Student Visa (F1): US University Application Guide
Complete guide to obtaining an F1 student visa for studying at a US university. Covers university admission, the I-20 form, SEVIS registration, DS-160 application, embassy interview, and maintaining valid student status.
Only schools certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) can issue the I-20 form you need for a student visa. Verify your school's certification at studyinthestates.dhs.gov/school-search. Both universities and language programs can be SEVP-certified.
Confirm the school is SEVP-certified
Accept the admission offer and pay any required deposit
Receive your Form I-20 from the school
The I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility) is issued by the school's Designated School Official (DSO) after admission. It lists your program dates, estimated costs, and SEVIS ID number. You cannot apply for the visa without it. Schools typically mail the I-20 — allow 2-4 weeks for delivery, or ask if electronic delivery is available.
Submit proof of financial support to the school (required before I-20 issuance)
Receive the I-20 and verify all details (name, program, dates, costs)
Sign the I-20 at the bottom of page 1
Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee
The SEVIS fee is 350 USD for F1 students. Pay online at fmjfee.com at least 3 business days before your visa interview. Print the payment receipt — the consulate will ask for it. The fee is separate from the visa application fee.
Go to fmjfee.com and pay 350 USD
Print the I-901 SEVIS fee receipt
DS-160 Application and Fee Payment
Complete the DS-160 online visa application
Fill out Form DS-160 at ceac.state.gov. Select 'F1 Student' as the visa class. The form takes 60-90 minutes. Save your application ID immediately — the form times out after 20 minutes of inactivity and you cannot resume without it.
Enter personal information matching your passport exactly
Enter your SEVIS ID number from the I-20
Upload a compliant photo (2x2 inches, white background)
Review all answers and submit
Print the DS-160 confirmation page
The confirmation page has a barcode the consulate scans at your interview. Print it and keep it with your interview documents. The confirmation number starts with 'AA' followed by alphanumeric characters.
Pay the visa application (MRV) fee
The F1 visa fee is 185 USD. Payment methods vary by country — check your local embassy site at ustraveldocs.com. You need the payment receipt number to book your interview. The fee is non-refundable and valid for 1 year.
Pay the 185 USD MRV fee
Save the receipt number for appointment booking
Gather Supporting Documents
Prepare required documents for the interview
Valid passport (6+ months beyond your program end date)
DS-160 confirmation page (printed)
Form I-20 (signed by you and the school DSO)
SEVIS I-901 fee receipt
MRV fee payment receipt
Interview appointment confirmation
1 passport photo (2x2 inches, in case the consulate requests it)
Prepare financial evidence
You must prove you can cover tuition and living costs for at least the first year of study. The I-20 lists the estimated annual cost — your financial documents should meet or exceed this amount. Bank statements are the strongest evidence; fixed deposits, scholarship letters, and sponsor letters also count.
Bank statements from the last 6 months showing sufficient funds
Scholarship or fellowship award letter (if applicable)
Sponsor's affidavit of support with their bank statements (if sponsored)
Loan approval letter (if using an education loan)
Prepare academic documents
University admission letter
Transcripts and degree certificates from previous education
Standardized test scores (TOEFL/IELTS, GRE/GMAT if applicable)
Prepare evidence of ties to your home country
The consular officer must believe you intend to return home after your studies. Strong ties: family members remaining at home, property ownership, job offers contingent on completing your degree, and career plans that require returning. F1 denials under Section 214(b) are common — weak ties are the top reason.
Family documentation (parents, siblings, dependents at home)
Property ownership or family business documents
Letter explaining career plans after graduation and intent to return
Visa Interview
Schedule your visa interview
Book at ustraveldocs.com for your country. F1 visa interviews can be scheduled up to 365 days before your program start date, but the visa can only be issued 120 days before the program start date on your I-20. Book early — summer appointments (May-July) fill up fast.
Schedule the earliest available appointment
Schedule a CAS/OFC biometrics appointment if required by your country
Prepare for common F1 interview questions
Typical questions: Why this university? Why this program? Why the US and not your home country? How will you fund your education? What are your plans after graduation? The officer wants to hear specific, genuine reasons — not generic statements like 'the US has the best education.' Tie your program to concrete career goals in your home country.
Prepare a clear explanation of why you chose this specific program
Articulate post-graduation career plans tied to your home country
Know your program details (courses, duration, research focus)
Attend the interview at the US embassy or consulate
Arrive 15-30 minutes early. No electronics, bags, or food allowed inside. The interview itself takes 3-5 minutes. Speak in English if possible — it demonstrates language readiness for your program. Hand over documents only when asked.
Bring all documents in a clear, organized folder
Leave electronics and bags outside (use embassy storage or leave in car)
Dress in business casual
Receive the visa decision
Approved: passport returned with F1 visa in 1-2 weeks. Administrative processing (221g): additional review needed, typically 2-8 weeks for STEM fields. Denied (214b): you can reapply with stronger documentation. A 214b denial does not create a permanent bar — address the stated weakness and try again.
Pre-Departure Preparation
Verify your F1 visa details
Check visa category (F1), validity dates, and number of entries
Verify the SEVIS ID on the visa matches your I-20
Contact the consulate immediately if any details are incorrect
Prepare documents for US port of entry
You can enter the US no earlier than 30 days before your program start date. The Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will check your passport, F1 visa, I-20, and financial documents. Carry these in your hand luggage — not in checked bags.
Passport with F1 visa
Original I-20 (signed)
SEVIS fee receipt
Financial evidence and admission letter
University contact information (DSO name and phone number)
Confirm housing and airport pickup arrangements
Confirm university housing or off-campus accommodation
Arrange airport transportation to campus
Maintaining F1 Status After Arrival
Check in with your school's International Student Office
Report to the DSO within the first few days of arriving on campus. The DSO validates your SEVIS record and confirms your enrollment. Missing this check-in can result in SEVIS termination.
Visit the International Student Office within the first week
Complete any required orientation sessions
Maintain full-time enrollment
F1 students must be enrolled full-time (12+ credits undergraduate, 9+ credits graduate per semester at most schools). Dropping below full-time without DSO authorization terminates your SEVIS record and F1 status. Exceptions exist for medical reasons, academic difficulty in the final semester, and initial academic difficulty — always get DSO approval first.
Understand on-campus and off-campus work rules
F1 students can work on campus up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during breaks. Off-campus work requires specific authorization: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for internships related to your program, or Optional Practical Training (OPT) after completion. Unauthorized employment is the fastest way to lose F1 status.
Apply for CPT through your DSO before starting any off-campus internship
Plan OPT application timing (file 90 days before to 60 days after graduation)
Keep your I-20 and SEVIS record current
Request a new I-20 from your DSO for any changes: program extension, change of major, change of education level, transfer to another school, or updated financial information. Your I-20 must always reflect your current situation. Travel with a DSO-signed I-20 that is less than 1 year old.
Get your I-20 signed by the DSO before every international trip
Report address changes to the DSO within 10 days
Frequently Asked Questions
How early can I enter the US on an F-1 student visa?
F-1 visa holders can enter the United States up to 30 days before the program start date listed on their I-20 form. Arriving earlier than 30 days will result in being denied entry at the port of entry. Plan your travel accordingly, especially if you need time to set up housing, attend orientation, or adjust to the time zone.
Can F-1 students work in the US?
F-1 students can work on-campus up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during breaks. Off-campus employment requires authorization through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). Unauthorized employment is a serious immigration violation that can result in loss of F-1 status and deportation. Consult your school's Designated School Official (DSO) before accepting any work.
What is the SEVIS fee and when do I pay it?
The SEVIS I-901 fee for F-1 students is $350. You must pay this fee after receiving your I-20 from your school but before your visa interview at the US embassy. Payment is made online at fmjfee.com, and you should bring the receipt to your visa interview. The fee is non-refundable even if your visa application is denied.
What happens if I fail to maintain my F-1 status?
Failing to maintain status (by dropping below full-time enrollment, working without authorization, or not reporting to your DSO) can result in your SEVIS record being terminated. Once terminated, you begin accruing unlawful presence and must either apply for reinstatement, transfer to another status, or leave the US. Reinstatement through USCIS is discretionary and can take 6-12 months. Contact your school's international student office immediately if you face any status issues.
How long is the F-1 visa valid for?
F-1 visas are typically issued for the duration of your academic program (marked as D/S, Duration of Status, on your I-94). The visa stamp in your passport may be valid for 5 years or the length of your program, whichever is shorter. Citizens of certain countries receive shorter validity periods due to reciprocity agreements. Your authorized stay depends on maintaining valid F-1 status, not the expiration date on the visa stamp.