Student Visas for dummies. (I love cliches)

There's a whole lot of people out there who'll be going to the US of A this fall for graduate studies. The US visa regulations having become more stringent and difficult to comprehend, I've decided to write my experiences with the process. I've successfully got myself an interview date - after that I have no idea what's gonna happen. Also please note: this blog is a sane meaningful and hopefully useful blog, and hopefully there'll be more like this to come.

So lets get started. You've decided on your favorite grad school and have accepted the offer. You might have already got the coveted I-20 or it must be on its way. Nevertheless its never too early to start.

1. Go pay up your fees quick.

Now that you've already decided to go to the US, why delay giving them all the money they ask for. Pay them their 100 $ and get on with it. This payment can be made by cash, check or any means. It has to be made at any of a few designated branches of the HDFC bank. Look here: http://www.vfs-usa.co.in
You'll have to fill out a form and they'll stick some barcodes and return two copies. You should have one white and two yellow barcode stickers. Ensure this and ensure they all have the same number (lest the cute girl behind the counter got distracted by your macho appearance and got the wrong buttons.). Come back home satisfied and wait for two working days - thats two WORKING days. I haven't figured out if Saturday is treated as working, but wait for 3 or 4 days atleast. Theres no point messing it now. You'll have to pay Rs. 4600 for visa fees + Rs. 276 service charge btw.

2. Wait for the I-20.

Even if you don't have your I-20 you can proceed to the next step.

3. Fill out your forms.

Once you've waited long enough after you've payed the 100 $, you can get to the above URL and say (if you don't have voice recognition you can click) apply for non-immigrant visa. Keep your passport and payment receipt no. in hand. Also be prepared to answer some pretty unexpected questions (e.g., name two contacts other than relatives who can verify your details - quick or i'll break your back.) You'll have to fill DS-156, 157 and 158. Theres another SEVIS form you can fill only after you have the I-20. So if you do, go ahead, else save the info and exit.

4. SEVIS fee

Since September 2004, the DHS (homeland security) takes another 100 $ from students to maintain the student databases. So as soon as you get you I-20 logon to www.fmjfee.com and make this payment online. Make sure the print the receipt immediately when it is displayed. It cannot be obtained again, and I still haven't received their promised hard copy so I don't know if that can be trusted.

5. Get a date and sit back

You're almost there. Return to your form by using that option on the vfs page and finish your forms. Submit. They'll ask for some details after which you can choose your visa date. If a date isn't available don't worry, you can save and return later to check. If you get a date great. Hit it save your forms and go print them. Then pick up a beer and celebrate.

6. Interview dates

So your local embassy shows dates only in september. Thats ok people are making cancellations all the time so keep looking, you're sure to get a good date. If you don't theres nothing to worry. This is where the emergency quota kicks in. If you're within 120 days of the joining date on your I-20 you can ask for an emergency appointment (its an option available at all times). But beware, do not use this if you don't need to or aren't eligible for it yet. They'll give you trouble if they find out you've cheated with their system.

So thats pretty much it. Four easy steps and you're done. Good luck to all those F-1 guys (and more importantly girls) out there.