F1 ViSA Frequently Asked Questions

---

Here is  US Traveldocs Support or their Contact Email:

support-india@usvisascheduling.com

Phone: +91 120-4844644 | +91 22 62011000
US Callers: +1 703 520 2239

Click Above for US Consulate Contact.

Need help with Preparing for your 

F1 Visa Interview and Mocks? 

We are offering Vi Interview assistance with custom-tailor profile-based preparation. Click to know more

We have a 98% overall success rate for our F1 Visa Interview Preparation. 

Even with a 2nd attempt, GAPS, Change in Area of Specialization and other issues we have high success. Click to Enroll

If I made a mistake, can I edit DS-160?

Yes. Follow the below steps:

1. Open CEAC DS160 website 
2. Retrieve Existing DS160 #
3. Create a new DS160

A new prefilled Ds160 will open in EDIT mode. Make necessary changes & submit

After DS160 Mistake? What to do?

To avoid cancellation of your appointment, please FILL & CARRY new DS160 along with your old DS160 (which was used for booking your appointment).

My Passport doesnt have Surname?

In this case you need to enter 'FNU' in DS160 Given Name field. And Write your Full Name in Surname of Ds160.

This is because as per US visa standards a surname cannot be blank.

What is Entity Paying for your trip?

It should be the person who you listed as sponsor in our i20 as well as you are mentioning in Visa Interview.

What is Primary Occupation?

Student if graduated within 3-4 months. 

If more than 4 months use Un-employed

What is US Contact?

University DSO - The person from the International Office who sent you the i20 should be the US contact. 

DOCUMENTS TO CARRY

Mandatory (Original / Printed Copies)

1. Appointment Confirmation 
2. DS160 (both old and new if other DS160 was used for booking vi)
3. I20 (original)
4. SEVIS Fee payment 
5. Visa Fee Payment Proof 
6. Take 3 photos (just in case)
7. Original Passport

To avoid cancellation of your appointment, please FILL & CARRY new DS160 along with your old DS160 (which was used for booking your appointment).

How to carry: 

Use Plastic Office Folder White or Black to organize your documents. Get it from stationary whatever suits you the best. Keep it simple.

Other Financial documents  

NOT mandatory but helpful.

1. ITR or CA Letter (Income Tax related document)
2. Bank Statement (s) documents
3. Bank Letter 

Supplementalary Documents 

NOT mandatory but helpful

1. Degree/Certificates
2. Publications
3. GRE/IELTS
4. Univ. Program Copy /Offer Letter

OFC & VISA APPT. SLOTS FAQs

What is an OFC?

OFC or VAC is called Offsite Facilitation Center aka Visa Application Center where you go for fingerprints/biometrics prior to your visa interview.

What is Visa Appointment?

Visa Appointment is also known as Consulate Appointment, where you interview with a Visa Officer.

What is New Rule Nov 13?

If there is a mistake in your DS160 or it's NOT complete, you won't be able to  attend the visa interview. So make sure to fill a new DS160 with corrections.

Can I Book OFC and VI Separately?

No, you can’t. Both need to be booked at the same time.

How can I update my SEVIS or DS160 after my Slot is booked?

Go to usvisascheduling.com and try to update your old DS160 with new. If you are unable to  don't worry, you can email support-india@usvisascheduling.com

OR you can carry both OLD and NEW DS160 with you for your OFC and VI.

Once I attend OFC can I cancel or change my Visa Appointment?

Not recommended but you need to contact CGI support for help on this.

What is the recommended number of login times per day?

Login 3-4 times a day and check for 2 cities at a time

Or Login 2 times a day and check all locations.

What is the recommended number of clicks per day?

Not more than 12 clicks otherwise it will lead to max out error.

What is 72 hour freeze can I bypass it?

This is suspicious activity account freeze can happen due to several refreshes in CGI. There is no way to bypass but to wait for 3 days to unfreeze your account.

Unable to book Visa appointment, getting error?

Try these: Private window or Incognito Mode. Clear History. Mobile Login. Etc.

PASSPORT STATUS

Email: passportstatus@ustraveldocs.com

Subject: <Your Passport Number>

Body: <Your Passport Number>

You will get passport status instantly.

MEN DRESS CODE

Business Formal 

White Shirts: Plain or Graphs Checks/Windowpane/Gingham etc.

 Color Plain Shirts:  Navy-Blue, Light  Blue or Green, etc. Avoid Bright Colors.

Formal Pants: Black, Gray, or Dark Blue, etc. (with Belt) 

Office Shoes: Black or Brown 

Tie and Blazer are optional. 

WOMEN DRESS CODE

Business Formals

Tops: Neutral tones such as beige, white, cream, grey, navy blue, or pastel colors like pink or light blue can help your outfit look more colorful without overdoing it.

Bottoms: Traditional straight-leg trousers they suit almost any type of shirt or blouse and will be the perfect  for any blazer

Also wide-legged dress pants or cropped hem pants with any type of top, while looking official and formal. 

Avoid jeans and leggings, Unrelated items: Gadgets, watches, air pods, jewelry, makeup etc. 

Do I need to pay SEVIS Fee again if change my university?

No. SEVIS payment needs to be made only once. You can easily transfer it.

Do I need to pay Visa Appointment Fee again if change my university?

No. Visa Appointment Fee is valid until 1 year or you attend the Visa Interview 

How many times I can change my VI?

You can change 4 times. After that it will warn you that your Fees is invalid

How to change my University after SEVIS Paid and DS160 is submitted, after the Interview Date Booked?

1. VisitFMJEE Website and fill all details for payment status
2. Click on your i901 record
3. Fill new SEVIS ID+School Code
4. You will get a new SEVIS ID
5. Fill new DS-160 for new Univ
6. Login to USVisaScheduling and update DS-160 and SEVIS
7. If you are unable to do that contact CGI Helpdesk at support-india@usvisascheduling.com

My i20 & Program Name are Different. What do I write in DS160 and what should I say to the VO? 

In the DS160, enter the same name as mentioned in the i20.

But when you mentioned to the Visa Officer you mentioned the Program Name on University's Website or your Offer Letter.

Also, take a print of the Offer Letter to show VO that both are the same.

Can I attend OFC without I20? You might be able to attend OFC without I20. But It’s not best practice. Mandatory documents for OFC are as follows: 

1. Passport
2. Appointment Confirmation 
3. DS160
4. Visa Fee Receipt

Please have all your documents like I20, SEVIS Fee, Academics, Degree, and financial documents before Visa Appointment

Can I change my university after taking an appointment?

Yes. You can change the University after taking an appointment. But please make sure to follow these steps:

1. Fill new DS160
2. Make a SEVIS transfer via the FMJEE page (if already)
3. Update CGI with new SEVIS # and DS160 #

What is the total number of Universities I can apply?

The average Number is 4-5

Do I need to mention all Universities I have applied?

Mention everything honestly, because it’s the best practice.
Based on our opinion the VO will know all i20s you received for sure also admits may be.

Golden Formula: Total Funds = Full Univ. Fees + 2 Years of Living Expenses

Who can fund my education? 

Parents, Self, University (funded), Bank, Third-party Loan 

Sibling or Uncle (if such, signed and notarized with full details of both entities along with official bank statement, etc.)

Not recommended, but it's situational.

Can I show multiple entities' funding? Yes. From Above List. But enter only one sponsor in DS160 same as i20

What are the different sources of funding I can show? 

Personal Funds. Father/Mother Savings, Provident Fund, Mutual Fund, etc. 

NOT Recommended: Gold, Property, Stocks, Cryptocurrency etc.

How many months statement?

No recommendation. 3months to 1 year is fine. If you sold an asset recently and deposited money few days ago, it should fine if you can justify.