One of the most popular places for international students looking for a top-notch education and a variety of cultural experiences is the United States. Studying in the US gives you access to some of the most prestigious universities in the world, state-of-the-art research labs, and a wide variety of academic programs. The United States offers a distinctive and fascinating study abroad opportunity that can lead to job chances and personal development thanks to its thriving economy, wide-ranging cultural diversity, and breathtaking natural surroundings.
If you want to study in the US, you must obtain an F1 visa. More than one million international students are currently studying abroad in the USA, and with some preparation and guidance, you can join them.
About F-1 Visa
The F-1 student visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows international students to enter the US and study at institutions certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). It is the most popular type of student visa for students seeking to study at a US university or college, and you can only apply for your F-1 visa after an accredited US institution accepts your application.
As an F-1 student, your stay will vary based on the program you enroll in. The I-20 form provided by the university you wish to attend will list the expiration date of your program. You must earn your degree before the listed expiration date, which will outline how long you can remain in the US.
Following your graduation, you may be eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT). This will permit you to work for up to 12 months in the US in a field related to your study. For STEM graduates, you can request two additional years of work in a related field. If you do not have any extensions or additional training, you must return to your home country within 60 days after graduation.
F-1 Visa Requirements:
The requirements for an F-1 visa are:
1. Apply and be accepted into a course of study at an SEVP-approved school in the United States. SEVP-approved schools are not just universities — they can also be high schools, seminaries, private elementary schools, conservatories, or a language program.
2. You must be enrolled as a full-time student at the institution.
3. You must be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency.
4. Have proof of sufficient financial funds to support study in the United States.
5. Have ties to your home country that show an intent to return after you finish studying in the United States since the F-1 visa program is a temporary visa.
6. Live outside the United States when you apply.
Confirm your US university is a SEVP-accredited institution
Steps of the F-1 Visa Process
Step 1: Get Accepted and Get Your I-20
The F-1 student visa process starts when you get accepted to a SEVP-certified US university. SEVP certification is the US government’s way of proving that your university is accredited and has the proper resources to provide you with an education.
Once you are accepted, your university will provide your I-20 form. This form documents your study plans and provides supporting information about your stay.
The following information is recorded in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) when your I-20 is issued:
- Your SEVIS ID number
- Your program start and end dates
- Your intended program of study
- Your funding sources
- Cost of attendance at your school of choice
- Other personal information
Your university provides this information based on what you submit in your university application materials.
Once you receive your I-20, ensure all your information is accurate, and then sign at the bottom of the first page. It can take a long time to fix an error on your I-20. You may not be granted access to the country if something is wrong. Retain your form I-20 when you travel to the US. You will need it to enter the US, work, and other activities.
Step 2: Pay Your SEVIS Fee
The total cost for your F-1 student visa will be approximately $510, including the visa's cost, plus SEVIS processing and maintenance fees.
- Requirements: Your I-20
- Cost: $350
Payment portal for your SEVIS fee
Step 3: Complete Your DS-160 Visa Application
Your DS-160 is your visa application. All prospective international students must complete a DS-160 to receive an F-1 visa.
- Requirements: Your I-20, passport, travel itinerary, photo for your visa
- Cost: $160
Application portal for your DS-160
After you successfully submit your DS-160, you will receive a printed confirmation with a barcode. Save this form – you will need it for your visa interview.
Step 4: Schedule Your Visa Interview
Find the nearest US embassy or consulate and schedule your visa interview. Wait times vary by country and can take months — so remember to set up your appointments as early as possible!
If enrolling at a US university through Shorelight, ask your enrollment advisor about student visa interview tips or how to set up a mock interview session. Practicing your visa interview in advance will make you feel more comfortable with the process.
Step 5: Attend Your Visa Interview
During the interview portion of the F-1 visa application process, the US consulate or embassy confirms you are coming to study as a legitimate, serious student. In your visa interview, you must also prove you have the funds to cover your time studying in the US and confirm that you plan on returning home after your studies are complete. Attending your visa interview in person is required, though there are a few rare exceptions (e.g. if you are younger than 14 or older than 80 or meet certain visa renewal requirements).
- Cost: Your DS-160 payment covers the cost
Scheduling portal for visa interview
After you complete your visa interview, you will be granted your F-1 visa and acquire F-1 status.
Documents Required for F-1 Visa
Before you attend your visa interview, make sure to have the following documents ready for evaluation by the consular officer:
- A valid passport
- A copy of the photo you will use for your visa
- Printed copies of your DS-160 and I-901 SEVIS payment confirmations
- I-20 form
- School transcript and official test scores cited on your university application
- Diploma (if applicable)
- Bank statements or other proof of finances
F-1 Visa Interview
Attending a visa interview is the final step to getting a US student visa. You can do this online or by calling your nearest US embassy or consulate.
The US visa application process cannot be completed unless you appear for an interview with a consular officer. The barcode from your DS-160 can be used to retrieve information in any US embassy or consulate.
As an international student, you might feel uncertain about your upcoming interview. While feeling nervous is normal, do not forget to take a deep breath and remember that you are well prepared! Your interview is important but should not be stressful.
Your interviewer will ask questions to determine the following:
- Are you a legitimate student?
- Do you have the resources to pay for your studies?
- Do you plan to return home after completing your degree?
To prepare for your F-1 student visa interview, here are some questions you might be asked:
- Why did you pick this university?
- Which other US universities did you apply to?
- How will you pay for your education?
- Do you have relatives in the USA?
- Do you plan to work while in the USA?
- What do you plan to do after graduation?
Documents Required for US Visa Interview
1. A valid Passport
2. Signed SEVIS Form I-20 or DS-2019
3. Form DS-7002
4. SEVIS fee receipt
5. DS-160 application ID number
6. A Printed copy of the visa interview letter
7. Your 1-2 photographs in the format explained in the photograph requirements.
8. Transcripts and diplomas from previous institutions
9. Scores the educational institution requires, such as the TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, etc.
10. Financial evidence showing you or your sponsor
Reasons for US Student Visa Rejection
- Insufficient financial funds
- Incorrect or false documents
- Inadequate communication skills
- Misbehavior during the visa interview
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for an F-1 visa to be approved?
The process can take as short as one week but may extend to a few months for more complex cases.
Which month is best for an F-1 visa interview?
November and December are peak seasons for Spring semester students.
Can we go to the USA without IELTS?
Yes, it is possible to study in the USA without IELTS, given that you have completed your senior secondary education, graduated with English as the medium of instruction in the program, or have pursued studies in an English-speaking country for a certain duration.
What is the minimum IELTS score for US universities?
6 to 6.5
How long is IELTS valid?
Two years
Conclusion
The United States is a highly sought-after destination for international students seeking a top-notch education and diverse cultural experiences. The F-1 visa process, as outlined, provides a comprehensive guide for prospective students to navigate the requirements and steps necessary to study in the US. Being accepted into a SEVP-approved institution, completing the necessary forms, preparing for the visa interview, and ensuring financial stability are essential components of a successful application. Understanding the potential reasons for visa rejection is equally important. By following these steps and staying informed, international students can maximize their chances of studying in the United States.