F-1 Visa FAQ's
Do all international students require a visa to study in the United States?
A student visa is mandatory for international students who are seeking to study in the USA. The course and school type will determine whether you need an F visa or an M visa.
When can I apply for an F-1 student visa?
For new applicants, an F-1 visa can be issued up to 365 in advance of the start date for a course of study. However, international students are unable to enter the United States more than 30 days before the course start date.
What is required to qualify for an F-1 visa?
There are several requirements that must be met for an international student to qualify for an F-1 visa. The school you are seeking to attend must be on United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) SEVPO approved list. https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/school-search. You must meet all admission requirements for the institution and program you are applying to and be issued form I-20A-B by the school. The school will need evidence of your financial means to pay for your tuition and living expenses and may require a tuition deposit.
You are required to provide evidence that you have liquid funds available (either your own funds, sponsor, student loan, etc.) to support your tuition fees and living costs.
Can I bring family members with me?
F-1 students may bring spouses and children under 21 for the duration of their course. In such cases an application for an F-2 visa is required. Dependents are now allowed to work while in the United States, but in certain circumstances may be eligible to enroll in school.
Can I work in the United States with an F-1 visa?
The F-1 visa does allow international students opportunities to work during and upon completion of their studies. However, this must be authorized by the school you are attending. In no circumstances should an international student seek employment without such authorization.
What is an I-20 Form?
The I-20 form is a document which enables international students to initiate the process of applying for a visa. The I-20 form is a certificate of eligibility issued by accredited, SEVP certified colleges and universities in the USA.
How Do I obtain an I-20 Form?
You must first meet all the requirements listed on the offer of admission issued by an SEVP approved institution. This will typically include providing evidence of your ability to support the costs of tuition and living expenses during the first year of study and payment of any fees required by the institution (this policy will vary by institution.
Is an I-20 Form Essential?
The I-20 form is essential. You will need it for paying your SEVIS fee, for the visa interview, and for entering the United States.
What fees am I required to pay to the US Government to apply for an F-1 visa?
You are required to the I-901 Fee to register with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and the DS-160 Fee to complete the online non-immigrant visa application.
Where do I attend the F-1 visa interview?
You are required to attend an in-person interview at your nearest US Embassy or Consulate. You can locate the nearest using this link. You are strongly encouraged to book the earliest available appointment which can be up to 365 days in advance of your course start date.
What is the waiting time for scheduling an interview?
Wait times can vary by country. You can check the most up to date information on wait times using this link and scrolling down to the section Appointment Wait Time.
If the wait time is long, can I obtain an earlier appointment date?
In certain circumstances international students can request an expedited appointment date. This usually happens if the scheduled interview date is close to the course start date. Before making the request, you should ensure all visa fees are paid and you have documentary evidence to prove the urgency.
How long is the F-1 visa interview?
This visa interview is typically a short process, involving a few questions and lasting only a few minutes.
Do I need to bring documents to the F-1 visa interview?
Yes. You will need to bring all documents including a valid passport, I-20 form, DS-160 confirmation page, SEVIS application fee receipt, color passport photo, all academic certificates, transcripts, test scores and all financial documents. If you have it, you should also bring any evidence that you will return to your home country upon completion of your studies.