The F-1 Student Visa is a good option for foreign students to complete some or all of their secondary or post-secondary education in the U.S. while attending an American High School, College, Technical School or University.
In order to obtain an F-1 student visa or status, you have to apply to and become accepted by an accredited school who is authorized and certified by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (“ICE”) to participate in the SEVIS program, and be authorized to issue Form I-20.
You can search for authorized schools here: https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/school-search
To obtain an F-1 Student Visa for the United States, foreign students must follow a specific process. Here is a general overview of the steps involved:
- Apply to a U.S. Student Program: Students must first apply and gain acceptance into a recognized educational institution in the United States. This can be a university, college, language school, or other approved educational institution.
- Receive an I-20 Form: Once accepted by the educational institution, the student will receive an I-20 Form, also known as the Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status. The institution will issue this form after verifying the student’s admission, financial resources, and eligibility for the F-1 Visa.
- Pay the SEVIS Fee: Students are required to pay the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee before proceeding with the visa application. The SEVIS fee supports the administration of the program.
- Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application: Students must complete the DS-160 form, an online nonimmigrant visa application available on the U.S. Department of State website. The form requires personal and educational information, as well as details about the intended program of study.
- Schedule and Attend Visa Interview: After completing the DS-160 form, students should schedule a visa interview at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. Visa interview wait times can vary, so it is advisable to apply early. During the interview, be prepared to answer questions about educational plans, funding, ties to the home country, and intentions to return after completing the studies.
- Pay the Visa Application Fee: Pay the visa application fee, as required by the embassy or consulate. The fee amount may vary depending on the country and exchange rates.
- Gather Required Documents: Prepare the necessary documents for the visa interview, including:
- Valid passport
- I-20 Form issued by the educational institution
- DS-160 confirmation page
- SEVIS fee receipt
- Visa application fee receipt
- Admission letter from the educational institution
- Financial documentation to prove the ability to cover tuition, living expenses, and return transportation
- Academic transcripts and diplomas
- Attend the Visa Interview: Arrive at the embassy or consulate on the scheduled date and time for the visa interview. The consular officer will review the application and supporting documents, ask questions, and make a decision on the visa issuance.
- Receive the Visa and Travel to the United States: If approved, the consular officer will place the F-1 visa sticker in the student’s passport. The visa will typically allow entry to the United States up to 30 days before the program start date mentioned on the I-20 form. Once the visa is received, students can make travel arrangements to the United States.
It’s important to note that the process and specific requirements may vary slightly depending on the country of residence and the U.S. embassy or consulate where the visa interview takes place. It is recommended to consult the specific embassy or consulate’s website for detailed and up-to-date instructions.