What is F1 Visa?

A non-immigrant visa is most frequently a business, student or specialty worker travel document that permits you to travel to the United States during the validity of the visa to accomplish a specific purpose, such as visiting, studying or working in a specialty job.

F1 visa (US student visa) is non-immigrant type of visa.

Indian students can attend anyone of the give American consulates for F1 visa interview. USA has five consulates in India - Delhi, Chennai, Mumbai, Kolkata, Hyderabad.

Non-U.S. citizens who wish to study in the United States will seek an F-1 US student visa, but there are other visa types that are sometimes authorized for those who study in the U.S. Here is a short description of the different student visa types:


This visa is the most common for those who wish to engage in academic studies in the United States. It is for people who want to study at an accredited U.S. college or university or to study English at a university or intensive English language institute - Study Visa.



This visa is for people who will be participating in an exchange visitor program in the U.S. The "J" visa is for educational and cultural exchange programs.



This visa is for those who will be engaged in non-academic or vocational study or training at an institution in the U.S.

In order to apply for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate, you must first have a SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System)-generated document (either an I-20 or DS-2019) issued by a U.S. college or university or Department of State-designated sponsor organization. You will be required to submit this form when you apply for a visa.

The U.S. academic institution or program sponsor will provide you with the appropriate SEVIS-generated form only when you have been academically admitted to the institution or accepted as a participant in an exchange program. The institution or program sponsor will also send you additional information about applying for the appropriate visa, as well as other guidance about beginning your academic program in the United States.