With Donald Trump’s return as the 47th president of the United States, discussions surrounding his potential policies on H1-B visas and international students are gaining momentum. Meanwhile, Indian students have surpassed their Chinese counterparts, becoming the largest group of international students in the US, according to the Open Doors 2024 report.
During the 2023-24 academic year, 3.31 lakh Indian students accounted for 29.4% of the 11 lakh-strong international student population in the US, marking a significant rise from 25.4% in the previous year. However, recent incidents have prompted some US universities, such as Pennsylvania’s Lehigh University, to tighten their scrutiny of application documents, including academic transcripts and financial statements. This follows a case involving Aryan Anand, a 19-year-old student who used fabricated documents, including a fake death certificate, to secure a full scholarship.
US Study Visa Categories
Indian students aiming to study in the US need to understand the visa categories. The US offers two main types of student visas:
F Visa: For academic institutions such as universities, colleges, high schools, private elementary schools, seminaries, conservatories, or language training programs.
M Visa: For vocational or non-academic institutions, excluding language training programs.
Key Documents for an F-1 Visa Application
Most US universities provide application forms online, which is the preferred method for Indian students. Required documents generally include:
- High school or university transcripts
- Statement of Purpose (SoP)
- Letters of Recommendation (LoR)
- CV/resume or experience certificates (if applicable)
- Standardised test scores such as GRE, GMAT, MCAT, or LSAT, if required
- English proficiency test scores from IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, C1 Advanced, or Duolingo
- Writing samples, portfolios, or patent lists for specific courses
Applicants need to verify document requirements with the respective universities as they vary by course.
Applying for an F-1 visa involves the following steps:
- Complete the online non-immigrant visa application and upload a photo.
- Schedule an interview with the US Embassy or Consulate.
- Attend the visa interview (mandatory for most applicants).
New students can apply for a visa up to 365 days before the course start date but may only enter the US within 30 days before the commencement of classes. Continuing students, enrolled in SEVP-approved institutions, can apply at any time and enter the US before classes resume.
Indian students must ensure the authenticity of their documentation and adhere to these guidelines to successfully secure a US study visa, particularly amid stricter verification measures.