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F-1 visa · appointments
F-1 Visa Slot Booking in India
Student visa season in India runs from about May to August, when slots open in waves. Planning the steps before slots open makes the difference between a June interview and a last-minute scramble.
- Two appointments: OFC + interview
- Five US posts in India
- Slots open in waves
- DS-160 and fees first
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Quick answer
F-1 Visa Slot Booking in India
Indian F-1 applicants book two appointments through the official US visa appointment system: a biometrics visit at an Offsite Facilitation Center (OFC) and the consular interview at the US Embassy in New Delhi or the consulates in Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad or Kolkata. Fill the DS-160, pay the visa fee and create your profile first, then book when student slots are released (usually from May for the Fall intake).
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Official sources: US Embassy & Consulates in India — visas
US visa posts in India
- New Delhi
- US Embassy
- Mumbai
- US Consulate General
- Chennai
- US Consulate General
- Hyderabad
- US Consulate General (Nanakramguda)
- Kolkata
- US Consulate General
Steps
How to book
- 01
Fill the DS-160
Complete it with your I-20 details and note the confirmation number.
- 02
Create your profile
Register on the official US visa appointment system linked from the US embassy's India website.
- 03
Pay the visa fee
Pay the MRV fee through the options listed; keep the receipt.
- 04
Book OFC and interview
Book biometrics first (usually 1+ day before) and the interview at any post.
- 05
Prepare
Organise documents and do mock interviews before the date.
Know this
Rules and tips for 2026
Interview waivers are limited
Most first-time F-1 applicants must attend an in-person interview.
Book any post
You can interview at any of the five posts; choose based on slot availability.
Watch for releases
Student slots are released in batches; check regularly during May–July.
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Still have a question?
Ask a counsellor directly — we reply on WhatsApp during working hours (Mon–Sat, 9 AM–6 PM IST).
You need the SEVIS ID from your I-20 for the DS-160, so get the I-20 first.
F-1 visas can be issued up to 365 days before your program start, but you can enter the US only 30 days before.
All posts follow the same law. Choose based on slot availability and travel convenience.
Explore
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Related pages
Visa guides
More student visa guides
- DS-160 Form for F-1 Visa: Step-by-Step Guide
- SEVIS Fee Payment for the F-1 Visa
- Form I-20 Explained: What It Shows and How to Get It
- F-1 Visa Documents Checklist for Indian Students
- F-1 Visa Rejected Under 214(b)? What to Do Next
- UK CAS Letter Explained: How to Get Your CAS
- UK Student Visa Credibility Interview
- Canada Provincial Attestation Letter (PAL) Explained
- Australia Genuine Student (GS) Requirement Explained
- All visa guides
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