U.S. visa guide
The F-1 visa is for full-time academic study at a U.S. school, college, university, language program, or seminary that is SEVIS-approved. The vast majority of Indian students studying in the U.S. (graduate and undergraduate) hold F-1 visas. F-1 holders may work on-campus, may apply for OPT (Optional Practical Training) after graduation, and STEM graduates may extend OPT for an additional 24 months.
Typical validity
Duration of study (with annual reverification)
Max stay per visit
Duration of academic program plus 60-day grace period
Visa fee
USD 185
Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Chennai consulates handle the bulk of Indian student visas. F-1 is one of the categories REMOVED from the DropBox interview-waiver program in September 2025, so all F-1 applicants now require an in-person interview, even renewals. The interview centres heavily on academic intent, choice of school, and ability to fund the program.
Practise the F-1 interview
Walk through likely F-1 questions in a realistic mock interview, with structured feedback after each answer. Free to start, no card required.
Compare with
M-1
Vocational or non-academic study (e.g. flight school, technical training).
J-1
Government-sponsored exchange programs: scholars, interns, au pairs, camp counsellors, summer work-travel.
Source. U.S. State Department: Official F-1 information. This guide is informational, not legal advice. The consular officer makes the final eligibility determination at the interview. visainterview.in is not affiliated with the U.S. Government.
visainterview.in is an independent preparation platform. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, or any agency of the U.S. Government. Practice sessions are provided for preparation purposes only and do not guarantee a visa outcome.
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