If you are planning to apply for an F-1 student visa to fulfill your dream of studying in the US, you must first find out about the new F-1 visa rules for 2024. Since the US continues to be one of the top destinations for Indian students, tens of thousands of student visa applications are submitted every year. The good news is that the response to F-1 visa applications has been overwhelmingly positive, and the visa issued numbers are more or less back to their pre-pandemic levels, thanks to the high approval rates. In fact, in 2023, 4,46,000 F-1 student visas were issued from US consulates in India. This was a 14% increase over the previous year.
What is The F-1 Visa?
International students who wish to study in the US can apply for either of the two categories of student visas based on the course they wish to pursue and the college or university they want to apply to. These two categories are – F visas and M visas.
Here’s a quick breakdown of each category:
The F-1 Visa for academic students is a non-immigrant visa that lets international students enter the United States to study at colleges and universities that are certified by the SEVP or Student and Exchange Visitor Program.
The F-1 visa is the most sought-after option for students who are seeking to pursue UG or PG courses in the US. Aspiring students can apply for this visa once an accredited institution accepts their application.
How long you can stay in the US with an F-1 visa will be determined by the program, in which you have enrolled. The I-20 form that you will receive from your chosen university will include the expiration date for the program, and you will need to earn your degree within that time frame.
Also Read: New F1 Visa Rules for USA: All You Need To Know
Updates Related to the F-1 Visa New Rules 2024
At the end of 2023, the US introduced new rules for Indians applying for F-1 student visas.
- Starting November 27, 2023, a new policy is in place to prevent fraud and misuse of the appointment system. All applicants must use their correct passport information when creating a profile and scheduling a visa appointment. If you have already created a profile or booked an appointment with incorrect passport details, your appointment will be canceled, and you will lose your visa fee.
- To resolve this issue, you can either create a new profile with the correct passport information or update your existing profile. However, creating a new profile will require you to pay a new visa fee.
- If you have recently renewed your passport or obtained a new one, you can bring a photocopy or other proof of your old passport number, and you will still be able to proceed with your appointment.
Implications of New F-1 Visa Regulations for Students
The long wait times for F, M, and J visas have been a significant problem for Indian students for the past few years. In August 2024, after the new rules have been in place for almost a year, the wait time in Kolkata is six months. In Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai the wait time is 83 days or almost three months (compared to 2 days for a Malaysian student). In previous years, wait times of 300 days were common. Many missed the program start date due to this delay.
But why the huge delays in India? Between Fall 2022 and Fall 2023 US embassy and consulates in Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Mumbai processed a record 140,000 student visas. Indian students applied for 20% of all F-1 visas issued globally in 2022-2023. This rush had given rise to a thriving black market for slot booking, with prices going as high as $1,000 if social media is to be believed. To curb this tendency students have to provide valid passport numbers.
For the students, this is good news. You don’t have to pay an agent to get interview slots. Apply early enough and wait and surely your application will be processed in a timely manner.
Also Read: Student Visa for USA for Indian Students in 2024 (Guide)
Is the F-1 Visa Right for You as Per the New F-1 visa rules 2024?
As we have stated earlier, the F-1 visa category is for students seeking admission to full-time courses in US institutions.
The updated F-1 visa regulations for 2024 do not at all impact your eligibility for the visa. All the new rules do is make the system free from corruption and unscrupulous agents. The embassy has stated clearly that the new measures are there to prevent fraud and abuse of the appointment system.
SelectRight Simplifies Your Study Abroad Journey
Unscrupulous agents and scalpers can complicate your search for the right program. SelectRight offers a transparent and trustworthy solution, providing a clear path to finding your ideal university in the USA. The AI-driven platform uses advanced algorithms to assess your academic profile and future aspirations to offer recommendations without any hidden agendas.
Here’s how SelectRight works:
- Create a free profile on SelectRight and input your academic background, test scores, and preferences.
- The algorithm reviews your details and provides a list of universities and programs that best fit your profile.
- Evaluate the shortlisted universities based on criteria like alumni networks, recent placements, and faculty quality.
- Get assistance from an advisor throughout your application process.
- Engage with peers, alumni, and faculty from your shortlisted universities to get your questions answered and make well-informed decisions.
Visit SelectRight today to discover your ideal course and college for studying abroad in Spring 2025.
Also Read: Your guide to the US student visa
Frequently Asked Questions about the F-1 Student Visa
Apart from the F-1 visa new rules, you may have several pertinent questions about the visa application process. Here, we will go over some of the most frequently asked questions related to the F-1 student visa.
Understanding the eligibility requirements is an absolute must before applying for the F-1 student visa. You need to meet several rules and requirements to be eligible for this visa, and the new F-1 visa rules 2022 have not affected these requirements.
Institution certification
The college or university where you are planning to apply must be approved by the SEVP Immigration & Customs Enforcement.
Enrollment status
You must be enrolled at the college or university as a full-time student while your academic term is in session.
Proficiency in the English language
You must meet the English language proficiency score required by the college or university where you will be attending, or you must enroll in courses to improve your proficiency in English.
Sufficient funding
You would need to submit proof of funds to show that you can meet the financial obligations associated with living and studying in the US.
Valid passport
You need to make sure that your passport is valid for traveling in the US for at least six months after your course or program ends.
Home country residency
You must maintain a residence in your home country with the intention of returning after completing your course and earning your degree.
The application process for the F-1 visa remains the same even after the F-1 visa new rules were announced. Here are a few steps you need to take to ensure your application goes smoothly:
– Get admission into a SEVP-certified college or university before submitting the visa application.
– Pay the SEVIS fee.
– Complete the DS-160 visa application.
– Submit the I-20 form, which you will receive after being accepted by the institution, with your F-1 visa application.
– Schedule a visa interview.
– Attend and ace your visa interview.
You need to have certain documents ready before attending your visa interview. The good news is that the new F-1 visa rules 2022 have not altered the documentation requirements. Make sure to have these handy when you go for the visa interview:
– A valid passport
– The I-20 form
– Printed copies of the I-901 SEVIS payment and DS-160 confirmations.
– A photo of yourself that you intend to use for your visa.
– School transcripts as well as official test scores mentioned on your college/university application.
– Diploma (if applicable).
– Bank statements or other proof of funds.
The consular officer will evaluate these documents, and they may also request additional documents as per the new F-1 visa rules 2022. These might include:
– Standardized test scores that your chosen college or university requires.
– Academic records including degrees, transcripts, diplomas, or certificates from institutions you have attended.
– Proof of your intent to leave the US once your course or program is completed.
– Statements that prove your ability to fulfill all financial obligations including living, travel, and educational costs.
Simply put, getting a full scholarship does not guarantee an F-1 student visa, but it might make the chance of approval higher.
Providing proof of funds is a crucial step in the visa application process, and if you don’t have the required sum in your bank account, a scholarship will certainly help.
Those who don’t have a scholarship can provide a loan approval letter as proof of funds. If you are struggling to get a bank loan, FundRight can help you find a loan within 2 days!
FundRight is India’s first student loan bidding platform. Here, 15+ lenders compete to get you the best loan offers and quick approval.
