1. The first step is to complete the DS-160 form, which is extremely basic and simply takes some of the applicant's personal information. This may include the applicant's permanent living location, parents' DOB, passport number, high school graduation date, university to which the applicant has applied, and major. Please, watch the video above for the detail overview to fill DS-160.
The DS 160 form is obtained from the US Embassy's website.
https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/
Note: You must print the final page of DS 160 since it is necessary for the visa appointment.
2. A CGI Federal account should be created after completing the DS 160 form. This webpage is used to schedule visa interviews.
https://cgifederal.secure.force.com/
After going through all of the information to fill out, use the same DS 160 application ID that you are meant to bring during the interview.
Note that all information from DS 160 must match the facts in CGI Federal, thus applicants must be cautious while filling out the form.
3. Before scheduling appointment dates, the account should be activated after completing DS 160 and CGI Federal. For an F-1 visa, you must pay $160 to activate your account. You can pay CGI Federal fees using any bank that accepts US money transfers, or with relatives in the US that are efficient and dependable.
It may take 1 hour to 24 hours for your account to be activated.
Once your account is activated, return to https://cgifederal.secure.force.com/ to schedule the interview dates.
Note: CGI Federal payment is only good for one appointment date; you can reschedule your date, but after your appointment date is over, you must pay $160 for the next booking date. You also have a limited number of rescheduling dates, so candidates should be caution while canceling the current appointment date.
4. SEVIS (Student Exchange Visitor Information System) Payment is made prior to the appointment. The SEVIS payment should be made at least 5 days before the deadline. The SEVIS application cost is $350. This can be done through banks that accept US financial transfers or through relatives residing in the US. The SEVIS ID from the I20 is necessary when filling out the information on the https://www.fmjfee.com/ portal.
Note: SEVIS payments are valid for a year, thus after you've paid the SEVIS costs, you may schedule your visa interview for as long as you can arrange the appointment dates.
Yes, now you are ready for you US visa interview. Good Luck.
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