1) How many kinds of VISAs are there for USA?

Basically there are two kinds of visas: Immigrant visa and Non-immigrant visa. a) Immigrant visa ? under this category, the applicant openly declares his intention of settling in that country. E.g., Spouse visa, Family Visa. b) Non-immigrant visa ? under this category, the applicant clearly indicates that he intends to travel to that country for a specific purpose and would definitely return to the home country upon the accomplishment of the purpose or completion of the duration granted. E.g., Student / Visit visa.

2) What is the basic criterion for securing a student visa?

The consular officer will objectively take into consideration your entire profile. The profile compromises: a) Academic Qualifications b) Financial Capabilities and c) Ones intentions If the consular officer is convinced about all three, only then he may grant you the visa.

3) How long can I stay on an F-1 visa?

You are permitted to stay in US for the entire period of enrollment in an academic program plus any period of authorized practical training and a 60 days grace period.

4) I am an F-1 student; do I have to study on full time basis?

Yes. At the undergraduate level, this normally means at least 12 academic hours. Graduate level full time is left to the school to define.

5) What are the financial requirements for obtaining a student visa?

You have will  have to show and prove that you have adequate funding that covers your total educational course and are accessible for the imminent academic years.

6) Can I change my college soon after reaching USA?

No, you cannot change your school before completing a year in it, Once you are in the US, you are governed by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services rules. It is advisable you make your choice carefully, and avoid problems later.

7) I haven’t received my degree certificates yet, can I still apply for the visa?

Yes, it is possible to apply for the visa even if you haven’t received your degree certificates. But make sure they are available till the visa interview date; else the consular at Embassy may delay their decision to give you a visa until you submit the final marks and provisional certificates.

8) Will I have first preference if I submit Visa documents early?

The waiting time for an interview appointment for applicants can vary, so early visa application is strongly encouraged. It is important to remember that applying early and providing the requested documents does not guarantee that the student will receive a visa.

9) What all will I have to submit for Visa application?

During the visa application process, usually at the interview, an ink-free, digital fingerprint scan will be quickly taken.  Some applicants will need additional screening, and will be notified when they apply.  Also, because each student’s personal and academic situation is different; two students applying for same visa may be asked different questions and be required to submit different documents.  For that reason, the guidelines that follow are general and can be abridged or expanded by consular officers overseas, depending on each student’s situation.

10) Can I file my visa application with any consulate in India?

No, for student visa you must either be a permanent resident of the area governed by the consulate where you are applying or should have been a resident of that area at least for the past one year. Currently, the US embassy allows residents of certain consulate offices to apply at other designated consulates/embassy, if getting an appointment in the respective territory is a problem. However one is advised to cross verify on the same, as the rules are subject to change.

11) What is SEVIS system?

SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is a government tracking program that allows several agencies of U.S. government to verify the enrollment status of all the international students and exchange visitors in F, J, and M visa status. Till the SEVIS fee is paid, visa will not be issued.