Sending Money to India as a Student
Guide for students in the US sending USD to India. Visa rules, tax implications, limits, and how Root works for your situation.
As an Indian student in the US on an F-1 visa, you may be working part-time on campus, through CPT, or OPT, and sending money home to support family or manage shared expenses. While your earnings are in USD, your financial responsibilities often remain in INR. This guide explains how to send money to India smoothly, factoring in your visa status, tax rules like TCS, and the most cost-effective methods available.
Students typically send between $200 and $1,000 per transfer, depending on their income from on-campus jobs, internships, or OPT placements. Transfers are often monthly or quarterly, aimed at helping family with household expenses, education costs, or medical needs. While F-1 visa work is limited, remittances are fully allowed as long as they come from legitimate, reported income.
What You Need to Know
TCS Applies After ₹7,00,000 Annually
If total remittances to India exceed ₹7,00,000 in a financial year (Apr-Mar), Indian banks collect 5% TCS on the excess amount. This applies even if the sender is not a tax resident in India. Students sending large amounts should plan transfers carefully and keep records for TCS reconciliation later.
No LRS Limit for You as an NRI
As an NRI student, you're not subject to the $250,000 LRS cap — that rule applies to Indian residents sending money abroad. You can send money freely to India from your US account, provided funds are from permissible sources like salary or savings.
Use Credible Income Sources Only
Under FEMA and US banking rules, remitted funds must come from legitimate sources like on-campus wages, CPT/OPT salaries, or personal savings. Avoid cash deposits or unreported income, as large or suspicious transactions may trigger scrutiny by banks.
IFSC Code & Bank Account Accuracy is Critical
Transfers to India require the correct IFSC code and beneficiary account number. Even one wrong digit can delay or misroute funds. Double-check the recipient’s bank details — especially if sending to a new account.
How to Send — Step by Step
Verify Your Identity on Root
Sign up on Root and complete KYC using your passport, F-1 visa, and US address (via utility bill or lease). This one-time setup ensures compliance with US and Indian financial regulations.
Pro tip: Have your I-20 and recent paystub ready — they may help speed up verification.
Link Your US Bank Account or Debit Card
Connect your US checking account or debit card to fund transfers. Bank transfers are free and secure, while debit cards may have instant processing advantages.
Enter Recipient’s INR Account Details
Add the recipient’s name, Indian bank account number, and 11-digit IFSC code. Confirm whether the account is an NRO or savings account — Root currently supports NRO and regular savings accounts.
Pro tip: Ask the recipient to confirm their IFSC via their bank’s official website or passbook.
Enter Transfer Amount in USD
Choose how much you want to send in USD. Root will display the live INR amount using the interbank rate. Review the breakdown of costs — there are no hidden fees.
Pro tip: Consider splitting large transfers across financial years (Apr-Mar) to reduce TCS impact if over ₹7,00,000.
Confirm and Send
Review all details and confirm the transfer. Most remittances arrive in India within minutes to 24 hours. You’ll receive tracking updates via email and app notification.
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Get StartedFrequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay TCS when sending money to India as a student?
Yes, if the total amount sent to India exceeds ₹7,00,000 in a financial year (April to March), 5% TCS is collected by the Indian bank on the excess. This applies regardless of your NRI status. Keep records of transfers to manage TCS credit when filing taxes in India.
Can I send money from my on-campus job income?
Yes, income from on-campus jobs is considered legitimate and permissible under F-1 visa rules. As long as the funds are reported and held in your US bank account, you can use them to send money to India without restrictions.
Does Root support NRE accounts for students?
Root currently supports NRO and regular savings or current accounts in India. NRE account support is coming soon. If you're sending to an NRE account, check back shortly or use an NRO-linked account for now.
How much can I send to India as a student?
There is no legal limit on how much you can send to India as an NRI student. However, transfers over ₹7,00,000 per year attract 5% TCS. Ensure your income is from permissible sources and properly documented to avoid bank queries.
Is the US Excise Tax on international transfers active?
As of early 2026, the proposed 1% US Excise Tax on international wire transfers has not been enacted. You are not currently charged this tax, but stay informed as legislation could change in the future.