Indian applicants · United States of America
F-1 Student Visa (with OPT and STEM OPT) for Indian citizens
Non-immigrant student visa for academic study at a SEVP-certified institution, with post-study OPT employment authorisation.
This page covers the F-1 Student Visa (with OPT and STEM OPT) specifically for Indian applicants — including document requirements, consular procedures, and common issues specific to India. The general eligibility criteria apply to everyone.
- Processing time
- 2 weeks – 4 months
- Government fees
- SEVIS I-901 USD 350; DS-160 USD 185.
- Typical duration
- Duration of study (D/S); OPT up to 12 months; STEM OPT extension up to 24 additional months.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
Bilateral context
No nationality-specific treaty frameworks apply to this combination.
Consular processing: Mumbai / New Delhi / Chennai / Hyderabad / Kolkata
Tourist entry vs. this route
Indian nationals require a visa for any entry into United States of America. The F-1 Student Visa (with OPT and STEM OPT) is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
Key figures for Indian applicants
Computed from our continuously re-verified, primary-sourced data. Indicative, not legal advice.
How long it takes
2 weeks – 4 months
F-1 consular processing: 2–16 weeks depending on post and wait time for interview appointment.
Verified 1 June 2026 · DOS — Student visa (F-1) →
Visa overview
The F-1 visa is issued to students admitted to an SEVP-certified US academic institution. After completion, F-1 students may apply for up to 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT); students with qualifying STEM degrees can extend by 24 months (STEM OPT), for a total of up to 36 months of post-graduation employment authorisation.
Additional sources
Primary source
ICE SEVP — Study in the States ↗ · U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Link last verified:
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Acceptance at an SEVP-certified institution issuing Form I-20.
- ✓Sufficient financial support for tuition and living costs for the first year.
- ✓Genuine non-immigrant intent at consular interview.
Common blockers
- !Insufficient funding evidence at consular interview.
- !Incomplete SEVIS registration.
Typical evidence
- ·Form I-20 from SEVP-certified school.
- ·Bank statements, sponsor affidavits, scholarship letters.
- ·Evidence of ties to home country.
Application pathway
Receive I-20 from SEVP-certified school
Institution issues the I-20 after admission.
Pay SEVIS I-901 fee and complete DS-160
Schedule consular interview.
Maintain status during study
Meet full-course-of-study and reporting requirements.
OPT / STEM OPT application
Apply for post-completion OPT, and STEM OPT extension where eligible.
Other United States of America routes covered for Indian applicants
H-1B Specialty Occupation
Employer-sponsored non-immigrant visa for specialty occupations requiring a bachelor’s degree or higher.
L-1A Intracompany Transferee (Executive or Manager)
Intracompany transfer for executives or managers moving to a US office of a related multinational employer.
L-1B Intracompany Transferee (Specialised Knowledge)
Intracompany transfer for employees with specialised knowledge of the employer’s products, services, or processes.
O-1 Individuals with Extraordinary Ability or Achievement
Visa for individuals with extraordinary ability in sciences, education, business, athletics (O-1A) or the arts/film/television (O-1B).
EB-1A Extraordinary Ability (Immigrant)
Employment-based first-preference green card for individuals with extraordinary ability — self-petitionable.
EB-2 National Interest Waiver (NIW)
Second-preference green card with a waiver of the job offer and PERM labor certification, where the beneficiary’s work is in the US national interest.
EB-3 Skilled, Professional, and Other Workers
Third-preference employment-based green card requiring employer sponsorship and PERM labor certification.
EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program
Permanent residence through investment in a new US commercial enterprise that creates at least 10 full-time jobs.
K-1 Fiancé(e) of US Citizen
Non-immigrant visa allowing the fiancé(e) of a US citizen to enter the US to marry within 90 days and then apply for a green card.
Spouse of US Citizen or Green Card Holder (IR1/CR1 & F2A)
Permanent residence for the spouse of a US citizen (IR1/CR1) or lawful permanent resident (F2A preference).
Not sure United States of America is right for you? Compare similar routes
Other countries offer study routes that Indian nationals also apply to. See how they compare.
Frequently asked questions
Are Indian citizens eligible for the F-1 Student Visa (with OPT and STEM OPT)?+
Eligibility for the F-1 Student Visa (with OPT and STEM OPT) is set by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and is not nationality-restricted. See the criteria below for the published requirements.
Where do Indian applicants typically file the F-1 Student Visa (with OPT and STEM OPT)?+
Mumbai / New Delhi / Chennai / Hyderabad / Kolkata. Specific intake (online portal, biometrics centre, or in-country lodgement) is determined by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services — confirm the current intake channel on the primary source linked above before filing.
Do Indian applicants need a tourist visa for United States of America as well?+
Indian nationals require a visa for any entry into United States of America. The F-1 Student Visa (with OPT and STEM OPT) is one of the routes available; tourist entry is a separate application.
How long does the F-1 Student Visa (with OPT and STEM OPT) take to process from India?+
The typical published decision window is 2 weeks – 4 months. Indian applicants usually file via Mumbai / New Delhi / Chennai / Hyderabad / Kolkata, and consular-post backlogs can add to the wait. Source: DOS — Student visa (F-1), verified 1 June 2026.
Does F-1 OPT require a specific employer?+
Standard post-completion OPT does not require a specific employer at filing, but work must be directly related to the student’s major area of study. STEM OPT requires employment with an E-Verify employer and a formal training plan (Form I-983).