Indian students who wish to go to the USA temporarily for study must first obtain a Visa. Virtually all non-immigrant Visa applicants are required to present sufficient documentation to demonstrate their economic and social ties in their country of origin. It is important to note that the burden of proof is on the Visa applicant. It is your responsibility to prove that you can pay for the stay and that you have social and economic ties to India that are strong enough to bring you back promptly.

What to bring with you when you apply:

• Passport valid for at least six more months

• Application form; answer ALL questions and sign on the back; DS-156 and Supplemental Non-immigrant Visa Application Form DS-157.(For male applicant age between 16-45yrs) and Completed DS-158 form which gives contact Information and Work History for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant.

• One recent (within the past six months) passport-style colour photograph. The Photograph should measure 2 inches square (roughly 50-mm square) with the Head centered in the Frame. The Head (measured from the top of the Hair to the bottom of the Chin) should measure between 1 inch to 1 3/8 inches (28 mm and 35 mm) from the bottom of the Photo. The Photograph may be either in Color or in Black and White, but must have only a plain white background. Photos with colored, dark or patterned background will not be accepted. Photos should be printed without borders.

• Bank drafts for appropriate fees

• Original documents regarding your job, business, school or college (I- 20 letter), property, income, financial savings, tax returns and family circumstances in India.

An F-1 applicant must have evidence of sufficient and readily available funds to meet all expenses for the first year of study, and that barring unforeseen circumstances adequate funds will be available for each subsequent year of study.

You must have completed a course of study required for enrollment at the level of study contemplated, and present transcripts of at least two years of academic work completed. External examinations like TOEFL, GRE, SAT and GMAT help to establish your seriousness as a student. In addition, you must demonstrate during the Visa interview that you have sufficient English language capability for your intended course of study in the USA.

There are two separate fees, which must be paid by separate bank drafts. Cash, credit cards or personal cheques are not accepted. All drafts must be drawn in favor of "American Consulate General Calcutta", and must include the MICR code number imprinted at the bottom. Full name and Date of Birth has to be written in pencil at the back of each and every bank draft.

Non-Immigrant Visa Application Fee $100 Rs. 4900 and Non-Immigrant Visa Issuance Fee $75 Rs. 3675.

Web Appointment is necessary. Visa applications are accepted from 8.00 AM to 11.30 AM on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Decision about one's case can be known after an interview (if required) In almost all cases the Visa is ready on the same day between 4.00 PM and 4.55 PM at the main gate. The Consulate is closed on American and Indian holidays. One should apply for the Visa at least two weeks before one plans to travel.