USA Student Visa: Requirements, Fees, Process & New Rules 2026
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Global Degrees
For centuries the United States has been a land of opportunity, and the dollar dream prevails. Many Indian students in their formative years are aware that the USA is a land of opportunities and a land of innovation, and research. Therefore, securing a USA student visa is a dream of every Indian student. It is indeed a gateway to world-class education. Students from India will be receiving international exposure, which will eventually transform their careers.
Who Needs a USA Student Visa?
The student visa USA, also known as the F-1 visa, gives the license to pursue higher education in accredited American universities and colleges. It paves the way for admission to globally ranked institutions and access to research facilities, and the syllabus that the students will be learning has practical purpose and is used in industries. Apart from the top-quality education, there are multicultural classrooms, and the country appreciates diversity. All the meritorious employees have made USA their home irrespective of ethnicity.
A USA student visa provides certain privileges to study full-time and work part-time on campus. It is a wonderful experience for many Indian students, as they will receive practical training along with academic knowledge. Indeed, a wonderful combination of worldly experience and academic knowledge. With proper internships, the students get the exposure of technology, healthcare, finance, and artificial intelligence, which enhances employability in the USA and worldwide.
The degrees from US universities are recognized worldwide and hugely respected. A degree from a U.S. university provides access to global opportunities across various fields.
Why Are Indian Students Eager for the USA Visa?
Many Indian students are eager to complete their USA student visa application because they are aware that their careers will improve in the USA, and they will eventually be successful. The education system in America is flexible, as the students are allowed to explore different subjects before choosing the major subject. No wonder this would create a student who possesses critical thinking, innovation, and interdisciplinary learning. Indeed, a holistic understanding of the world.
Students are attracted to the strong research ecosystem. The West in general and the USA in particular fund heavily on research and development. Indian students who are deprived of research in their home country can get the opportunity to research at a US university. The education is world-class, and the students gain knowledge from leading professors and industry experts. Hence, if you are applying for a STEM-related degree, like engineering or artificial intelligence, then a university in the USA is ideal.
Career prospects in the USA are bright for Indian students. The job market in the United States values skill, creativity, and problem-solving. Hence, job exposure during internships, networking opportunities, and a challenging job at multinational companies are the crux of what US education will offer in the long run.
Moreover, scholarships will make a significant difference to the tuition fee and living expenses. Those Indian students looking for a USA student visa fee; indeed, tuition fees are costly in the USA, and scholarships will make a huge difference.
USA Student Visa Eligibility Requirements:
- Accepted SEVP School
- Form I-20
- DS-160 Form
- SEVIS I-901 Fee
- English Proficiency, i.e., TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, PTE, and DUOLINGOÂ Â Â Â Â
- Visa Application Fee (MRV)
- Valid Passport
- Financial Support
- Academic Documents
- Intent to Return
- Visa Interview
- Passport-size photos
English Language Requirements for Indian Students:
English fluency is important in US universities, and Indian students generally graduate from English-medium schools, but the students still struggle in English. To thrive in this English-speaking country, excelling in the language is important. Therefore, all the Indian students need to undergo mandatory training for IELTS, TOEFL (iBT), PTE Academic, and the Duolingo English Test (DET).
IELTS: If an Indian student is looking for an undergraduate or postgraduate program, then a 6.5 to 7.0 band is required.
TOEFL (iBT): For those appearing for TOEFL, a score of 80–100 is mandatory for undergraduate courses, and for graduate academic programs, a score of 90–110 is required.
PTE: 58–60 score is required.
Duolingo English Test (DET): Scores of 105–160 are mandatory.
USA Student Visa Processing Time
The F1 visa, also known as the student visa, is available for international students. The time varies case by case for individual students. The entire process will take one week, which is short, or a few months, depending on the case. If the case is complicated, then the processing time will extend.
USA student visa fees in Indian rupees
The USA student visa fee application would be $180, i.e., ₹16,770.90, along with a SEVIS fee of $350, which is ₹31,722.87. Hence, keep a total amount of $535, which is ₹48,491.06. Keep approximately ₹50,000.
Three Different Kinds of US Visa
| Student Visa | Small Description |
| F-1 Student Visa | Admission in accredited US college or university |
| J Exchange Visa | Exchange program school & university |
| M student Visa | Vocational study and training in USA |
USA Student Visa Fees and Additional Costs: IHS, Biometrics
| SEVIS I-901 Fee | $350 for F-1/M-1 students, $220 |
| Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee) | $185–$250 |
| Visa Integrity Fee | $250 fee |
| University Application Fees | $50–$150 |
| English Proficiency Exams | $150–$250 (IELTS/TOEFL) |
| Medical Examination fees | $400 + |
The visa application fee is approximately $185, and the biometrics are covered under the visa application MRV fee. It includes photographs and fingerprints at a visa application center.
Student Visa USA Cost
Knowing the student visa USA cost is crucial. It will cost around $25,000 to $55,000 per annum. This includes college fees, living expenses, and miscellaneous expenses.
Tuition Fee for Indian Students in INR
| College Type | Tuition Fee INR |
| District public 2-year college | ₹3,48,000 |
| In state Public 4-year college | ₹9,99,000 |
| Out of state Public 4-year college | ₹26,48,000 |
| Private 4-year college | ₹37,28,000 |
Step-by-Step USA Student Visa Application Process
You can enter the US 30 days before your program, and all documents must be accurate and current before the interview.
Here is the application process:
SEVP-Certified Institution: The initial step is to apply to a university or college that is approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). These institutions received permission to take international students. If the student’s application is accepted, then expect an offer letter from the university. It infers that the student’s admission is accepted.Â
Receive I-20 Form: When the form is accepted, the school will provide a document for application.
Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee: It is mandatory to pay $350 USD at fmifee.com before the interview.
Complete DS-160 Form: The online visa application form (DS-160) should be completed on the official government website at https://ceac.state.gov/. . You can print the form from the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160).
Pay the Visa Application Fee: Pay the MRV fee of $185.
Schedule and Attend the Interview: The time should be at least 120 days before the program start date.
Documents Required: Valid passport, previous academic certificate, I-20, DS-160, passport-size photos, and bank statements.
Receive Your Visa: Once approved, the passport with the visa stamping will be posted to you.
Documents Required for a USA Student Visa (Checklist)
 The USA student visa documents checklist is:
- Â Valid Passport
- Â Form I-20
- Â DS-160 Confirmation Page
- Â SEVIS Fee Receipt (I-901)
- Visa Application Fee Receipt
- Â Passport-Size Photo
- Â Â Financial Proof
- Previous Academic Documents
- Test scores like IELT, GRE, PTE, and SAT
- Admission letter
- Proof of Ties to Home Country
- Scholarship Program
USA Student Dependent Visa New Rules:
In 2026 the US visa rules will be amended. For the USA F-2 dependent visa (the spouse or children under 21 of an F-1 student visa holder), it is mandatory to follow the strict immigration rule in the USA.
It is illegal for an F-2 visa holder to work in the USA. They should avoid taking any employment, starting a business, or indulging in freelance work. Working while holding an F-2 visa is illegal, and it is strictly prohibited. Thereby, if a spouse is seeking employment, then change from an F-2 visa to an F-1, or perhaps another work-authorized visa category. It is mandatory that the spouse should apply for a USA student visa (F-1).
In the F-2 dependent visa, they are allowed to enroll in part-time courses. However, a full-time degree is prohibited. For a full-time study in USA, it is mandatory for the student visa for the USA to be changed.
Furthermore, there was a new amendment from October 1, 2025. All the non-immigrants, all the F-1 and F-2 visa holders, should attend an in-person interview at the U.S. Embassy or consulate. There have been exceptions and waivers given to the students for interviews. But changes have been made, and it is important for the student to attend the US interview.
Top Scholarships for Indian Students in the USA:
- Fulbright-Nehru Fellowships
- Tata Scholarship
- Stanford Reliance Dhirubhai Fellowship
- Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarships
- AAUW International Fellowships
- Hubert Humphrey Fellowship Program
- Udaan India Scholarship (MPOWER Financing)
- #YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship
Many universities in the USA are allowing scholarships:
- Yale University Scholarship
- Kent State University
- Florida International University
- University of South Florida
- Clark Global Scholarship/Illinois Wesleyan University Scholarships
Requirements for a Scholarship in the USA:
Always be vigilant about the starting date, which will be in September; hence, early application will work. A high score to secure a scholarship is mandatory, such as a high score on standardized tests (GRE/GMAT/SAT) and an excellent English proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL) score. Also, a statement of purpose (SOP), letters of recommendation (LOR), and the required. It is clear what type of scholarship that you are looking for. The two types of scholarships are the need-based and the merit-based scholarships.
Why are scholarships important?
Most of the students initially require scholarships while thinking of pursuing a degree overseas. With scholarships a student’s tuition fee and living expenses will be reduced. At times there are fully funded scholarships that will help in full sponsorship of the education.
Why is proof of ties to the home country important for a USA visa?
Proof of a tie to the home country, India, is important because it will reveal the intention for immigration to the USA. In fact, to qualify for a temporary visa, it is important to show the ties in India. It is the evidence and provides the impression that you are strong financially and have a strong reason to return home after education. Under section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, if you falter in convincing the officer, then the officer can deny the visa.
Top Courses for Indian Students in the USA
The three programs available for the students in USA are:
- Advanced Diploma
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Master’s Degree
Top Courses for Indian Students:
- Engineering
- Business Management
- Math & Computer Science
- Law
- Life and Biological Science
- Humanities and Social Science
- Tourism and Hospitality
- Aviation
- Sports
Courses that Indian Students Are Applying for in Huge Numbers
The majority of the Indian students are seeking job-oriented courses, and the focus is on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields. Mostly Indian students will focus on computer science, engineering, business analytics/data science, and management. Many students are also focusing on biotechnology, finance, and healthcare. Computer science, IT-related programs, and health care are very common academic programs among Indian students. Many medical professionals come from Bangalore and contact the USA student visa consultant in Bangalore. According to the Times of India, the business analytics course has gained popularity among Indian students. The MBA & Management program is becoming increasingly popular among Indians, according to Shiksha and GlobalGrads. However, STEM programs, healthcare, and engineering top the list.
Traditional engineering students from India are preferring tech-heavy specializations, according to SIEC India. Indeed, the popular locations are California, Texas, New York, and Massachusetts, where top-tech business hubs survive.
Top Universities for Indian Students in USA
| US University | Best Field | Tuition fee in USD | Indian Support |
| Arizona State University | Engineering/ Business | $30,000 – $35,000 | Excellent |
| American University (Washington D.C) | IR/Policy | $35,000 – $40,000 | Strong |
| Arkansas State University | STEM / Business | $18,000 – $25,000 | Good |
| Auburn University at Montogomery | Business /IT | $22,000 – $30,000 | Moderate |
| Belmont University | Media/Music | $28,000 - $36,000 | Niche |
| Bradley University | Engineering/ Business | $25,000 - $33,000 | Good |
| Colorado State University | Sustainable/ Tech | $28,000 – $37,000 | Excellent |
| University of Illinois at Chicago | STEM/ Health | $30,000 – 40,000 | Excellent |
| University of South Carolina | Business /Data | $26,000 – $35,000 | Good |
Top Academic Programs in USA for MS Courses
- Computer Science
- Data Science
- Artificial Intelligence
- Cybersecurity
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Civil and Structural Engineering
- Biomedical Engineering
- Environmental Engineering
- Business Analytics
Top Universities for Indian Students in USA that offers MS
| University Name | QS World Ranking 2026 | MS Programs |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | 1 | Computer Science, Robotics, Civil Engg |
| Stanford University | 3 | Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Electrical Engineering |
| University of California, Berkeley (UCB) | 10 | EECS, Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Engineering |
| Carnegie Mellon University | 28 | AI, Software Engineering, Cybersecurity |
| Georgia Institute of Technology | 39 | Computer Engineering, Bioinformatics, Aerospace |
| University of Michigan, Ann Arbor | 31 | Industrial Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | 64 | Structural Engineering, Computer Engineering |
| University of California, San Diego (UCSD) | 53 | Nanoengineering, Wireless Communication |
| Columbia University | 23 | Data Science, Financial Engineering |
| Purdue University | 99 | Aerospace, Mechanical, CS |
Best Courses in USA for Indian Students after 12th
- Engineering & Technology
- Computer Science, Economics, and Data Science
- Business & Management
- Natural & Applied Sciences
- Healthcare & Medicine
- Humanities & Social Sciences
- BSc Nursing (BSN)
- Bachelor of Biology
- BSc in Chemistry
- BSc in Mechanical Engineering
- Bachelor of Computer Applications
- BSc in Civil Engineering
- Bachelor of Surgery
- Bachelor in economics
- Bachelor of Management
- Bachelor of Entrepreneurship
- BBA in Accounting
- Bachelor of Arts in Accounting
- BBA in Finance
- BSc in Marketing
- Business Administration in Global Business
Top Universities in USA After 12th
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Stanford University
- Harvard University
- California Institute of Technology
- University of Chicago
- University of Pennsylvania
- Princeton University
- Yale University
- Cornell University
- Â Â Â Columbia University
Top Business and Management Schools in USA
| Universities | Famous For |
| Stanford Graduate School of Business (California) | Entrepreneurship |
| Harvard Business School (Massachusetts) | Case-study |
| The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania (Pennsylvania) | MBA Course |
| MIT Sloan School of Management (Massachusetts) | Innovation & Analytical Skills |
| Columbia Business School (New York) | Great course in Finance and Marketing |
| Northwestern University (Kellogg) (Illinois) | Team based learning |
| University of Chicago (Booth) (Illinois) | Great Ranking for Finance |
| University of California, Berkeley (Haas) (California) | Known for Management studies |
| University of Michigan—Ann Arbor (Ross) (Michigan) | Known for Business |
| New York University (Stern) (New York) | Top Ranked for finance & entrepreneurship |
Top School in US for STEM Field
| Universities | Famous for |
| Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) | Great courses for engineering and computer science |
| Stanford University | Innovation & entrepreneurship for computer science, engineering, and physical sciences. |
| California Institute of Technology (Caltech) | NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory |
| University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) | Quality Research |
| Carnegie Mellon University | Known for computer science, robotics, and artificial intelligence |
| Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) | Engineering & technology program |
| Johns Hopkins University | Known for biomedical engineering and health sciences. |
Marks Required for Indian Students to Study in the USA
To get into the universities in the USA is competitive. The top-tier universities require top marks of 90-95%. Also, a high proficiency in English is required, which is IELTS 6.5+ or TOEFL 80+. The minimum percentage required for undergraduates is 65-85%. Admission to top-tier universities such as MIT and Harvard will be more than 90%. A postgraduate degree will require 65% and above.
The preferred academic program for Indian students
When any Indian students walk up to the USA student visa consultant in Hyderabad, many of them are engineers or from the STEM field. From the STEM field itself, computer science and IT are around 42.9%. Engineering would be 24.5%. A huge interest is there for those who have an inclination for business/management programs.
Ivy League University in the USA
Ivy League University is a prestigious institution in the USA. The eight private universities situated in the northeast of America belonged to the NCAA Division 1 athletics league, established in 1950.
The list of Ivy League universities is
- Brown University
- Columbia University
- Cornell University
- Dartmouth College
- Harvard University
- Princeton University
- University of Pennsylvania
- Yale University
Many students from India, especially the USA student visa consultant in Chennai, should be exceptionally talented to get into Ivy League universities. Only the meritorious Indian students can land in an Ivy League university, as it is very challenging to get admission, and the university accepts a small number of students. Many scientists, leaders, and businessmen have studied in these universities. The Ivy League is known for its strong alumni. Indians who received education at the Ivy League universities are Ratan Tata, Anand Mahindra, Raghuram Rajan, Nirmala Sitharaman, Jairam Ramesh, Sundar Pichai (who also studied at Wharton), Anil Ambani, Sachin Pilot, and Aneel Bhusri.
Hence, if you are a merit student and planning for an Ivy League university, there are enough Indian role models to look up to.
Intakes for Indian Students in the USA
- Indian students usually prefer fall & spring intakes.
- Fall Intake (August/September)
- Spring Intake (January)
- Very few students apply for summer intake. It is available in few universities, and the students apply for short-term courses.
The Most Student-Centric City in the USA
- Boston, Massachusetts
- New York City, New York
- San Francisco Bay Area, California
- Los Angeles, California
- Chicago, Illinois
- Washington, D.C.
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Seattle, Washington
- Austin, Texas
The abovementioned cities have diverse cultures and exude outstanding academics, and they are ideal for international students, especially Indians.
Cost of Studying Engineering in the USA for UG Students
- Tuition Fees: ₹16 Lakhs – ₹50 Lakhs
- Living Expenses: ₹8 Lakhs – ₹16 Lakhs
- Total cost is approximately ₹25 lakh – ₹66 lakh.
Cost of Studying Business/Management in the USA for UG Students
- Tuition Fees: ₹2,255,000 – ₹58,93,264.00
- Living Expenses: ₹1,400,000 – ₹26,74,346.10
- Total Cost is ₹3,655,000 – ₹8,567,610
Cost of Studying Engineering for Postgraduate Students in the USA
- Tuition Fees: ₹18,10,000 – ₹54,38,521.59
- Living Expenses: ₹906,347.50 – ₹2,265,868.75
- Total Cost is ₹27,16,347.50 – ₹77,04,390.34
Cost of Studying Business/Management in the USA for Post-Graduate Students in the USA
- Tuition Fees: ₹4,065,083 – ₹90,636,522.22
- Living Expenses: ₹18,12,710.73 – ₹27,18,792.00
- Total Cost is ₹18,12,713.73 – ₹1,17,82,444.22
Career Opportunities for Engineers in the USA
If you have planned a degree in the USA or are already an engineer in India who is ready to fly to the USA, then great news! Because you are in high demand and there are plenty of jobs for you. Thereby, in the field of engineering software, electrical, civil, mechanical, and aerospace engineering, the demand is increasing.
Software engineers are in huge demand in the USA, and their career is bright. The USA is looking for engineers who can work in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. There is a huge demand for civil and mechanical engineers as the requirement for roads, bridges, smart cities, and sustainable infrastructure projects increases. The demand for electrical engineers is increasing as they contribute to power systems and renewable energy. Aerospace engineers are required in space exploration and advanced aircraft.
Top engineering jobs in the USA provide attractive payouts in important tech hubs such as Silicon Valley. For the new technology to improve requires engineers; therefore, the engineers are in huge demand in renewable energy, electric vehicles, and space technology. The USA offers research and development, and the salary is quite attractive for budding technologists interested in engineering.
Career Opportunities for Business/Management in the USA
There is a massive opportunity for those in business and management in the USA. The growth opportunities are immense. More than 13.5 million people are employed in this field, and there is never saturation. The average salary is $71,000 per year. Choose your niche, which could be operations managers, marketing managers, financial analysts, and management consultants. If you are looking to become an entrepreneur and understand money, then this field is ideal for you. You have the role for the company to grow, improve profits, and make smart business decisions.
The demand is increasing in fields like supply chain management, human resources, and business development. Companies look out for professionals who are equipped with various skills in team management and handling global trade, which would eventually improve customer experience. They will play a vital role in the expansion of the company and find new markets.
Common Reasons for USA Student Visa Rejection
Every year several Indian students apply for admission to the United States, and they dream of getting admission to Harvard University and Stanford University. Many of the students do succeed in their endeavor, but some students face rejection. The goal is to comprehend the reasons behind the rejection, ensuring that such mistakes don’t occur again.
Students must avoid this costly mistake, as they are unable to prove financial stability. The final interview for the visa is mandatory, so every student has to undergo it. The visa officer is not convinced that you can cover your tuition fee and living expenses. Therefore, an incomplete bank statement, ambiguity about sponsorship details, or a huge deposit will raise doubts in the mind of the visa officer.
Another strong reason is weak ties with the home country, which is explicitly part of the immigration rule. Students after completing the academic program should show intent to return to India. If there is any suspicion in the mind of the visa officer about the student’s intent, then there is rejection.
Inconsistency about academics can also be a strong reason for rejection. If you have chosen the course that does not align with the previous education or career. There will be questions from the officer about the purpose of choosing the academic program. This will eventually jeopardize the visa interview, and nervousness will creep in. Thereby, the student would give a memorized answer; this would impact the credibility, which would result in rejection.
Error in documentation is an important reason for rejection. A small discrepancy in the DS-160 form could be the reason for rejection. To minimize the risk, it is advisable to contact a student visa consultant in Kerala, and you can expect step-by-step guidance.
How Global Degrees Consultancy Helps with USA Student Visas
Global Degrees is the number one consultancy in South India. We are there in major IT hubs like Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Chennai. Global Degrees offices are in Vijayawada, Calicut, and Nellore. We have the best USA student visa consultant in Guntur. Â
A young graduate from India or a 10+2 student can walk in our office and discuss education abroad. In career guidance from our consultants, the students will receive all the relevant information about scholarships and finances. Through Global Degrees USA student visa consultant in Udupi, students can dream about education at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of California, Berkeley.
For students in Kerala or coastal Karnataka, spice up your life and look for newer challenges by contacting a USA student visa consultant in Kochi. Therefore, please feel free to reach out to us promptly if you require step-by-step support.
FAQs for USA Student Visa
- Form I-20
- DS-160 Confirmation Page
- SEVIS Fee Receipt (I-901)
- Visa Application Fee Receipt
- Passport-Size Photo
- Financial Proof
- Previous Academic Documents
- Test scores like IELTS, GRE, PTE, and SAT
- Admission letter
- Proof of Ties to Home Country
- Scholarship Program
 The common questions that the interviewer will ask are the reason to study in the US, funding of education, and the plan for completing graduation.
 Students should provide a strong reason for returning to India after graduation. If the students are unable to convince the visa officer, then the application will be rejected.
Yes, the student can work on campus for 20 hours per week. To work outside the campus, it is mandatory to get an authorization from CPT or OPT.
A USA student visa is denied for many reasons, but the applicant is unable to convince the visa officer about finances and incomplete documentation.
