US Student Visa Slot Booking 2025: Step-By-Step Process

US Student Visa Slot Booking 2025: Step-By-Step Process

Edited By Prabhjyot Kaur | Updated on Apr 02, 2025 10:29 AM IST

If you're an international student aiming to study in the US, you typically need a US student visa for academic programs or vocational courses. To study in USA, international students generally need an F-1 visa for academic studies or an M-1 visa for vocational studies, both requiring acceptance into a SEVP-certified school and meeting specific requirements. Follow along to learn more about the US visa slot booking process. Before that, it is crucial to understand which type of US student visa is required for you. Your course of study and the type of school you plan to attend determine whether you need an F visa or an M visa.

US Student Visa Slot Booking 2025: Step-By-Step Process
US Student Visa Slot Booking 2025: Step-By-Step Process

Course of Study

US Student Visa Type

University or college

F

High School

Private elementary school

Seminary

Conservatory

Another academic institution, including a language training program

Vocational or other recognized nonacademic institution

M

US Student Visa Slot Booking Process

The following steps will explain the US student visa slot booking process to ensure a smooth process for aspiring students.

Step 1: Submit the DS-160 Application Form

Fill out the online Visa Application Form (DS-160). Make sure you have your valid passport and I-20 Letter that confirms your admission to a US university. As you fill out the form, make sure to provide accurate information. Once you successfully submit Form DS-160, you will receive a confirmation sheet that includes the CEAC Barcode. Applicants will need this CEAC Barcode when they schedule their US student visa appointment and pay the US student visa application fee.

Step 2: US Student Visa Fee Payment

The next step in the US Visa slot booking process is the US student visa application fee payment. The US student visa application fee is USD 185, SEVIS fee is USD 350. Students should log into the student portal on the official website, create a student profile, choose a US visa slot booking date from the available options, and pay the US student visa application fee or SEVIS fee.

Step 3: Schedule the US Student Visa Slot Booking Date

Choose a date from the available options. It is important for all students planning to study in USA to attend the US Student visa appointment in person at the designated centers. In addition, make sure to carry all the required documents.

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Documents Required for US Student Visa Slot Booking

Carry the necessary documents on the day of your US student visa interview. The following list explains the documents required; make sure not to miss even a single document to avoid last-minute chaos.

  1. Passport: The most important document is your passport, which needs to be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay.

  2. Form DS-160: The DS-160 is an online application form for non-immigrants looking to travel temporarily to the USA. Print the application form and carry it with you on the day of the interview.

  3. USA Student Visa Application Fee Payment Receipt: Carry the payment receipt during your interview.

  4. Photograph: There are criteria for the photograph that is to be submitted for the US student visa interview. It must be a coloured photo with a white or off white background. You should have a neutral expression with both eyes open, and there should be no glasses or headsets.

  5. Academic Credentials: Be sure to submit your academic transcripts and scores from standardized tests like the GRE, GMAT, IELTS, TOEFL, etc.

  6. Financial Support Documents: You'll need to provide the following documents:

  • Bank statements from the last 3 years.

  • Original payslips and a letter of employment if you're currently employed.

  • Tax returns for the past 3 years (Form 16).

  • A statement from a certified Chartered Accountant.

  • A scholarship letter if you've received one.

  • An education loan approval letter from your bank or relevant authority.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which date is available for US visa for students?

If you're a student looking to get a US visa, you can submit your student visa application (either F-1 or M-1) as early as 365 days before the start date listed on your Form I-20. However, even if you get your visa, you will not be allowed to enter USA until 30 days before your program begins, as stated on your I-20. Also, make sure to conduct the US student visa slot booking for the interview within that 365-day timeframe.

2. How to get a US visa appointment faster?

If you want to get a US visa appointment faster, you can ask for an expedited appointment after you have booked a regular one. Just make sure to provide a valid reason along with any supporting documents to the US embassy. They will then further review your request and decide how urgent your situation is, and based on that your US visa appointment can get expedited.

3. Which intake is best for USA student visa?

The best intake for a US student visa is the Fall intake. This starts in August or September. This option is popular because it opens up a lot of programs and opportunities. However, if you miss the Fall intake you can opt for the Spring intake, which starts in January.

4. Is the I-20 required for visa slot booking?

The I-20 Form is an essential document in the application process for a US student visa. It is issued by an SEVP-approved institution and is necessary for securing a visa appointment and for the visa interview itself.

5. Which Consulate is best for an F1 visa?

When it comes to getting an F1 visa, there is no "best" consulate in India. This is because all the US consulates in India follow the same rules and regulations. There are in total 5 US consulates in India. These are located at Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai and Kolkata. The most important thing is to apply at the consulate that is nearest to where you live or one that has more convenient appointment times.

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Questions related to

Get answers from students and experts

Hi there

Yes you can try to learn various courses that are for approximately 3 months to 6 months in duration.

Yes you can learn before going to us. Learning skills definitively adds some value to the life of a candidate and also improves in getting good recognition in life..

Below i have mentioned some courses  that you can try before visiting us:

  • Social media marketing
  • Content writer
  • Content creation
  • Video editing
  • Photography skills
  • Digital marketing
  • Stiching
  • Makeup artist course
  • Hairstyling course.

So these are some courses you can try.

Hope this answer will help you. Revert incase of any query.

Thank you and good luck:)

Hello Samarasimha,

YES, you can MS in UA after completing Bsc in Statistics. . All you have to do is score good marks in your PG and prepare for GRE. You should also decide upon the country and the university in which you are going to study.

Furthermore, the requirements to pursue MS in USA are as follows :

  • 3 to 4 years bachelors degree in relevant field.
  • 3.5 or higher GPA, equivalent to 87% in bachelors.
  • GRE score of 330 or above.
  • Statement of Purpose.
  • Research Internships/ Published Research Papers.
  • Project work/Seminars.
  • 2-3 Letter of Recommendation.
  • Social & Leadership Activities.

Further, requirements for Software jobs in USA are as follows :

  • Enroll in a software development program. The first step to becoming a software engineer is to enroll in a software development degree program. ...
  • Gain internship experience. ...
  • Choose your specialty. ...
  • Pursue industry certifications. ...
  • Continue your education.

I hope that this will help.

Dear aspirant hope you are doing well..

To study at foreign universities/abroad in U. S , the admission process will require the candidate to give one language exam and one standardized exam. However, depending on the country, course, college, or university you are applying for you may be exempted from standardized exams. The language test will showcase your English proficiency skills. These exams are required for pursuing almost all courses abroad. Different countries have different language exams such as

  • TOEFL exam for getting admission to the universities in the US and Canada. The score of this exam is valid for two years after the declaration of results
  • There are plenty of universities abroad where you can apply to do master-level course, MSc in statistics, MSc in Operation Research, and Applied Mathematics, MSc in Mathematical Modeling, etc are some of the Master level Course in Mathematics that are available abroad. Students who have completed their graduation or bachelor's degree in Mathematics can apply for these courses. Foreign universities like Uppsala University, Dublin City University, Oxford Brookes University, University of York, University of Liverpool, etc offer all the above-mentioned courses in mathematics.

Top university of The USA for master degree courses

  • John Carroll University
  • Missouri University of Science and Technology
  • Michigan State University
  • West Virginia University
  • Rhode Island College
  • University of Arkansas
  • Vanderbilt University
  • DePaul University
  • Delaware State University
  • Texas A&M University-Commerce
  • University of South Florida
  • California State University Northridge

You can get the detailed information about the process how to apply for MS in USA. read the given article. Link is given below

https://studyabroad.careers360.com/articles/how-apply-for-ms-in-usa/amp

Hope it's helpful for you..

Thank you

There are many ways to choose your university such as fees, the ranking of the university, which state it is located and scholarships. My suggestion is to choose your research focus and write academic papers. In the US, PhD in Commerce admission into the university depends on what you want to study (your area of research) and your already completed research papers. You can begin your research by searching online for US universities offering PhD in Business Administration. One example is University of California Los Angeles (https://www.anderson.ucla.edu/degrees/phd-program/admissions#app-req) .


Hello  Student

You are aBHM means Bachelor in Hotel Management so after doing BHM,to gain a bright future  inthis trade you have to do MSc in Hotel Management,post graduation in Hospitality Management,Master degree in travel and tourism management,or MBA in hotel management,AFter doing post graduation in Hotel management or travel and tourism management will give you the best return in employment opportunity.

Hope this will help.


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