Steps to do MS in US

1. Decide on the time line. When do you want to start your masters? Which year and semester?
2. Financial Preparation
3. Prepare for GRE and TOEFL
4. Register for GRE and TOEFL exams
5. Research on the universities, based on your interests
6. Based on the scores you get from the sample tests, decide on the universities
7. Take the tests. Report to four schools for free
8. Prepare the required documents for application
1. Transcripts (sealed)
2. Degree certificate (sealed)
3. Resume
4. Experience Certificate
5. Recommendation Letter (sealed)
6. Bank Statement
7. Affidavit of Support
8. Statement of Purpose
9. Report the exam scores to the universities
10. Prepare the application package for each university you wish to apply and post them well before the deadline.
11. Schedule Visa Interview (F1 Student Visa)
12. Documents required for visa interview
13. Fees for F1 Student Visa
14. Block flight ticket?
15. After finalizing the university, explore the university website and related forums and groups. Contact professors and find if any job opportunities available (Research assistantship, Graduate Assistant Ship, or any other on campus job). Seniors or current students in the university are good source of information about jobs.
16. Get in touch with the Graduate Student Association of the university
17. Join the groups/community of the prospective students. Attend the students meet in your area. Make friends while in your country.
18. Reach the university a week early (preferably). Decide on roommates, house. Enquire about on-campus and off-campus housing. Look for part time jobs
19. Old GRE vs New/Revised GRE - New GRE is effective since Aug 1, 2011.

H1B Visa Stamping Process

When you leave the US first time after your H1B visa has commenced, you need to get stamping from US Consulate before re-entering US. This info is specially for those who did their masters in the US and started their work in OPT and obtained their H1B. You need to prepare for the interview atleast 2-3 weeks in advance.

1. DS-160 Form

2. Documents required for Booking Visa Interview date:

• DS-160 Barcode (Filled online)
• HDFC Bank Receipt Barcode
• I-797 - USCIS approval notice
• Passport
• Link to Schedule an interview - https://www.vfs-usa.co.in/USIndia/visaappointment.html
• More info: click here
  

3. Documents required for the Visa Interview

• More info: http://chennai.usconsulate.gov/h1bvisas.html
• Official link for Steps for the interview - http://chennai.usconsulate.gov/howtoapply.html

Form DS-160

Currently only DS-160 form need to be filled. Other forms may be required based on some criteria. Please verify the official site for more info. This form is required for the booking the visa interview date.

Details required for filing form DS-160 online:

• Photo as per the specification (Soft copy/scanned copy)
• Passport info
• Parents info
• Employment info
• Education info
• Duration of stay in the US
• Previous Visa info
• I797 - USCIS Approval Notice
• Start your application - https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/
• Official link to DS-160 Application Form - http://www.vfs-usa.co.in/USIndia/applicationformDS160.html

Back to H1B Visa Stamping Process

Documents required for the H1B Visa Interview

Please take the originals for all the documents except where mentioned. Also keep a copy for each, in case you are asked.

• Visa Interview Confirmation Letter
• DS-160 Confirmation page
• HDFC Bank Receipt
• I-797 - USCIS approval notice
• I-129 Petition copy
• Degree certificate (BS & MS)
• Transcripts (BS & MS)
• I-20
• EAD - Employment Authorization Document
• Passport
• Last 3 year Tax documents
• Offer letter (latest and previous if any)
• Paystub 6-12 months (latest and previous if any)
• Letter from current employer confirming employer's intent to hire the applicant
• Note: Keep a copy of all the documents, just in case you are asked.
• Optional - Resume / CV
• Optional - Passport Photo

Back to H1B Visa Stamping Process

Fees for F1 Student Visa

Payable at approved HDFC Bank

Visa Fee: ($160) Rs 6288.00
VFS service charge: Rs 359+15 = Rs. 374.00

Note: Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee) is payable in cash or by DD/HDFC Bank cheque favoring “US Embassy - Visa Fees”. VFS Service Charge is payable in cash or by DD/HDFC Bank cheque favoring “HDFC Bank a/c VFS”. DDs issued by cooperative banks are not accepted.


You are required to submit a clear photocopy of the first page (biopage) of your current passport to the bank when making your payment. The bank will issue you a visa fee receipt in duplicate which will have a 10 digit barcode number affixed on it. You require this barcode number to schedule your interview appointment. Please note, you are required to wait for one working day from the date of purchase of your visa fee receipt before you can use it for scheduling your interview appointment.

Approved bank locations: https://www.vfs-usa.co.in/USIndia/pdf/HDFC%20Locationsfeescenter.pdf

SEVIS Fee
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is an Internet-based system that tracks F, M and J visa participants (and their family members) from the time they receive their initial documentation (either an I-20 or a DS-2019) until they graduate/leave school or conclude/leave program. Click here to pay your SEVIS Fee.

For additional info on visa fees: https://www.vfs-usa.co.in/USIndia/applicationfee.html

Useful links for SEVIS fee:
http://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901/index.htm
https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/students/student/help.htm