October 10, 2025 
It’s the dream of many international students to study in the U.S., particularly from India. Millions of students gain admission to top-tier US colleges each year and begin their studies on an F1 visa. The USA student visa is one of the most prestigious visas taken by students across the globe as it offers high-quality academic programs, latest research facilities, and exposure to a global environment. It is essential to follow the US student visa process step by step to prevent delays and rejections. Here in this blog, we explain everything, from the requirements involved and fees incurred to interviews and documentation.
USA Student Visa (F1)
The F1 visa is for those who wish to study as a full-time student in the United States at an accredited college, university, seminary, conservatory, or other academic institution. This visa will enable you to reside in the country while studying and work under Optional Practical Training (OPT) after you graduate. Usually, when the I-20 is issued by a university or college, students start their application.
USA Student Visa Requirements
To qualify for an F1 visa, applicants must fulfil certain USA student visa requirements:
- A valid passport
- A SEVP-approved school where you intend to enrol will send you a Form I-20.
- Evidence of your financial means to pay for tuition and living costs
- Transcripts and grades from previous colleges/universities attended, and test results – GRE, GMAT, TOEFL, or IELTS as applicable
- Strong connections to the home country that show you will return after finishing your studies.
Many students also ask, Is IELTS necessary for USA student visa? IELTS is not a visa requirement, but the majority of universities require English proficiency. The lowest IELTS score requirement for USA student visa varies with the institute’s admission policy. The acceptable band score is usually between 6.0 and 6.5.
USA Student Visa Cost & Fees
a. Visa Application / MRV Fee
The USA student visa fees comprise the non-immigrant visa application (MRV) fee, currently listed at USD 185 (≈ INR 15,985) as per some Indian sources.
b. SEVIS Fee
Additionally, candidates must submit the SEVIS I-901 fee of USD 350 (≈ INR 29,000)
c. Estimated Total or Additional Surcharges
The USA student visa fees (MRV + SEVIS) are approximately USD 535, which translates to INR 44,000 – INR 45,000 depending on the currency exchange rate.
From 2026, the high visa cost will be further impacted by the Visa Integrity Fee set at a value of 250 USD.
USA Student Visa Process Step by Step
The following can be listed as a USA student visa processing timeline:
Step 1: Admission & I-20
Apply for and be admitted to a U.S. college or university. Upon acceptance, the school provides Form I-20, the certificate of eligibility.
Step 2: Pay SEVIS I-901 Fee
The SEVIS fee must be paid before you apply for the visa. Save the receipt.
Step 3: Complete DS-160
Complete the DS-160 online visa application form and obtain a confirmation barcode.
Step 4: Pay Visa Application or MRV Fee
Pay the Nonimmigrant VISA fee of $185 through the designated Payment Options in India.
Step 5: Schedule Visa Interview
Schedule your interview appointment at one of the U. S. Embassies or Consulates (Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata).
Step 6: Prepare Documents & SOP
Organise necessary documents (I-20, passport, records, exam results, and verification of financial support). Also, draft a good SOP for a USA student visa, mentioning the study plan and future goal, financial plan, and ties to the home country.
Step 7: Attend Interview
Attend the visa interview on the due date. Arrive on time, wear business attire, and be ready to confidently answer US student visa interview questions.
Step 8: Wait for Decision & Visa Issuance
In the event of approval, your passport will be given back to you with the visa affixed. If it is refused, you may reapply or appeal.
USA Student Visa Interview
a. Common Interview Questions
Some of the typical USA student visa interview questions are:
- What made you decide on the U.S. and this particular university?
- What are you studying, and how does that fit your long-term goals?
- Who is sponsoring you for your education, and what is their financial position?
- Do you plan to go back to India after your studies?
- Did You Take IELTS/TOEFL? What’s Your Score?
b. Interview Strategy & Pitfalls
- Be clear, concise, honest, and confident, these interviews often last only a few minutes at most.
- Resist the tendency to be vague or to run on; speak directly.
- Show a strong academic intent, adequate financial support, and that you are rooted in your home country.
- Attempt some mock interviews; the best will be done with a USA student visa consultant in Ahmedabad or Delhi, since they coach you exactly like the consulate officials.
Role of USA Student Visa Consultants
Most students approach USA student visa consultants in Ahmedabad or USA student visa consultants in Delhi for assistance during document verification, the drafting of SOPs, preparation for mock interviews, and step-by-step guidance. Good consultants can minimise procedural error, improve your presentation, and steer you away from rote mistakes.
Rejection Rate & How to Avoid It
a. USA Student Visa Rejection Rate
The USA student visa rejection rate for F-1 visas is commonly between 30 % and about 47 %. Some value is 36.26% in 2023. Another source cites ~47.04 %.
This kind of variation serves as a reminder that rejections are very context-dependent and consulate-specific.
Major Causes of Rejection
- Weak or murky financial papers or funding
- Weak study plan and/or bad SOP
- Blur responses during the interview or a low sense of purpose
- No evidence of intent to go home
- Inconsistencies or discrepancies in the document
Is IELTS Required?
And as previously stated, the U.S. government does not require IELTS for the visa itself. But many U.S. colleges request evidence of English proficiency, often through IELTS or TOEFL. Normal minimum IELTS for USA student visa (i.e., university admission) is 6.5 Overall and nothing less than 6 in each component. 7.0 may be required by some programmes particularly engineering, business. This varies by university.
USA Student Visa News
A recent significant development is the introduction of the Visa Integrity Fee (VIF) of USD 250 to be implemented from 2026, for non-immigrant visas such as F-1. The move would mean a nearly threefold increase in the visa fee for Indian students. Those are among the kinds of policy changes that raise urgency for people who want to apply to get in before the fee increase. Plus, visa policies can change in line with U.S immigration goals, so keep an eye on USA student visa news updates constantly.
Conclusion
Obtaining a USA student visa (F-1) requires coordination between your academics, financial documents, procedural discipline, as well as a persuasive personal narrative SOP and interview. It is important to know the USA Student visa fees in Indian Rupees, the step-by-step process, and common interview questions. USA student visa consultants in Ahmedabad or Delhi provide help, but the final outcome is heavily dependent on the clarity of intention, preparation, and uniformity throughout your application. With the right planning and staying updated with the latest USA student visa news, including the yet to kick-in Visa Integrity fee, you can increase your odds of success and embark on your U.S. academic path with confident peace of mind.
FAQs
Ques. 1. What is the total USA student visa fees in Indian rupees?
Ans. Amount adds up to MRV fee (~USD 185 ≈ ₹15,985) plus SEVIS fee (USD 350 ≈ ₹29,000+). Together, it is priced around USD 535, which comes to ₹44,000-₹45,000 approx.
Ques. 2. Can I apply for an F-1 visa without IELTS?
Ans. As for the visa itself, IELTS is not required by U.S. authorities. But the university you are going to might have an IELTS or TOEFL demand for entry.
Ques. 3. What are top USA student visa interview questions to prepare for?
Ans. Some of the common ones are “Why this university?, “Where are you going to get your money from?”, “What are you going to do when you graduate?”, and “What are you studying & your English test score?”
Ques. 4. What is the F-1 visa rejection rate?
Ans. The USA student visa refusal rate has varied between 36% and 47% for Indians, depending on the year and consulate.
Ques. 5. Are USA student visa consultants necessary?
Ans. They are not compulsory, but can be helpful, particularly in Ahmedabad or Delhi, for tuning your documents and preparing for mock interviews, and minimising the number of errors. But the consulate has the last word.
