Applying to US Universities

Student Visa (F-1 or J-1) is required for citizens of other countries to pursue a degree program at a US University. A personal interview is required for the student visa and an appointment is needed.

Like other US visa requirements, applicants for student visa need to complete DS Forms, Affix photographs as per specifications, and carry their passport and required fee. In addition, following are the documents one must carry for a student visa interview.

I-20: This is the single most important document and an absolute must to get a student visa. If you have multiple I-20s carry the one for your final University. If the I-20 has any errors get it sorted out with the University before you go for the visa.
Degrees: Carry all your degrees in original. The qualifying degree for your US admission is most relevant. If you have recently completed your study carry provisional degree or marksheet stating a degree has not yet been awarded.
Mark sheets: Carry all your marksheets / transcripts in original
Standardized Test score reports: Your GRE / SAT / GMAT / TOEFL score report whatever was required to obtain admission to the US University.
Financial Documents: Original passbooks and bank statements of self and sponsors
Income Tax Returns: Tax returns of the most recent two years of self and sponsors, as applicable.


One must carry all academic and financial documents possible in original. However in most cases the interviewer asks for one or two documents, from the above mentioned list. Good Luck with your visa interview.

• Admission to a very low-ranked University
• Admission without Funding
• Poor GRE or TOEFL score
• Lack of financial documents
• Presence of relatives in USA
• Incoherent Academic goals

The applicant should plan his or her University selection from the beginning with a goal to get admitted to a reputable US University. Proper care should be taken to compile all required financial documents like income tax returns of parents. Student should be confident and be able to explain basic questions like Why this University.

An I-20 form is an official US government document which certifies eligibility to be an F-1 non-immigrant student at a US University. I-20 is generated when a student is accepted by a US University and shows that he or she has enough financial resources to cover the studies. It is then sent to the student in order to be used to apply for an F-1 visa at a United States Embassy or Consulate in their home country. Getting an I-20 does not make you eligible to enter the United States unless you get a student visa stamped at a US Embassy or Consulate.

Once you have been issued an I-20 form, you should only sign the I-20 for the school that you will be attending in the United States. You should read carefully the regulations listed on the back of the I-20 before you sign it. If there are any errors on the I-20, you should promptly request the University to correct it. Do not apply for a US visa with an I-20 that has errors.

Once you get your student visa and enter the US, I-20 remains a very important document. You will need your I-20 endorsed by the International Students office (or its equivalent) each time you plan to travel abroad or need the duration of your studies extended.