Required Documentation for F-1 / J-1 / M-1 visas:

Following are the common set of documents needed to apply for F-1 / J-1 / M-1 visa.

• Consulate Documents
• Proof of Funds
• US University Details
• Educational Details
• Exam documents (GRE / GMAT / SAT / TOEFL)

1) Consulate Documents:

An application Form DS-156, together with a Form DS-158 (Only for 'F' category)
The forms can be downloaded from:

• For DS-156: Click Here.
• For DS-158: Click Here.
• Form DS-157 (Only for all male applicants in the age group of 16 to 45 years.)
  To download the form DS-157, Click Here.
• A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the United States.
• One (1) 2x2 photograph on form DS-156 (Check the photo format guidelines.)
• Visa processing fee in the form of Demand Drafts/Pay Order from any Nationalized Banks and Local Branches of Foreign Banks. Demand Drafts drawn on Co-operative Banks are not accepted.

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2) Proof of Funds

Applicant must prove that sufficient funds readily available to meet all expenses (tution, living, insurance etc.) for the first year of study & adequate funds are / will be available for the next year of the study.

The documents needed are:

• Sponsors Bank Statements / Certificates & Passbooks:
  This should be issued by the bank authorities stating the exact amount of funds available on the sponsors account. This MUST be equivalent to the amount in USD as per stated on the I-20 form for the first year of study and any amount shown extra would be an added advantage.
• Fixed Deposits Certificates (if any.)
• Sponsors Salary Slips/Certificates & Income Tax returns for last 3 years.
• One (1) 2x2 photograph on form DS-156 (Check the photo format guidelines.)
• Affidavit of support made by the sponsors.
• CA (Chartered Accountant) statement:
  This certificate should be issued by the Chartered Accontant stating the exact amount of cash, liquid assets, total number movable & immovable properties (with it's latest evaluation) held by the sponsors.

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3) US University Documents

Following are the documents issued by the accepting institutions to the respective visa applicants. Without the following forms a student CANNOT apply for a visa.

• Form I-20A-B for F-1 applicants.
• DS-2019 for J-1 applicants.
• Form I-20M-N for M-1 applicants.
• Proof of Financial Aid / Scholarship (if granted.)

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4) Educational Details:

• Original Degree certificates with all marksheets of individual years.
• Original Higher secondary and secondary school certificates.

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5) Exam certificates (GRE / GMAT / TOEFL):

Original Test Score Reports of TOEFL / GRE / GMAT

Here the TOEFL score must show that the applicant is sufficiently proficient in English to pursue the intended course of study.

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