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Study in USA from India
F-1 student visa, on-campus work during study, and Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation.
Checked on official sites · 14 Oct 2026Student visa
F-1
Visa fees
USD 185 + USD 350 SEVIS
Work while studying
On campus, 20 hrs/week in term
After graduation
OPT (see below)
Intakes
Fall (August–September) is the main intake; many universities also admit in Spring (January). Dates vary by university.
F-1 Student Visa: step by step
- Get admitted by a SEVP-approved school
- Your school registers you in SEVIS and issues Form I-20
- Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee (USD 350)
- Fill in Form DS-160 online and upload a photo
- Pay the USD 185 visa application fee
- Attend your interview at a US Embassy or Consulate in your country of nationality or residence
- Pay any issuance fee and arrange the return of your passport
The visa can be issued up to 365 days before your programme starts, but you can't enter the US more than 30 days before the start date. Interview waits vary by city and season, so apply early. You must leave within 60 days after your I-20 programme end date (including any authorised practical training).
Fees and money you need to show
- Visa fees
- USD 185 visa application (MRV) fee, plus USD 350 I-901 SEVIS fee. A visa issuance (reciprocity) fee may also apply depending on nationality.
- Proof of funds
- No fixed government amount. You must show how you'll pay all costs; your university's Form I-20 states the cost figure you need to cover.
Work, English and family
- Work while studying
- On campus only, up to 20 hours a week while school is in session; full time when school is not in session or during annual vacation.
- After graduation
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): commonly 12 months, with a 24-month extension for eligible STEM degrees. Confirm current rules on uscis.gov before you plan around it.
- English tests
- Set by each university. There is no government minimum for the F-1 visa.
- Bringing family
- Spouse and children come on F-2 visas. They must be in SEVIS but don't pay the SEVIS fee.
Recent changes
- 15 Jul 2026: visa applicants should interview in their country of nationality or residence.
- Sep 2025 onwards: interview waivers narrowed; nearly all applicants now need an in-person interview.
- Sep 2026: F and J applicants are listed as subject to expanded screening, including online presence review.