If you want to study in the USA as an international student, the F-1 Visa is the most important document to begin your studies. In this guide, we'll explain step-by-step how you can apply for the F-1 Visa, what documents you need, and how to best prepare for the visa application.
The F-1 Visa is a special non-immigrant visa for international students who want to pursue a full-time course of study in the USA. It allows you to live in the USA for the duration of your studies and authorizes you to study at an educational institution approved by the US Department of Education. It is usually issued for a period of up to 5 years, depending on the length of your study program and your academic progress.
Important notes:
- With an F-1 Visa, you can enter the USA no earlier than 30 days before the program start date indicated on your I-20 form.
- Plan your travel accordingly to avoid problems at entry.
- Do not use the Safari browser to fill out the application, as it is not supported. Use Chrome instead.
Before you can apply for the F-1 Visa, the following steps must be completed:
a) Admission to a US University
You must have already received an official acceptance from a US university or college. This school must issue you an I-20 form confirming that you have been accepted as a full-time student.
b) Prove your Finances
Make sure you have demonstrated the financial means to cover tuition and living expenses for at least one academic year. This is done by submitting a bank statement and an Affidavit of Support (see "Proving your Finances").
c) Obtain the I-20 Form
The I-20 form is the central document for your visa application. Without the I-20, you cannot apply. Read our article "The I-20 Form" to learn more about this document and its importance.
The DS-160 form is the online visa application form that must be completed by all applicants for a non-immigrant visa. The process is time-consuming and requires great care. Plan at least 75-90 minutes to complete the form.
Website: Access the DS-160 website and begin the application process here.
Save the Application ID: Be sure to note your Application ID (AA00....) that you receive at the beginning. This ID is needed to log back in if you are interrupted.
Personal Information: Enter your personal data, including name, date of birth, address, contact information, passport information, and travel plans.
Study Information: Enter the SEVIS ID (on the top left of your I-20) and the address of your university.
Social Media Information: Provide all social media accounts you have used in the last 5 years.
Answer Security Questions: Be particularly honest and accurate with these questions.
SEVIS ID: You can find this ID on your I-20 form. Enter it correctly, as it serves to identify your case. What is the difference between SEVIS Number and ID?
Upload Photo: Upload a current passport photo (see photo requirements in the "Preparatory Steps" section).
Review and Submit: Carefully review all information and submit the DS-160.
The SEVIS fee is the fee that must be paid for registration in the SEVIS system (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System). It currently amounts to $350 USD.
Website: Go to the SEVIS I-901 Payment website.
Enter SEVIS ID: You can find this ID on your I-20 form.
Enter School Code: Enter the school code from your I-20 in the designated field.
Complete Payment: Enter your credit card information and pay the fee.
Keep Receipt: Print the payment confirmation and keep it safe. It will be needed for your visa interview.
The interview at the US Embassy is the most important part of the visa application process. It determines whether you will receive your visa or not. You must schedule an appointment at the US Consulate or Embassy that you selected when filling out the DS-160 form.
Create Account: Sign up on the US Visa Appointment Booking website here and create an account.
Pay the Fee: Pay the current visa application fee of $185 USD (the amount will be displayed in the local currency).
Book Appointment: After payment, the calendar will be unlocked, and you can schedule an appointment for your interview.
Interview Preparation: Prepare all necessary documents for the interview appointment (see "Interview Documents" section).
The visa interview usually lasts only a few minutes. An immigration officer will ask you questions about your planned study stay, check your documents, and decide on your application.
What questions might be asked?
Why do you want to study in the USA?
Why did you choose this university?
What are your long-term academic and career goals?
How do you plan to finance your studies?
Important Documents for the Interview:
Printed DS-160 Confirmation Page (with photo and barcode)
I-20 Form (all pages, signed by you on page 1)
Valid Passport
SEVIS Fee Payment Receipt (I-901 Fee Payment Receipt)
Interview Appointment Confirmation
Additional Passport Photos (if required)
Tips for the Interview:
- Be punctual and polite.
- Answer all questions honestly and precisely.
- Be prepared to answer questions about your financial situation and study plans.
- Be prepared that the waiting time can be significantly longer than the interview itself.
After the interview, it usually takes 2-7 business days to receive your passport back with the visa affixed. You will be notified by email when your visa is ready. You can either pick it up at the embassy or have it sent to your address, depending on the options you selected when scheduling the appointment.
What happens after receiving the visa?
Check the Visa: Verify all information on your visa (name, date of birth, SEVIS ID).
Plan Your Travel: Plan your entry so that you arrive no earlier than 30 days before the program start date.
Hold Important Documents: Bring all important documents (passport, I-20, visa, SEVIS payment receipt) with you when entering the USA.
With these steps, you will be well prepared for your visa application and can be confident in successfully obtaining your F-1 Visa. Good luck with the application and have a great time in the USA!