F1 Visa Success: A Guide To SEVIS & DS-160 Integration (2024)
While the number of students applying to US universities has been steadily increasing, so has the number of rejections. In 2022, the US State Department denied 35% of student visa applications, one of the highest rates in recent years.
A rejected visa not only leads to financial loss but also leads to feelings of disappointment and disruption of your educational plans.
Hence it is important to thoroughly understand the Visa application process to minimize any chances of denial. The SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) and DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application) are crucial visa application forms for international students studying in the United States. Mastering these forms is key to enhancing your likelihood of F1 visa approval.
The Role of the DS-160 Form
The DS-160 is the most important document in your application for a nonimmigrant F-1 student visa. It indicates your eligibility to study and live in the US for the duration of an academic program at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certified educational institution.
An F-1 visa helps international students get an enrollment in degree programs and not a vocational program in American Universities. You can only apply for the F-1 visa if you are planning to enroll in a full-time course of study at a SEVP-certified university in the US.
Here the DS-160 application indicates to the Government Of the USA, that you have successfully met all the eligibility criteria for studying in the US and you have been accepted into an accredited SEVP university program.
The DS-160 form covers all the details regarding your academic performance, personal background information, relevant professional information, and your travel plans to the States.
After completion of your DS-160, the last step is the interview process. On successful completion of the interview, you can be issued your F-1 student visa to study in the US.
Understanding SEVIS
SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is the system employed by the US Government to collect and manage information on nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors to the country. It helps monitor the visa status and school enrollment of international students by tracking their entries, stays, and changes in academic or personal status. SEVIS is regularly updated by universities to ensure compliance from international students.
DS-160 has been integrated more closely with SEVIS to make verification smoother and real-time. Any changes in a student’s SEVIS record are automatically reflected in the DS-160 form, which reduces the potential for inconsistencies and errors.
The F-1 Visa Requirements
Here is the list of documents you need to have in place before applying for an F-1 visa.
Requirement | Description |
Valid Passport | Must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the U.S. |
Nonimmigrant Intent | Demonstrate that you intend to return to your home country after your studies are completed. |
SEVIS Form I-20 | Issued by the U.S. school you plan to attend; must be signed by you and a school official. It specifies the expected duration of your program, including any authorized periods of absence. Students can remain in the US within the study dates listed on their I-20 form. |
SEVIS Fee Payment | Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee before applying for the visa. |
DS-160 Application Form | Complete the online visa application form and print the confirmation page to bring to your interview. |
Photo | Upload a digital photograph that meets specific criteria during the DS-160 application process. |
Visa Interview | Attend a visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. |
Academic Qualifications | Provide evidence of your academic qualifications, such as transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates. |
Proof of Financial Support | Show proof that you can financially support yourself during your studies, including tuition and living expenses. |
Ties to Home Country | Evidence of ties to your home country, such as a job offer, property, or family, to prove you will return. |
Applying For Your F-1 Visa
Once you have all the necessary documents in place, here is how you can apply for an F-1 visa:
- The first step starts with getting accepted to a US University or school program and receiving Form I-20 from them
- Then you have to complete filling up your DS-160 form online. It requires a fee of $160, which covers the cost of submitting your DS-160 F-1 visa application to the US government.
- Pay the SEVIS fee. This fee is separate from the $350 SEVIS I-901 fee that you pay to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program.
- The last step is scheduling an interview at the US embassy or consulate. During the interview, answer questions regarding your academic plans and provide the necessary documents as mentioned above.
P.S. Keep all the receipts of fee payments handy, as you will need to present them during your visa interview.
You can also opt for professional-led mock interviews to boost your visa interview readiness with Zolve.
If your application is approved, you will receive a student visa, generally for up to 5 years. However, the exact duration depends on the courses and study program selected by the student.
Once the F-1 visa status is approved, it also allows students the opportunity to opt for part-time on-campus employment along with an Optional Practical Training (OPT) after completion of your formal program.
Conclusion
If you've prepared thoroughly, have solid documentation in place, and provide an honest and clear explanation of achieving your academic goals in the USA during the visa interview, your chances of getting an F-1 visa approval can improve significantly.
In case you're late in your application, most embassies offer expedited or rush interview scheduling so that you can make it in time for your program start date in the US.
However, if you're overwhelmed by the process you can get experts from Zolve to assist your visa journey from start to success.
From form reviews and personalized form-filling support for your DS-160 application to instant visa slot availability alerts to facilitate quick booking and visa webinars to clarify all your doubts, Zolve is with you every step of the way.
Streamline your F-1 visa application process. Connect with Zolve today and take the first step confidently toward your academic future in the USA.
FAQs
How much is the DS-160 fee for an F1 visa?
The DS-160 fee is $160 which takes into account all the expenses for submitting all your DS-160 F-1 visa application forms to the government of the USA.
What is the success rate of an F1 visa for the USA from India?
Over the past few years, there has been a noticeable decrease in the approval rates for F1 visas. In 2019, the approval rate stood at 79%, but it fell to 68% by 2020 and further declined to 65% in 2022. Correspondingly, the refusal rate for these visas has risen from 25% in 2019 to 31% in the same year, with a more substantial increase to approximately 34% subsequently.
How long after the F1 visa interview will I get my visa?
It generally takes up to 5 - 7 days working days provided your visa application was approved during a visa interview.
How long does a DS-160 take to process?
It usually takes 7-10 working days, plus time for delivery for processing of your DS-160 form.
How much bank balance is required for a US student visa?
A bank balance of at least USD 10,000 or INR 840,00 and above is required to ensure success while applying for a US student visa.