New Delhi, July 9 -- As thousands of Indian students prepare to begin their higher education in the US this fall, uncertainty over student visa interview appointments continues to fuel concerns about reaching campuses before classes begin.
Responding to queries over the issue, US authorities said the United States "welcomes foreign citizens who come to the US to study" and outlined the student visa application process. However, they did not say whether additional visa interview slots would be opened in the coming weeks.
Officials said students must first secure admission to an accredited educational institution, which issues Form I-20, a mandatory document for applying for a student visa.
According to the US authorities, first-time applicants for F and M category visas can receive their visas up to one year before the start of their academic programme. However, they can enter the US only within 30 days of the programme start date mentioned on Form I-20. The clarification comes as students seeking admission to US universities for the fall semester have raised concerns over the availability of visa interview appointments at US missions in India.
The authorities said the F-1 visa is meant for students pursuing academic studies at accredited institutions in the US. It also applies to students enrolled in academic programmes involving more than 18 hours of study per week. Those pursuing vocational or other non-academic courses must apply for an M-1 visa. Students were also advised to contact the EducationUSA advising network, the US Department of State's official higher education advisory service. EducationUSA operates centres in Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Mumbai, where more than 30 advisers assist students with university applications and the visa process.
The authorities also noted that US law does not allow foreign students on F-1 visas to enrol in publicly funded primary schools or publicly funded adult education programmes. They may study at publicly funded secondary schools for up to one year only after paying the full, unsubsidised cost of education.
Explaining the documentation required for a visa application, officials said applicants must submit a completed DS-160 form, a passport valid for at least six months beyond their intended stay, a recent photograph, the original Form I-20 issued by their institution and proof of SEVIS fee payment. Married applicants travelling with the principal visa holder must also provide a marriage certificate. The authorities said eligible F-1 students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows them to gain practical work experience related to their field of study for up to 12 months after graduation. Applicants for OPT must present proof of approval from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Officials also said students who remain outside the US for more than five months during a break in their studies could lose their student visa status unless the absence is directly related to their academic programme. In such cases, they may need to apply for a new F-1 or M-1 visa before returning to resume their studies.
While the US authorities clarified the student visa process and eligibility requirements, they did not indicate whether additional interview appointments would be made available, leaving many prospective students awaiting further updates.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.