• Acceptance from a U.S. Institution: First, you must be accepted into a SEVP-certified U.S. educational institution (university, college, or language school) that will issue the necessary Form I-20 or DS-2019.
• Pay the SEVIS Fee: After receiving the Form I-20 or DS-2019 from your U.S. institution, you need to pay the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee. This fee is required to support the administration of the student visa program.
• Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application: You need to complete the DS-160 form online, which is the nonimmigrant visa application. You will be asked to provide personal information, details about your intended study in the USA, and other relevant information.
• Pay the Visa Application Fee: Pay the visa application fee, also known as the MRV fee. The fee amount may vary and is non-refundable.
• Schedule Visa Interview: Schedule an appointment for a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in India. The wait times for visa interview appointments can vary, so it’s advisable to schedule your appointment well in advance.
• Gather Required Documents: Prepare the necessary documents for your visa interview, including your valid passport, DS-160 confirmation page, SEVIS fee payment receipt, visa application fee payment receipt, Form I-20 or DS-2019 issued by the U.S. institution, financial documents demonstrating your ability to fund your studies and living expenses, academic transcripts, standardized test scores, and any other documents requested by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
• Attend the Visa Interview: On the scheduled date, attend your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Be prepared to answer questions about your study plans, financial situation, ties to India, and other related matters. Provide all the required documents to the consular officer.
• Visa Decision: After the interview, the consular officer will make a decision on your visa application. If approved, your passport will be returned to you with the U.S. student visa. If additional administrative processing is required, the officer will inform you of the next steps.

It’s important to note that the visa application process can be complex and may have specific requirements and procedures that are subject to change. It’s recommended to visit the official website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in India for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding the student visa application process.