F-1 Student Visa Process Overview
Get an overview of the F-1 student visa process for the U.S., providing key information for international students.
It is important to be familiar with all steps of the F-1 Student Visa lifecycle before starting the F-1 application process:
- Before beginning the F-1 Student Visa process, students must be accepted by a school (SEVP-certified institution) and get a form I-20 from the school.
The student’s visa application is processed after the U.S. institution accepts SEVP certification. The student should apply to the university, be accepted, and work directly with the University’s Designated School Official (“DSO”) to coordinate the necessary paperwork needed to apply for the F-1 Student Visa. The student will then receive the I-20 form from the university. The I-20 contains details about the student’s U.S. stay and study plan. The I-20 will include:
-The student’s SEVIS ID number
-The program start and end dates
-The intended program of study
-The source of funds
-Cost of attendance
- Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee
All prospective F and M students must pay the I-901 SEVIS fee to apply for a visa to enter the United States. If you are from a country participating in the Visa Waiver Program, you must still pay this fee before entering. Students will need to pay the $350 processing and maintenance fee at the designated government website.
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Complete the DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Application
To be eligible for an F-1 Student Visa, prospective international students must next submit a DS-160. The DS-160 is a comprehensive online application for nonimmigrant visas that includes the applicant's biographical details and travel plans. Additionally, the student must pay a $160 MRV fee with their application. -
Schedule the F-1 interview
The student must arrange an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate after completing Form DS-160. The interview is a mandatory step before an F-1 Student Visa can be issued on your passport. It is strongly advised to submit an application at the closest consulate in their country of origin. It is crucial to book the appointment as early as possible as visa appointment wait times can differ by country and by consular post. -
Attend the interview and obtain the visa
A series of basic questions will be posed to you in order to ascertain the validity of your anticipated activities in the US, as well as if you are adequately funded and intend to return home after the study program is complete. If the interviewing officer approves you for the visa, you will provide your passport to the consulate for visa stamping as well as make arrangements for your passport’s return. Once you have received your passport back from the U.S. Consulate you can travel to the U.S. to begin your study program.
F-1 Student Visa Processing Time
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Continue following this series below:
How to qualify for the F-1 Student Visa?
F-1 StudentVisa Process Overview
