Have you always wanted to travel to the United States of America, but did not know where to begin the process? Let visa experts from the US Consulate answer all your FAQs and put your doubts to rest. Read on to find out more.
How long can I remain in the United States after my programme has ended?
After you complete your course of study, you have 30 days to depart the United States. You can find more information on renewing your F1 student visa at http://www.ice.gov/sevis/travel.
How soon after receiving my student visa can I travel to the United States?
You can enter the United States on your student visa no earlier than 30 days before your programme of study begins.
I was issued my visa, but I’m unable to travel for this term. What should I do?
If you cannot enter the United States for the term listed on your Form I-20 or if you will be late by a few days, immediately contact your school officials so that they can accurately reflect this information in your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record.
After getting my visa for one university, I received admission to a different university which I would prefer to attend. Can I travel on the same visa to attend a different university that is listed?
The visa on which you travel must have the university information annotated on it correctly. If there is a change in the university, you need to re-apply for your visa with the new I-20.
I am a resident of Andhra Pradesh. I want to apply for an F1 visa at the consulate in Chennai as there are no dates available for an interview at the consulate in Hyderabad before my programme of study begins. Am I allowed to apply at a location outside of my state of residency?
You may schedule appointments at any of the consulates in India or at the Embassy in New Delhi.
How long can I remain in the United States after my programme has ended?
After you complete your course of study, you have 30 days to depart the United States. You can find more information on renewing your F1 student visa at http://www.ice.gov/sevis/travel.
How soon after receiving my student visa can I travel to the United States?
You can enter the United States on your student visa no earlier than 30 days before your programme of study begins.
I was issued my visa, but I’m unable to travel for this term. What should I do?
If you cannot enter the United States for the term listed on your Form I-20 or if you will be late by a few days, immediately contact your school officials so that they can accurately reflect this information in your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record.
After getting my visa for one university, I received admission to a different university which I would prefer to attend. Can I travel on the same visa to attend a different university that is listed?
The visa on which you travel must have the university information annotated on it correctly. If there is a change in the university, you need to re-apply for your visa with the new I-20.
I am a resident of Andhra Pradesh. I want to apply for an F1 visa at the consulate in Chennai as there are no dates available for an interview at the consulate in Hyderabad before my programme of study begins. Am I allowed to apply at a location outside of my state of residency?
You may schedule appointments at any of the consulates in India or at the Embassy in New Delhi.
I don’t know which program is right for me. Where can I learn more about researching colleges and universities?
The Consulate General, Chennai, in partnership with EducationUSA, regularly meets with students to discuss the benefits of a US education and to explain the visa application process. Around the world, EducationUSA helps students find the ‘right fit’ in an American college. Visit EducationUSA’s website to learn more.
I am looking for affordable options. How can I get the best value out of my education in the USA?
Community colleges are one of many accessible and affordable options for pursuing education in the US. They offer two-year Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree programmes, in addition to technical or vocational training in a variety of fields. Many of them also allow students to complete two years of their undergraduate studies at a community college and then transfer those credits to a four-year institution to complete their degree.
I have just received my Form I-20 from my graduate programme and I need to make a visa appointment. The nearest visa interview date available is after my course of study begins. What should I do?
Students who will begin or resume a valid programme of study in the US within 60 days are eligible to apply for an expedited appointment when no regular appointments are available. Visit www.ustraveldocs.com/in/in-niv-expeditedappointment.asp. Applications for student visas are accepted 120 days before the start date.
Can I work while studying in the United States?
Students may pursue off-campus employment, but only with approved authorisation for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). Educational advisors at your institution have information about CPT and OPT opportunities. Students on F-1 and J-1 visas are eligible for on-campus employment. This employment must take place either at your school or at an educationally-affiliated off-campus location. For more information: www.ice.gov/sevis/employment.
I have just been issued my student visa. Do I need to carry anything with me to the United States to present at the port of entry?
A visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a US port of entry and request permission to enter the United States. You need to present your passport, visa and Form I-20 or DS-2019. A Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official will make the final decision on your admission into the United States. They will then provide you an admission stamp or paper Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record).
I am attending a short-term study programme in the United States that is not due for credit. Do I still need a student visa?
For short courses of study which do not lead to a degree or certificate, a visitor (B) visa may be appropriate. More information about visitor visas is available at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/tourism-visit/visitor.html.
Those leading to a US degree are never permitted on a visitor visa, even if they are for a short duration.
What is SEVIS and how much is the payable fee?
SEVIS is the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. It is a web-based system for maintaining information on international non-immigrant students and exchange visitors in the United States. Make sure to enroll in SEVIS and pay your SEVIS fee before appearing for your student visa interview. The SEVIS fee is currently $200 USD for F and M visa applicants and $180 USD for J visa applicants. More information on SEVIS is available at https://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901. Please note, family members travelling as dependents of a student have to enroll in SEVIS, but they do not have to pay a SEVIS fee.
I still have two years left to complete my PhD programme in the United States, but I have returned home to India for a vacation and my visa has expired. How do I apply for a new visa?
Student (F and M) visas for continuing students may be issued at any time, as long as the student is currently enrolled in SEVIS at an approved school or institution. Continuing students may enter the United States at any time before their classes start. Visit https://www.ustraveldocs.com/in/ to begin the application process.
If you have questions about studying in the US, send them to chennaistudyinamerica@state.gov.
US Consulate General visa experts will answer in the weeks to come
