Employment Authorization). This authorization will be valid for a period of one year. M-1 students may not accept any form of employment except an internship for practical training purposes.

Visas for Spouse/Dependents:
Spouses and dependents of students may apply for an F-2,or M-2 visa. They are not allowed to accept any form of employment. They may study on a full-time or part time basis but not allowed to receive financial aid.

College Transfers:
College transfers are permitted during one's course of study. This can be done by obtaining a fresh Form I-20 from the new college. Permission from the INS is not required.

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