F-1 Visa Application Guide

Onboard is excited to launch the F-1 Visa Application Guide video-series to help incoming international students apply for their US student visa!

Live Webinar: Filling out a DS-160 Application for the F-1 Visa

Applying for a F-1 Visa in India and not sure where to start with the DS-160 Application form? Sign up today for our free live webinar to avoid making serious mistakes and get a jump start on your US student visa application process! We’ll open the floor to a 30 minute Q&A session at the end. You’ll learn how to:

• Complete the DS-160 Application

• Avoid common mistakes

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Step 1: Receiving your Form I-20

Contents of this video include:

• What a sample Form I-20 looks like

• Documents needed to request a Form I-20 from your university

• Things to look out for to ensure your Form I-20 is correct

• What you should do once your university's DSO issues you a Form I-20

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Step 2: Paying I-901 SEVIS Fees

Contents of this video include:

• Quick overview on the I-901 SEVIS Fee

• How to pay the SEVIS Fee

• Use of the I-901 SEVIS Fee confirmation page

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Step 3: Starting a DS-160 Application

Contents of this video include:

• Documents you need to complete the DS-160 Application

• How to start a new DS-160 Application

• 30-day expiration rule for a DS-160 Application

• Quick overview of different sections in the DS-160 Application

• Use of the DS-160 Application confirmation page

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Step 4: Setting up a CGI Federal Profile

Contents of this video include:

• How to create a new CGI Federal profile account

• Navigating the CGI Federal account

• Updating the profile page in your CGI Federal account

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Step 5: Paying F-1 Visa Fees

Contents of this video include:

• Navigating the CGI Federal profile to arrive at the visa fee payment page

• Discussion on different payment options in India for the $160 F-1 Visa Fee

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Step 6: Scheduling Visa Appointments

Contents of this video include:

• VAC (Biometrics) Appointment v/s Consular (Interview) Appointment

• Sample display of the VAC (Biometrics) Appointment screen in your CGI Federal profile

• Sample display of the Consular (Interview) Appointment screen in your CGI Federal profile

• COVID-19 related proclamation for eligible visa applicants (dropbox appointment)

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