Indiana Institute of Technology

Visiting your child at Indiana Tech means flying into Fort Wayne International (FWA), just 8 miles from campus, via a US-hub connection. Indianapolis (IND) is a larger alternative. Plan the US visitor visa well ahead.

Getting from FWA to campus

Visitor visa for parents

Indian parents need a B1/B2 visitor visa. First-time interview waits are long and vary sharply by consulate, so city choice matters - you may book at ANY US consulate in India, not just your home city.

• Plan 8-12 months ahead, especially for graduation - graduations do NOT qualify for emergency/expedited appointments.
• You can book at any consulate in India; many families fly to Chennai to save months versus Mumbai or Delhi.
• The dropbox (interview waiver) window shrank from 48 to 12 months in 2025 - most parents with older expired visas now need a full interview.
• Visitor stays are up to 6 months per visit, set by the officer at entry on the I-94.

Just admitted to Indiana Tech? Most Indian students enter on an F-1 academic visa (DS-160 fee $185 + SEVIS I-901 fee $350). J-1 is for exchange programs (SEVIS $220), M-1 for vocational study. Spouses/children come on F-2/J-2/M-2 dependent visas. You can enter the US up to 30 days before your program start date. For Fall 2026, Indian F-1 applicants must interview at one of five US consulates in India. Fort Wayne's own airport (FWA) is just 8 miles from campus.

Arrival checklist

• Book your international flight to connect into Fort Wayne International (FWA) via a US hub - only 8 miles from campus.
• From FWA, a taxi/rideshare is a short trip to the downtown-area campus.
• Indianapolis (IND) or Chicago are larger alternatives; Amtrak stops in Waterloo (~30 min away).
• Confirm student baggage allowance with your airline.
• Carry your I-20, SEVIS receipt and financial documents in hand luggage for US immigration.

Fort Wayne, home to Indiana Tech, is a very affordable Midwest city - about $950-1,450 a month all-in sharing and cooking. Indiana's low cost of living keeps rent down; Citilink buses serve the city and a car is handy.

Monthly cost of living in Fort Wayne (a student estimate)

That's roughly $11,000-17,000 a year for living costs, on top of tuition.

Finding accommodation

Indiana Tech students share apartments near the downtown Fort Wayne campus; the city is inexpensive and car-friendly.

• Citilink buses serve Fort Wayne; a car helps in this spread-out city.
• Downtown keeps you near the Indiana Tech campus.
• Indianapolis (~2 hrs) is the nearest major airport and bigger desi scene.

Working part-time

On an F-1 visa you can work on-campus up to 20 hours/week during term (full-time in breaks). Off-campus work needs authorization - CPT during study, OPT after (up to 12 months, +24 for STEM degrees). You cannot freelance or work off-campus without approval.

Safety & student support

Fort Wayne and its Indiana Tech campus areas are generally safe by US standards; use normal awareness at night.

• Indiana Tech runs a security escort, safety app and (often) campus shuttles - save the campus safety number.
• The campus and main student areas are busy and well-populated.
• Use normal awareness downtown at night; a car helps as transit is limited.

Indian community & food

Fort Wayne has a modest Indian community with a few dedicated grocers and a Hindu temple.

Indian grocery stores

• Indian/Asian grocers in Fort Wayne (e.g. on Hobson Rd) carry spices and staples.
• Mainstream Kroger and Meijer stores have a basic international aisle.
• Indianapolis (~2 hrs) for a wider desi selection.

Student community

• Fort Wayne Indian associations run Diwali and Holi events.
• A Hindu temple serves the area.

• A few Indian restaurants in Fort Wayne.

Cost & living figures for Fort Wayne last verified Jun 2026. Figures are estimates and change over time.