What documents do you need as a first-time F-1 visa applicant in India?

Our document checklist lists everything you need to carry to your VAC (Biometrics) Appointment and Consular (Visa Interview) Appointment.

Remember that a F-1 Visa is granted strictly for educational purposes and even if you are not sure whether you want to work in the US after graduating, the visa officer must be fully convinced that you are seeking to further your education and will return to your home country once you have completed your academic program.

Here is a list of different documents that you must gather and carry to your Biometrics (or VAC) Appointment and Visa Interview (or Consular) Appointment. Please ensure to file them neatly in your folder so that they are easily accessible. In addition, your original passport should be readily available - you will be requested to submit your passport to the visa interview officer.

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First-Time F-1 Visa Seekers Document Checklist (India)

Download this document checklist to quickly reference which documents you must carry to the US Embassy or Consulate for your VAC (Biometrics) and Consular (Interview) appointments. This list also covers the document checklist for first-time F-1 Visa seekers who are eligible for Dropbox appointments (December 2021 announcement).

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Set 1: Visa Application Documents

Passport, Form I-20, DS-160 Confirmation, etc.

This is a mandatory list of documents that you must carry to your interview appointments. This set of documents verifies your personal information and supports your application for the F-1 Visa. You will be required to present some documents from this set as soon as you enter the US Embassy or Consulate location.

Set 2: Academic Documents

Transcripts, Diplomas, Degrees, etc.

This is a list of academic documents that show scholastic preparation. These documents help prove that you are a ‘serious’ student and demonstrate ties to your home country. These documents will confirm your current and/or previous education background.

Set 3: Financial Documents

Bank Statements, Tax Records, etc.

You need to prove that either you (or your sponsor) can pay for your US college education and living expenses. You (or your sponsor) must gather bank statements and tax records that demonstrate sufficient funds to pay for at least the entire first year of tuition and living expenses. You must also gather evidence that shows that you (or your sponsor) have sufficient funds to cover the remainder of your education. This list will help prove that you have strong financial ties to your home country. 

Set 4: University Application Documents

College Applications, Acceptance Letters, etc.

You must carry all documents that you submitted while applying to colleges in the US and all correspondence (acceptance / rejection letters) from these colleges. You must remember that you are applying for a F-1 student visa; this set of documents helps demonstrate your intention of going to the US solely to further your education.

Set 5: Professional Experience Documents

Job Offers, Pay Stubs, etc.

If you have gained any previous professional / work experience, you must carry the relevant documents to confirm your employment history. This set of documents also helps demonstrate your ties to your home country.

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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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