USA F-1 Student Visa from Suratસુરતથી USA F-1 સ્ટુડન્ટ વિઝા

1. Accept University Offer & Receive I-20 — After paying the enrolment deposit to your SEVP-approved US university, request your Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status). This is the most critical document in your F-1 application. EZVZA coordinates with the university's international student office to ensure I-20 accuracy.
2. Pay the SEVIS Fee — Pay the mandatory SEVIS fee of $350 at fmjfee.com using your I-20 SEVIS ID. This funds the Student and Exchange Visitor Program database that tracks F-1 students. EZVZA walks you through the exact payment process and helps you save the receipt correctly.
3. Complete DS-160 Online Form — The DS-160 is the US nonimmigrant visa application form. Every answer must be accurate and consistent with your passport, I-20, and supporting documents. EZVZA reviews every section of your DS-160 before submission to eliminate errors that cause delays or denials.
4. Pay MRV Visa Fee & Schedule Interview — Pay the MRV fee ($185) and schedule a visa interview at the US Consulate General in Mumbai — the designated consulate for Ahmedabad residents. Interview wait times vary by season; EZVZA advises on the best timing for your intake.
5. Attend Visa Interview at Mumbai Consulate — The F-1 interview is typically 2–5 minutes. Officers assess genuine student intent, financial ability, and ties to India. EZVZA runs 3–5 mock interview sessions modelled on real recent Ahmedabad student experiences at the Mumbai consulate.
6. Visa Stamp & Travel — If approved, your visa is stamped in your passport within 2–10 business days. EZVZA provides a pre-arrival checklist: I-94 entry, port of entry guidance, and campus arrival preparation.

The interview is where most Ahmedabad F-1 applicants either succeed or fail. EZVZA's preparation programme is the most thorough available.

• Common questions Ahmedabad students face: Why this university specifically? Why USA over India? Who is sponsoring you? What will you do after graduation? Do you have family in the USA? What will you study and why?
• Tie-to-India responses: The officer must believe you will return to India after studies. We coach you on how to demonstrate genuine ties — property, family, business, career plans — credibly and confidently.
• Financial explanation: Officers probe financial sources. EZVZA prepares you to explain your sponsor's income, assets, and how the education will be funded — in a clear, honest narrative.
• 214(b) refusal patterns: Most Ahmedabad F-1 refusals are under Section 214(b) — failure to overcome the presumption of immigrant intent. EZVZA's attorneys understand exactly what triggers this and how to address it in your specific profile.
• Mock sessions: We conduct 3–5 realistic mock interviews via video call, using real questions from recent Ahmedabad student visa interviews. We record and review your answers together.

• University selection with visa lens — choosing programmes with strong CPT/OPT history and realistic admission criteria for Gujarat students
• I-20 coordination — ensuring your I-20 reflects the correct start date, programme duration, and financial data
• DS-160 review — line-by-line attorney review before submission
• SEVIS fee guidance — correct payment process and receipt storage
• Complete financial documentation package — bank statements, affidavit of support, ITR, property documents, sponsor employment proof
• Mock visa interviews — 3–5 sessions with real questions, video recording, and detailed feedback
• 214(b) refusal revival — for students who have been refused before, full case analysis and fresh strategy

After Your F-1 — OPT, CPT & H-1B Pathway

The F-1 visa is the beginning of a US career journey, not just a study permit. Understanding what comes after helps Ahmedabad students choose the right university and programme from the start.

• CPT (Curricular Practical Training): Work authorisation during studies, tied to your programme curriculum. Available for internships and co-op programmes. EZVZA advises on which programmes have strong CPT opportunities.
• OPT (Optional Practical Training): 12 months of post-graduation work authorisation in your field of study. STEM OPT extension adds 24 more months for degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics — a total of 36 months without needing employer sponsorship.
• H-1B Visa: After OPT, most Ahmedabad graduates in tech, engineering, finance, or healthcare pursue H-1B employer sponsorship. EZVZA's US attorneys handle H-1B petitions, transfers, and extensions — continuing to support you long after your F-1 is granted.