USA Student Visa Cost for Indian Students: Fees, SEVIS Cost & Total Expenses (2026)

Article summary

• USA student visa cost for Indian students in 2026 typically ranges from USD 535 to USD 785+ (INR 44,000–73,800), covering mandatory charges like the SEVIS fee (USD 350), visa application fee or MRV fee (USD 185), the Visa Integrity Fee (USD 250), and small additional expenses.
• The SEVIS fee for US student visas is a mandatory payment made after receiving the Form I-20 from a SEVP-approved university. It costs USD 350 for F-1 and M-1 visas and USD 220 for J-1 visas, and the receipt must be presented during the visa interview.
• The USA student visa application process for Indian students involves several steps: receiving the I-20 form, paying the SEVIS I-901 fee, completing the DS-160 form, paying the USD 185 MRV visa application fee, paying the USD 250 Visa Integrity Fee, and scheduling VAC biometrics and embassy interviews.

Every year, thousands of Indian students plan to study in the USA. One of the first questions that students usually want to know is ‘how much does a USA student visa actually cost?’ Many Indian students assume it’s just one simple fee, but the process actually includes a few different charges. When applying for a USA student visa, students usually need to pay a few different fees, mainly the SEVIS fee, the visa application fee(MRV fee), and the new Visa Integrity fee, along with a few small additional expenses during the process. 

In 2026, the total USA student visa cost for Indians generally comes to around USD 535 to USD 785+. In this guide, we’ll clearly explain the complete USA student visa for Indian students in 2026, explain what each fee means, and show the total expected amount in both USD and INR, so you know exactly how much money to plan for before starting your USA student visa application.

USA Student Visa Cost: Quick Overview

Indian students applying for a US student visa must pay two mandatory fees: the SEVIS fee and the Visa Application (MRV) fee. These two fees are mandatory for most student visas, particularly the F-1 visa, which is the most common visa used by Indian students studying in the United States.

However, the Visa Integrity Fee and some additional costs, such as courier charges, visa appointment services, and travel to the embassy, may increase the total cost slightly. Here’s a quick overview of the fees involved in a USA student visa application for Indian students:

Fee Type	Cost (USD)	Approx Cost (INR)
SEVIS Fee (F-1 / M-1 Visa)	USD 350	INR 29,000
Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee)	USD 185	INR 15,500
Visa Integrity Fee	USD 250	INR 21,000
Additional Small Expenses	USD 50 – USD 100	INR 4,000 – INR 8,000
Total Estimated Visa Cost	USD 535 – USD 785+	INR 44,000 – INR 73,800

Types of US Student Visas

Before looking at the visa costs in detail, it’s helpful to understand that the USA offers three main types of student visas. Each visa is designed for a specific type of study program. Most Indian students apply for the F-1 student visa because it covers academic courses at universities and colleges. However, the J-1 and M-1 visas are also available for certain exchange or vocational programs. Knowing the difference can help you understand which visa category applies to your study plans.

F-1 Student Visa

The F-1 visa is the most common student visa for international students who want to study in USA. If you are planning to pursue a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, PhD, or any academic program, this is usually the visa you will apply for.

Students need to receive admission from a SEVP-approved university or college before applying for an F-1 visa. Once admitted, the institution issues an I-20 form, which is required for the visa application and for paying the SEVIS fee.

The F-1 visa allows students to stay in USA for the duration of their academic program. In many cases, students can also work part-time on campus during their studies and may become eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation, which allows them to gain work experience related to their field of study.

Fees for F-1 Visa

Fee Type	Cost
SEVIS Fee	USD 350
Visa Application Fee	USD 185
Visa Integrity Fee	USD 250
Total Basic Visa Cost	USD 785

Because most Indian students go to the USA academic degree, the F-1 visa is by far the most widely used student visa category.

J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa

The J-1 visa is designed for students who participate in exchange programs, cultural exchange initiatives, or government-sponsored education programs. This visa focuses more on educational exchange rather than full-time programs.

Students may apply for a J-1 visa if they are part of:

• University exchange programs
• Research or training programs
• Short-term academic exchange opportunities
• Government-funded scholarships or fellowships

Unlike the F-1 visa, J-1 students usually have a program sponsor that manages and oversees their stay in the USA. The sponsor may be a university, government organization, or educational institution.

Some J-1 visa holders may also have a 2-year home residence requirement, which means they may need to return to their home country after completing their program before applying for a certain US visa.

Fees for J-1 Visa

Fee Type	Cost
SEVIS Fee	USD 220
Visa Application Fee	USD 185
Visa Integrity Fee	USD 250
Total Basic Visa Cost	USD 655

M-1 Vocational Student Visa

The M-1 visa is designed for students who want to study vocational or technical training programs in USA. These programs focus more on practical skills rather than academic degrees.

Examples of courses under the M-1 visa include:

• Technical training programs
• Mechanical or industrial training programs
• Aviation or pilot training programs
• Culinary or hospitality training programs

Like F-1 students, M-1 applicants also receive an I-20 form from their institution before applying for the visa. However, students on an M-1 visa usually have limited work opportunities compared to F-1 visa holders.

Most Indian students aiming for university education do not apply for this visa, but it is useful for those students who are interested in skill-based or technical education in the US.

Fees for M-1 Visa

Fee Type	Cost
SEVIS Fee	USD 350
Visa Application Fee	USD 185
Visa Integrity Fee	USD 250
Total Basic Visa Cost	USD 785

Comparison table for Types of US student Visa

To make things easier to understand, here’s a quick comparison of the three main types of US student visas, including their purpose and basic visa fees.

Feature	F-1 Visa	J-1 Visa	M-1 Visa
Primary Goal	Academic Degrees	Exchange/Research	Vocational/Technical
SEVIS Fee	USD 350	USD 220	USD 350
Post-Study Work	OPT (12-36 months)	Academic Training	Practical Training
Grace Period	60 Days	30 Days	30 Days
Health Insurance	Recommended	Mandatory	Recommended

Also Read: What are the Differences Between J, M and F US Student

USA Student Visa Fee Breakdown (2026)

When applying for a US student visa, the cost is not just a single payment. Students usually need to pay a few different fees during the application process. The two main mandatory payments are the SEVIS fee and the visa application fee (MRV fee). Apart from these, there can also be a few small additional expenses depending on your situation. Understanding each of these fees can help you plan your budget better before starting the visa process.

SEVIS Fee

The SEVIS fee stands for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System fee. It is a mandatory payment for most international students who want to study in USA. SEVIS is an online system used by the US government to track international students and exchange visitors during their stay. It keeps records related to your university, course, visa status, and enrollment details.

Students must deposit the SEVIS fee after receiving the I-20 form from their university and before attending the visa interview. Once the payment is completed, you will receive a SEVIS payment receipt (Form I-901), which you must carry with you during the visa interview.

The SEVIS fee is generally non-refundable, so students should double-check their details before making the payment. The SEVIS fee depends on the type of student visa.

Visa Type	SEVIS Fee
F-1 Student Visa	USD 350
M-1 Vocational Visa	USD 350
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa	USD 220

Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee)

The visa application fee, also called the MRV (Machine Readable Visa) fee, is another mandatory payment required to schedule a US visa interview. After filling out the DS-160 visa application form, students must pay this fee to book their Visa Application Center (VAC) appointment and visa interview at a US consulate or embassy.

The visa application fee is non-refundable, even if the visa is refused. However, the payment is typically valid for 365 days, allowing students to reschedule their visa interview within that time.

For most US student visas, the application fee is the same.

Visa Type	SEVIS Fee
F-1 Visa	USD 185
J-1 Visa	USD 185
M-1 Visa	USD 185

Visa Integrity Fee

Starting in 2026, the US government will introduce a Visa Integrity Fee for certain non-immigrant visas, including F, M, and J categories. You may be eligible for a refund if you complete your program, comply with all visa regulations, and depart the US within the required grace period.

Fee Type	Cost
Visa Integrity Fee	USD 250

Optional Visa Costs

Apart from the mandatory fees, students may also spend a small amount on additional things in the visa application process. The potential visa costs are not official visa fees, but they are common expenses that many applicants face.

The additional costs usually range between USD 50 and USD 100 (approximately INR 4000-INR 8000), depending on the student’s location and personal requirements. While these expenses are relatively small compared to the main visa fees, it’s still helpful to include them in your overall visa budget planning.

Some examples include:

• Courie charges for passport delivery
• Travel expenses to the visa application center or embassy
• Document printing and photocopies
• Passport-size visa photos
• Internet cafe or application assistance charges

Total USA Student Visa Cost for Indian Students

After understanding the individual fees, the next important question is the total amount Indian students need to pay for a USA student visa. In most cases, the main cost comes from two mandatory payments, including the SEVIS fee, the visa application fee, and the new Visa Integrity fee. Along with these, students may also spend a small amount on additional expenses such as document printing, photos, or travel to the visa center. When all these costs are added together, it becomes easier to estimate the overall budget needed for the visa process.

For most Indian students applying for the F-1 student visa, the total visa cost usually ranges from USD 535 to USD 785, which is roughly INR 44000 to 73,800, depending on the exchange rate and small additional expenses.

Here’s a breakdown of the total USA student visa costs for Indian students in 2026.

Expense	Cost (USD)	Approx Cost (INR)
SEVIS Fee (F-1 / M-1 Visa)	USD 350	INR 29,000
Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee)	USD 185	INR 15,500
Visa Integrity Fee	USD 250	INR 21,000
Optional Expenses	USD 50 – USD 100	INR 4,000 – INR 8,000
Total Estimated Cost	USD 535 – USD 785	INR 44,000 – INR 73,800

Also Read: US Visa Types for Indian Citizens: Documents, Process

How to Pay USA Student Visa Fees from India

Paying the USA student visa fees from India is quite simple once you understand the process. Most of the payments are completed online during the visa application process. Following the correct order of steps helps make the process smoother and avoid delays.

Step 1: Receive You I-20 Form

The process begins after you receive admission from a US university or college. The institution will issue an I-20 form, which confirms that you are accepted into a program and eligible to apply for a US student visa. This document also contains your SEVIS ID, which is required to make the SEVIS fee payment.

Step 2: Complete the SEVIS Fee

After receiving your I-20 form, the next step is to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee online through the official SEVIS payment portal. Most students pay this fee using an international debit or credit card. Once the payment is completed, download and print the SEVIS payment receipt, as you will need it during the visa interview process.

Step 3: Complete the DS-160 Form

Next, complete and submit the DS-160 online non-immigrant visa application form. This form collects details such as your passport information, educational background, university details, and travel plans. After submitting the form, make sure to save and print the DS-160 confirmation page, which is required for booking your visa appointment.

Step 4: Pay the Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee)

After completing the DS-160 form, you must pay the visa application fee, also known as the MRV fee, which is currently USD 185 for most student visas. Indian students can usually pay this fee using several payment options, such as:

• Online banking
• NEFT transfer
• IMPS payment
• UPI payments (through supported gateways)
• Bank deposit at authorized banks

Once the payment is confirmed, you will receive a payment confirmation receipt, which allows you to schedule your visa appointment.

Step 5: Pay the Visa Integrity Fee

Starting in 2026, students may also need to pay the Visa Integrity Fee, which is USD 250 for certain non-immigrant visas, including student visas. This fee was introduced to strengthen the visa system and improve compliance with US immigration rules.

Step 6: Schedule Your Visa Appointment

After completing all required payments, you can log in to the visa appointment portal and schedule your appointments. Usually, students need to book two appointments:

• VAC appointment for biometrics (fingerprints and photo)
• Visa interview at the US embassy or consulate

SEVIS Fee Explained

The SEVIS fee stands for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System fee. It is a mandatory payment that most international students must make before applying for a US student visa. SEVIS is an online system used by the US government to track and manage international students and exchange visitors during their stay in the USA

Students are required to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee after receiving the I-20 form from their university and before attending the visa interview. Once the payment is completed, you will receive a SEVIS payment receipt, which must be carried to your visa interview as proof of payment.

Feature	Details
Cost for F-1 & M-1	USD 350
Cost for J-1	USD 220
Official Website	fmjfee.com
Validity	12 Months (for the same SEVIS ID)
Refundable?	No (even if your visa is denied)

Also Read: US Visa Application Process: Types of Visas in the USA

US Student Visa Application Process

Applying for a US student visa may seem complicated at first, but the process becomes much easier when you understand the steps clearly. Most Indian students follow a simple sequence that starts with getting admission to a US university and ends with attending the visa interview. Here’s a step-by-step overview of the US student visa application process.

Step 1: Get Admission from a SEVP-Approved University

• Apply to universities in the USA and receive an admission offer.
• Once accepted, the university will issue your Form I-20, which confirms your eligibility for a student visa.

Step 2: Complete the SEVIS Fee Payment

• Students should pay the SEVIS I-901 fee using the SEVIS ID mentioned on your I-20 form.
• Download and keep the SEVIS payment receipt, as it is required during the visa interview.

Step 3: Complete the DS-160 Visa Application Form

• Complete and submit the DS-160 online non-immigrant visa application form. with your personal, educational, and travel details.
• After submitting the form, print the DS-160 confirmation page.

Step 4: Pay the Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee)

• Pay the US student visa application fee, which is typically USD 185.
• After payment, keep the fee receipt for scheduling your visa appointment.

Step 5: Pay the Visa Integrity Fee (if applicable)

• Starting in 2026, some applicants may need to pay the Visa Integrity Fee (USD 250) for certain non-immigrant visas.
• This fee supports improvements in the US visa system.

Step 6: Schedule Visa Appointments

• Book your Visa Application Center (VAC) appointment for biometrics.
• Schedule your visa interview at a US embassy or consulate.

Step 7: Attend the Visa Interview

• Visit the embassy or consulate on your scheduled date.
• Carry all required documents such as a passport, an I-20 form, DS-160 confirmation, SEVIS receipt, visa appointment confirmation, and financial proof.
• The visa officer will ask questions related to your study abroad plans, university, and financial support.

Documents Required for USA Student Visa

Before attending your USA student visa interview, it is important to keep all the required documents ready. Having your documents properly organized can make the visa process smoother and help you answer questions confidently during the interview.

Here are the important documents Indian students usually need for a US student visa application:

• Valid Passport
• Form I-20
• DS-160 Confirmation page
• SEVIS I-901 Fee Receipt
• Appointment Confirmation Letter
• MRV Fee Receipt
• Passport Size Photographs
• Academic Documents including
  • Mark sheets and certificates
  • Degree certificates (if applicable)
  • Standardized test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, etc.)
• Financial Proof
  • Bank statements
  • Education loan approval letter
  • Scholarship documents
  • Sponsor financial documents (if applicable)
• Admission Letter from the University

USA Student Visa Interview Tips

The USA student visa interview is one of the most important steps in the visa process. Many students feel nervous about it, but with proper preparation and honest answers, the interview is usually straightforward. The visa officer mainly wants to understand your study plans, financial support, and future goals.

Here are some useful tips that can help you prepare for your US student visa interview:

• Be Honest and Confident: Always answer the officer’s questions honestly and clearly. Avoid memorized answers and speak naturally.
• Know Your University and Course: Be ready to explain why you chose that university and program. You should also know basic details about your course and career plans.
• Show Strong Financial Proof: Carry documents that clearly show you can afford your tuition fees and living expenses in the USA.
• Explain Your Career Goals: The visa officer may ask how your chosen course will help your future career after graduation.
• Demonstrate Strong Ties to India: Students should show that they plan to return to India after completing their studies, such as future career plans or family connections.
• Keep Your Documents Organized: Arrange important documents like your passport, I-20 form, SEVIS receipt, DS-160 confirmation, and financial documents in a proper file.
• Stay Calm and Polite: Listen carefully to each question and answer politely. Most interviews are short and usually last only a few minutes.

Also Read: Medical Requirements for US Student Visa

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We hope this blog helped you understand the USA student visa cost for Indian students in 2026, including all major fees and expenses. If you are planning to study in the USA and need guidance with universities, applications, or the visa process, you can book a free counselling session with Leverage Edu to get expert support for your study abroad journey.