A: No - paying the tuition expenses in advance is a good way to show proof of funds, but it is NOT a requirement to pay in advance.

A: Part 7 on the I-20 shows the amount of funding you must have available to cover the first year's expenses. The total amount includes tuition and fees, living expenses, expenses of dependents (if applicable), and other expenses (as applicable). You must prove that you have immediate funds available to cover this amount. If you are going to a two-years Master's program, then you must also show that funds are or will likely be available to cover the same amount for the second year. For example, if you are a prospective Master's student for a two-year program, and the total amount in Part 7 of the I-20 includes $5,000 for tuition and fees, $5,000 for living expenses, and $500 for other expenses (books and supplies, for instance), then you must prove that $10,500 is immediately available to you. Additionally, you must show that another $10,500 is or will likely be available to cover the second year.

A: Students whose prospective university does not require that they take the TOEFL or GRE should provide a letter from the university stating the same. However, the Embassy strongly recommends that all student visa applicants provide standardized test scores.

A: Yes - you may still apply, but please be sure to include your mark sheets and provisional certificate if available.

A: You must prove that funds are immediately available to cover the first year's costs, and show evidence that funds will be available for all subsequent years. Any financial documentation you provide should be in support of this. This applies to ALL student visa applicants.

A: No, drop box has been discontinued. You must go for personal interview.

A: No. Previously, U.S. law permitted persons entering on tourist, B-2 visas to change status to F-1 visas. That is no longer the case. A non-immigrant wishing to study in the U.S. must apply from their country of origin or residence if they wish to study in the U.S. on an F-1 visa.

A:You are encouraged to apply early for your Student non-immigrant visa to ensure that you can get on your way in a timely fashion. During the summer season (April to September) you may apply at any time prior to the start date of your classes. During the rest of the year, you may apply up to 90 days prior to your start date.

A:Students (F1 or M1) and Exchange Visitors (J1) may travel within 30 days of the commencement of the course of study stated on your I-20/DS-2019, respectively – regardless of how early your visa was issued.

A: Returning students may re-enter the U.S. on their valid F-1 visa as long as they have a valid I-20 with a SEVIS number even if the SEVIS number does not match the number on their visa. The immigration officers at the port of entry will check their system to make sure that the I-20 is valid. The only reason a student should need a new visa is if they're old visa has expired.

A: No, your I-20 does not need to be sealed in an envelope. However, you have to make sure that you carry the I-20 when you travel, as you have to show it to the immigration officer at the port of entry in order to be admitted in to the U.S.

A: Students (F1 or M1) may travel within 30 days of the commencement of the course of study as stated on your I-20 regardless of how early your visa was issued.

A: The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) program requires schools and exchange programs to verify the enrolment status of all continuing and new foreign students and exchange visitors. However the visa cannot be issued until your SEVIS fee has been paid.

Applicants applying with I-20 forms processed after 1 Sept 2004 are required to provide the SEVIS I-901 fee receipt as proof of payment. You can log on to www.ice.gov/sevis for further details.

A: There are no specific documents that prove a student is able to pay for his/her education. Bank account statements, pay slips, income tax return statements, employment letters, property documents and chartered accountant statements are the most common documents used to show proof of funds. However, these are only suggested documents. A visa is not assured if you have any or all of these documents.

A: No, paying the tuition expenses in advance is a good way to show proof of funds, but it is NOT a requirement to pay in advance.

A: Yes, I-20 form for the correct university is required. You can actually change the university details later. Look at next FAQ below.
Alternatively, emergency visa appointments are also available for students under certain circumstances.

A: If you have received an I-20 after scheduling your appointment you can change the details up to 2 working days prior to your interview appointment, for interview scheduled at Mumbai Consulate you can change the details up to 5 working days prior to your interview appointment.

If you have obtained your visa and need to change the name of the university on your visa, you have to go through the complete process once again by scheduling a new appointment after paying the application fee and service charges.

A: No, all qualified students receive visas.

A: No, from July 2004 onwards all applicant traveling to the US have to go through the interview process irrespective of how many times they have traveled to the US.

A: It is recommended that the spouse and dependent children go for their visas interviews along with the principal applicant.

A: You will need to apply for a new student visa if the SEVIS ID number on your new I-20 Form is different form your previous I-20 form. Otherwise, as long as your visa has not expired, you can travel to the US on the same visa for studies starting September 2005. You can normally enter the US no earlier than 30 days before commencement of classes.
When you enter the US, you must carry valid I-20 that gives details of the university you are going to study and when your course begins.

A: Yes. Consular staff can verify your payment electronically. If you are unsure that SEVP received your SEVIS I-901 Fee payment or your receipt has not arrived in a reasonable amount of timem, contact Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) before your visa interview.

A: When you enter the United States on an exchange visitor visa, you will usually be admitted for the duration of your program, plus a period of 30 days for the purpose of travel. The immigration inspector at the port of entry/airport makes the final decision on how long anyone may stay in the U.S. Form DS-2019 indicates the duration of your program. The 30-day grace or travel status period at the end of the exhcnage visitor's program is for deomstic travel and/or to prepare for and depart from the U.S. and for no other purpose. A spouse or child (J-2 visa holder) can't be admitted for longer then the exchange visitor (J-1 visa holder).

A: "The Two-Year Rule" is the common term used for a section of immigration law which requires that many exchange visitors return to their home countries and be physically present there for at least two years after the conclusion of their exchange visit before they can be issued certain types of nonimmigrant visas, specifically H-1, L-1, K-1 and immigrant visas.

It is important to note that only a preliminary finding of whether the 'two year rule' applies to you is made on your DS-2019 when your J-1 visa is issued. The final decision is made only when/if you choose to apply for an H-1, L-1, K-1 or Immigrant visa.

Only after two years may these persons apply again for certain types of nonimmigrant visas. It is also not permitted to remain in the United States and apply for an adjustment/change of status to a prohibited nonimmigrant status (for example, J-1 to H-1) or to apply for permanent resident status (green card) without first returning home for two years, and without an approved waiver.

Whether you are subject to the Rule is determined by a number of factors, including your source of funding and your country's "Skills List" It is not determined by the amount of time you spend in the U.S.

A: Only the Department of State's Visa Office adjudicates the "Two-Year Rule" waivers. This Visa Office is also the final authority on whether an applicant is actually subject to the Rule, regardless of whether it was annotated in your passport or not.

If you are subject to the "Two-Year Rule" requirement, you may be able to obtain a waiver, and thus be eligible to apply for visas normally prohibited for those subject to the "Two Year Rule". You can find instructions on how to apply for a waiver here. You can also download a copy of the form needed to apply for such a waiver.

Please note that the "Two-Year Rule" applies only to the later issuance of H (work), L-1 (intra-company transfer), K-1 (fiancé) or Immigrant visas. Even if subject to the 'two year rule', you may still qualify for the issuance of a tourist visa, or any other nonimmigrant visa except for those noted above.

A: It is advisable for the spouse and dependent children to go for their visa interviews at the same time as the principal applicant