United States F-1 Student Visa for Indians
Last verified: October 1, 2026
Quick facts
- Processing time
- 4–16 weeks
- Government fee
- about $535
- Start preparing
- about 7 months before your move
- Steps in the plan
- 9
- Need an apostille
- None
- Need a translation
- None
- Job offer
- Not required
“Start preparing” covers gathering documents, the 4–16 weeks decision wait and two weeks of slack. Add apostille and translation costs to the government fee.
Overview
For full-time study at a SEVP-certified school. Requires a Form I-20 from the school, the $350 SEVIS I-901 fee, the $185 DS-160 application fee, and proof of funds covering the amount stated on your I-20 (typically first-year tuition plus living costs). You may enter the US up to 30 days before your program starts. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can accompany you as F-2 dependants, each on their own Form I-20; F-2 dependants are not allowed to work.
This page covers Indians. For every nationality we track, see the United States F-1 Student Visa overview.
Requirements for Indians
| Minimum annual income | No requirement |
| Minimum savings | No requirement |
| Job offer required | No |
| Degree required | No |
| Family can join | Yes |
| Path to permanent residency | No |
Processing time & costs
Typical processing takes 4–16 weeks after applying. The government fee is approximately $535. Difficulty: 4/5.
Documents you'll need
- Get admission from a SEVP-certified schoolMust be a SEVP-certified institution issuing Form I-20.
- Receive your Form I-20Check name, program dates and funding amount; the I-20 cost figure is the proof-of-funds target.
- Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee ($350)Paid at fmjfee.com; the receipt is checked at the interview and port of entry.
- Complete DS-160 and pay the $185 MRV feeUse the same details as the I-20, with a printed confirmation barcode page.
- Prepare proof of funds matching the I-20 amountBank statements, loan sanction letters or sponsor affidavits covering first-year costs.
- Book VAC biometrics + visa interviewTwo bookings via the US Travel Docs portal; F-1 interviews open no more than about a year ahead.
- Attend the interviewPassport, I-20, SEVIS receipt, DS-160 confirmation, financial evidence and academic records.
- Collect your stamped passport & book travelEntry is allowed no earlier than 30 days before the program start date on your I-20.
- Report to your DSO and maintain statusCheck in with the Designated School Official, enroll full-time and keep your SEVIS record current.
The full ordered checklist — with timing, dependencies, apostille and translation flags, and personalized due dates — is part of the paid plan.
Not moving yet?
The F-1 Student Visa takes about 7 months from first document to moving day. Tell us when you plan to move and we’ll email you once, on the day you should start.
Is the F-1 Student Visa right for you?
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Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- How long does the United States F-1 Student Visa take for Indians?
- Typical processing time is 4–16 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- What does the F-1 Student Visa cost?
- The government fee is approximately $535. Additional costs (translations, apostilles, insurance) vary by case.
- Do Indians need a job offer for the F-1 Student Visa?
- No. The F-1 Student Visa does not require a job offer from a United States employer.
- Can I bring my family on the F-1 Student Visa?
- Yes — this visa allows accompanying family members, with additional documentation.
Other United States visas for Indians
Other destinations for Indians
United States visas for other nationalities
Always confirm requirements with the official government source. This guide is general information, not legal advice.