USA · CHAPTER 4
From applicationto I-20.
After admission you submit financial evidence to the university, which issues Form I-20 with your SEVIS ID. You pay the $350 SEVIS I-901 fee, complete the DS-160 visa form and book your F-1 interview.
Published by Althéa Consulting · Adviser: Harshita Kohli
Source review: · How to use our guides
The steps
- 01
Apply
Common App or university portals for bachelor's; departmental portals for graduate study.
- 02
Accept one offer
Pay the enrolment deposit by the deadline (often 1 May for undergraduates).
- 03
Submit financial documents
Bank statements, loan letters or sponsor affidavits covering the first-year cost shown on the I-20.
- 04
Receive Form I-20
Check your name, programme, dates and funding.
- 05
Pay SEVIS I-901
$350 online; keep the receipt for the interview.
- 06
DS-160 and interview
Complete the DS-160, pay the $185 visa fee and book an interview at a US Embassy or consulate in India.
IN DEPTH · TAP A TOPIC TO OPEN
From admit to I-20
- 01
Accept the offer
Pay the enrolment deposit if required.
- 02
Submit financial documents
Bank statements, loan letters and affidavits of support covering the first year's estimated cost.
- 03
Receive the I-20
Check your name, programme dates, CIP code and costs.
- 04
Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee
Online with your SEVIS ID; keep the receipt for the interview.
- 05
Complete the DS-160 and book the interview
Choose the consulate under your jurisdiction; book biometrics (OFC) and interview.
Assistantships and funding
| Type | What you do | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Teaching assistant (TA) | Grade, run labs or tutorials | Tuition waiver and/or stipend |
| Research assistant (RA) | Work on a professor's project | Tuition waiver and stipend |
| Graduate assistant (GA) | Department or office work | Partial waiver or hourly pay |
| Fellowship | Merit award, no work | Funding without duties |
QUICK ANSWERS
Your questions, answered.
Email professors whose research matches your skills before or after admission, with a short note and your CV. Many RAs are offered after you arrive and take courses with the professor.
WHERE TO GO NEXT
Keep going: the pages that help next.
Each card says what you will find there. Looking for something else? See every page on the site.
USA GUIDE
SOP, LOR & resume
How to write a US statement of purpose, choose recommenders and format a one-page US resume for graduate applications.
USA GUIDE
F-1 student visa
F-1 visa from India: I-20, $350 SEVIS fee, DS-160, $185 fee, interview questions, social media details and the 2026 fixed-admission rule.
FROM INDIA
Documents & attestation
Indian documents for study abroad: transcripts, degree certificates, MOI letters, gap explanations, MEA apostille, notarisation, WES/ECA and sworn translations.
FROM INDIA
Month-by-month timeline
Month-by-month study abroad plan from India for a September 2027 start: tests, applications, scholarships, loans, visa, flights and a document checklist.
TOOL
Compare countries
Compare countries on fees, living costs, visa rules and post-study work, in one table.
FRANCE
Study in France
The full France guide: degrees, fees, Campus France, visa, housing and work, chapter by chapter.
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