India continues to be the country to send maximum number of students abroad for academics, and USA is the prime destination for it. Applying for visa is one of the foremost tasks for them and can be a long drawn process, especially considering the stringent rules imposed by the US in recent years. Students need to apply for visa with all due preparations done. The documents required for student visa application are listed below:

1. A valid passport, for at least six months beyond your visit. If a very old photograph is attached with the passport, clip a latest one on the photo page for reference.

2. Two photocopies of the passport's 1st page and one photocopy each of last page and pages containing "observations", if any.

3. Visa application forms DS-156, DS-157 (for applicants aged 16 to 45), and DS-158 should be fully completed, with al questions answered. These forms can be downloaded from uscis.gov or llw.com by clicking on Immigrations forms.These forms can be filled online and sent. DS-156 has to be printed back to back. Forms are also available in acrobat reader format to be downloaded and filled by black ink in block letters. Click on the Non-Electronic Visa Application Forms to get the non-electronic DS-156 form.

4. Passport sized photo not more than six months old must be affixed to the visa form.

5. Receipt of fees paid to VFS must be attached too.

6. Form I-20 (which is a United States Department of Homeland Security document issued by colleges, universities, and vocational schools that provides supporting information for the issuance of a student visa or change of status) in original should be provided.

7. Original Bachelors degree or high school diploma along with mark sheets.

8. Relevant test scores, such as TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT or LSAT, or where standardized test is not required, then a letter from the college or university waiving testing requirements.

9. Students of art or design are recommended to carry their portfolio.

10. Paper receipt of $100 (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) SEVIS-I 901 fees.

11. All relevant financial documents.

Shilpi Ganguly is a blogger who frequently writes on various topics. Find more of her tips on studying abroad. http://www.eliteindian.com/