F-1 Student Visa Application Guide

Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. You must have a student visa to study in the United States. Your course of study and the type of school you plan to attend determine whether you need an F-1 visa or an M-1 visa. The guide below provides information on applying for the F-1 visa:

How to Apply

  1. Select your course and university (a SEVP-approved institution) and apply for it.
  2. Get accepted into a school.
  3. Obtain your Form I-20 [or Form DS-2019 (J-1)] from the university
  4. Pay the SEVIS fee - Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee at least three business days before your visa interview; print a receipt. For more information and to pay online, visit the SEVP web site.
  5. Complete the online visa application
    • Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 You must:
      • complete the online visa application and
      • print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
    • Photo –You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. Your photo must be in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements.
  6. Pay the visa application fee - Pay the non-refundable visa application fee, if you are required to pay it before your interview. When your visa is approved, you may also pay a visa issuance fee, if applicable to your nationality. Review the instructions available on the website of the embassy or consulate where you will apply to learn more about fee payment.
  7. Schedule and attend a US student visa interview
    • Schedule a visa interview at your local U.S. consulate/embassy. Specific instructions and requirements can be found on the consulate/embassy's website.
      • Apply for your visa as far in advance as possible. Many consulates/embassies won't schedule appointment more than 90 days from the intended date of travel, but some can make earlier arrangements.
    • Bring all required documentation to your visa interview. Confirm with the consulate/embassy what documentation is required. Below is a general check-list:
      • Passport valid at least six months into the future
      • Original university of choice Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 (with your signature on page 1)
      • Proof of admission to the university
      • Completed and signed visa application form(s)
      • Photograph(s) in the prescribed format 
      • Receipt of visa fee(s) payment
      • Receipt of SEVIS I-901 fee payment
        • If you have not received an official receipt in the mail showing payment and you paid the fee electronically, the consulate will accept the temporary receipt you printed from your computer. If you do not have a receipt, the consulate may be able to view your payment electronically.
      • Evidence of funding sufficient to cover your tuition and living expenses during the first year of your program (confirm exactly what kind of documents are acceptable with the consulate/embassy)
      • Any information that proves that you will return to your home country after finishing your studies in the U.S. This may include proof of property, family, or other ties to your community.

Required Documentation

  1. Passport valid for travel to the United States - Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements). If more than one person is included in your passport, each person who needs a visa must submit a separate application.
  2. Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page
  3. Application fee payment receipt, if you are required to pay before your interview
  4. Photo – You will upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. If the photo upload fails, you must bring one printed photo in the format explained in the Photograph Requirements.
  5. Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status-For Academic and Language Students, Form I-20 [or Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status for Vocational Students, Form I-20] – Your school will send you a SEVIS-generated Form I-20 once they have entered your information in the SEVIS database. You and your school official must sign the Form I-20. All students, their spouse and minor children if they intend to reside in the United States with the student, must be registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS). Each person receives an individual Form I-20.

Additional documentation that may be Required

Review the instructions for how to apply for a visa on the website of the embassy or consulate where you will apply. Additional documents may be requested to establish that you are qualified. For example, additional requested documents may include evidence of:

  1. Your academic preparation, such as:
    • Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended; and
    • Standardized test scores required by your U.S. school;
  2. Your intent to depart the United States upon completion of the course of study;
  3. How you will pay all educational, living and travel costs.

Note: An entry visa allows a foreign citizen to travel to a U.S. port of entry and request permission from the U.S. immigration officer to enter the U.S.; it does not automatically guarantee entry into the U.S.

Sources:

  1. http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/study-exchange/student.html#documentation
  2. http://www.babson.edu/admission/international-students/applying-for-a-visa/Pages/visa-application-process.aspx