An Indian student seeking an F-1 visa says an October 19, 2026 interview in Mumbai was canceled after the student refused an agent’s additional ₹20,000 demand, raising questions about private consultant fees, visa appointments and official U.S. student visa costs.
An Indian student planning to study in the United States has alleged that an F-1 visa interview appointment was canceled after the student refused to pay a private agent an additional ₹20,000.
The allegation was shared in an online post and has not been independently verified. The case nevertheless highlights the importance of separating official U.S. visa charges from fees demanded by private education or visa consultants.
Student says Mumbai F-1 visa appointment was canceled
According to the student's account, the original Form I-20 showed an August 31, 2026 program start date. After an interview could not be secured before that date, the agent reportedly suggested deferring enrollment to January 2027.
The student said the agent later arranged an interview for October 19, 2026, in Mumbai, but then requested an additional ₹20,000.
After the student questioned the payment and declined to pay it, the agent allegedly warned that the appointment would be canceled. The student later received a cancellation confirmation.
Visa application reportedly remained open
The student said the application continued to appear as “Open” in the U.S. visa scheduling system, with Mumbai listed as the interview location, although no appointment slots were available.
The student also said the I-901 SEVIS fee had not yet been paid and that the existing Form I-20 still carried the August 31 start date.
That left the student uncertain about whether to obtain an updated Form I-20 from the university for a January 2027 intake before continuing the visa process.
Official F-1 visa and SEVIS fees
The U.S. Department of State lists the non-refundable application fee for an F-category student visa at $185. U.S. Department of State - Travel
Separately, the Department of Homeland Security charges most F and M students a $350 I-901 SEVIS fee. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
A ₹20,000 payment requested by a private consultant is therefore not one of these standard U.S. government charges. Private companies may charge their own service fees, but applicants should clearly establish what those payments cover.
Applicants should verify payments and appointment access
The U.S. State Department warns visa applicants about individuals or businesses that falsely claim to represent the U.S. government or promise visa-related services in exchange for payments. It notes that money paid to a non-governmental source does not count toward official U.S. visa processing fees.
Students working with consultants should retain payment records and maintain access to their own visa application, university and SEVIS information. Official visa requirements, fees and interview procedures should be checked through U.S. government websites.
In this case, the key unresolved issue is whether the interview was actually canceled by the agent and what access the agent had to the student's scheduling account. No official U.S. authority has publicly confirmed the student's allegation.
