To study in the US as a foreign national, in most cases you’ll need to hold a valid student visa. This means that among the many things you will need to plan, research and organize, you will have to make an application to the US immigration authorities for permission to travel to the US to be able to study.

A student visa for the United States allows foreign nationals to study at accredited institutions in the country. The most common type is the F-1 visa, issued for academic programs, while the M-1 visa is for vocational or technical courses.

Before applying for the visa, students must be accepted onto a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-approved institution in the US, and receive a Form I-20 from the school.

As well as compiling the necessary documents, applicants should also prepare for the visa interview, where they must answer questions about their educational goals, financial support, and post-graduation plans. Applicants also have to demonstrate their intent to return to their home country after completing their studies, as the visa does not lead to permanent residency. International students also have to prove financial ability to cover tuition and living expenses and show ties to their home country.

This guide provides an overview of the F-1 student visa for the USA, with details of the eligibility requirements and the student visa application process.

 

F1 Student Visa for the USA

 

The F-1 visa is the main visa category for non-US nationals to undertake academic study in the United States. Students undertaking study that is vocational in nature, for example, foreign medical graduates seeking to pursue postsecondary medical education or training, should apply for an M-1 student visa USA. The F-1 visa is for those wanting to undertake academic study, rather than vocational training.

An F-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa for international students wishing to pursue a full course of academic study at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) approved school or academic institution in the United States. This includes primary and secondary schools, colleges, universities and schools of theology or performing arts.

Only schools or academic institutions certified by the SEVP can accept international students. SEVP is responsible for managing F-1 students, and where applicable their dependents, on behalf of the Department of Homeland Security.

SEVP also provides approval and oversight to schools and academic institutions authorised to enrol F-1 students, and gives guidance to both schools and students about the requirements for maintaining lawful status.

Before applying for an F-1 Student Visa USA you will first need to be accepted at a SEVP-certified school. However, having been admitted into the US you may be able to transfer to another school or academic institution.

For example, if you have attended a public high school for your maximum twelve-month limit, you may be able to transfer to a SEVP-approved private school to continue working toward your high school diploma.

Further, having completed one full academic year at an SEVP-certified school you should be eligible to take an annual vacation, and once every year after that if you maintain your student status and register for classes in the academic term following your vacation.

If your particular academic program has a unique schedule, for example, as with many English language-training programs, you must establish what constitutes a full academic year and the rules that apply to taking an annual vacation.

As for combining work and study, many states have strict age requirements relating to when minors can begin earning wages, so as a student under the age of 18 it is rare that you will be permitted to undertake any form of employment under an F-1 Student Visa USA.

As a post-secondary student you may, in certain circumstances, seek approval for on and off-campus employment, although you will be limited in the number of hours you can work when school is in session.

Approval should always be sought from your DSO prior to undertaking any employment under an F-1 Student visa USA. You may also require authorisation from US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

 

F-1 student visa requirements

 

The F-1 student visa is open to any international student enrolled at a SEVP-approved school or academic institution in the United States. The F-1 visa covers academic study from kindergarten through Grade 12 (ages 5 to 18), postsecondary schooling (18+), and even English language courses.

However, SEVP only certifies certain types of schools in the US. This includes private schools at all grade levels, as well as public high schools.

F-1 student visas cannot be issued for applicants to attend public primary schools. While an F-1 visa can be issued to attend public secondary schools, students are limited to a maximum period of twelve months. They must also pay the full, unsubsidised per capita cost of their education prior to applying.

If you are eligible, you can proceed with the application process, which generally includes the following stages:

 

1. 6-12 months prior to commencing US study: apply for and secure a place at an SEVP-approved school.
2. Pay the SEVIS fee at least 3 days before filing your visa petition.
3. 4-6 months prior to commencing US study: complete and file your visa application form and pay the visa application fee.
4. Arrange and attend your visa interview.
5. Decision received.

 

How much does an F-1 Student Visa cost?

 

US immigration law requires that all prospective F-1 students pay the SEVIS I-901 fee before filing the visa application and before the Department of State issues a visa. This fee is separate from the visa application fee and is currently set at $350. Proof of payment is essential, as it must be presented during the visa interview and may also be requested at the US border or for any future US immigration applications.

If your spouse and/or qualifying children plan to live with you in the United States while you study, they must also enroll in SEVIS, but dependents of F-1 students (F-2 visa holders) are not required to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.

In addition to the SEVIS fee, applicants must pay a non-refundable visa application fee (MRV fee) of $185. If the visa is approved, a visa issuance fee may also apply, depending on your nationality.

For those intending to attend a public high school in the US (grades 9-12), the full, unsubsidized per capita cost must be paid prior to the F-1 visa application. The Designated School Official (DSO) will provide the required proof of payment, which must be submitted at the visa interview.

 

How to apply for the F-1 Student Visa

 

Applications are processed in the US Embassy or Consular Office in your country of residence. Specific rules and processes can vary between countries and consulates, so it is advisable to check the website of the consulate where your application is being processed and to take professional guidance from a legal adviser familiar with your local consulate to ensure compliance with the rules and avoid any issues which can result in delays or even denials of the application.

In general, the process will be as follows. Once you have been accepted into a SEVP-certified school you will receive a Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status) from your DSO. The I-20 is an important document that you should keep safe, as you will need it throughout the student process.

After you receive the Form I-20 and have paid the necessary I-901 fee, you will be registered for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

SEVIS is a web-based system used by SEVP to maintain information on international nonimmigrant students. In this way students can be tracked and monitored during the course of their visit to the United States while participating in the US education system.

You can then apply at a US Embassy or Consulate for a Student Visa USA using Form DS-160.

Form DS-160 will ask for information such as your personal details and contact details, information about current and previous travel to the US, as well as education, work and family details, and of course details of your SEVIS ID, school and intended study program. Medical, security and background checks are also carried out on applicants.

You will also be required to submit a photograph of yourself, which must be recent and comply with US standards.

The next step is to arrange a visa interview with a consular officer.

 

Documents to take to the interview

 

During the interview, you will be required to explain why you want to study in the United States, how you plan to support yourself and any dependents, and what your plans are for when your studies are finished. You will also be required to provide biometric information (digital fingerprint scans).

You should present your signed SEVIS Form I-20, the DS-160 confirmation page, MRV fee receipt and SEVIS fee receipt, your passport (valid for at least 6 months after your intended period of stay in the US), together with any other necessary documentation, to the consular officer when you attend your visa interview.

Since rules differ between different consulates and embassies, you should check the website of the post where you will be attending your interview to ensure you take all the necessary documents with you. These could also include proof of qualifications and financial evidence to verify your ability to pay tuition, travel and living fees while in the US.

 

What happens if your visa application is approved?

 

If approved, the consular officer will advise when your passport with the visa will be returned to you.

It may be that during the interview, the officer advises that your application is subject to administrative processing, which will increase the waiting time.

F-1 and M-1 visas can be issued up to 120 days in advance of your study start date, but you will not be allowed to enter the US earlier than 30 days before your start date.

An F-1 Student Visa USA can be issued up to 120 days in advance of the start date for a course of study. However, you will not be allowed to enter the US more than 30 days prior to your official program start date listed on your Form I-20.

Moreover, a Student Visa does not guarantee admission into the country, rather it only gives you permission to arrive at a US port of entry. US customs officers have the authority to admit or deny your entrance into the United States.

You must present the customs officer with your Form I-20, as well as your valid visa and passport. It is also a good idea to have your acceptance letter from your SEVP-certified school, evidence of financial support and evidence of any payment for attendance at a public school.

If admitted into the country, you will be given an admission stamp passport and issued with an electronic Form I-94, “Arrival and Departure Record.” The Form I-94 will include your “duration of status”.

F-1 visa holders are permitted a grace period of up to 60 days after completion of their full course of study, plus any periods of authorised practical training, before being required to depart the United States. You may, however, be able to transfer to another SEVP-certified school or opt to change your status while in the US.

 

Maintaining F-1 status

 

Under an F-1 visa your primary purpose is to complete a full course of study at an SEVP-certified school, requiring you to maintain your nonimmigrant student status throughout your stay in the United States.

What constitutes a full course of study will depend on your education level. As a postsecondary undergraduate student for example, you must take at least 12 credit hours per semester, while as a kindergarten student through Grade 12 you are required to meet the minimum number of hours per week your SEVP-certified school determines is necessary for normal academic progress toward graduation or completion of your program of study.

If you believe that you will be unable to complete your academic program within the time permitted under your Student Visa USA, you will need to talk with your Designated School Official (DSO) about requesting an extension.

Every SEVP-certified school or academic institution must have dedicated employees for assisting and overseeing enrolled F-1 students, together with a Principal Designated School Official (PDSO) who also serves as the main point of contact for issues related to SEVP-certification.

 

Need Assistance?

 

Embarking on your journey to study in the US is an exciting opportunity, but it requires careful planning and attention to detail. Seeking professional advice early can help you avoid common pitfalls maximize your chances of success. Contact our US immigration attorneys for expert guidance with your US student visa application.

 

US Student Visa FAQs

 

What is the F-1 visa?

The F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa for international students pursuing academic studies at SEVP-approved institutions in the United States.

 

What is the difference between an F-1 and an M-1 visa?

The F-1 visa is for academic programs, while the M-1 visa is for vocational or technical training programs.

 

How long does it take to get a student visa?

Processing times vary by location, but it typically takes a few weeks. Students should apply as soon as they receive their Form I-20.

 

What is SEVIS, and why do I need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee?

SEVIS is the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, which tracks international students in the United States. The I-901 fee supports this system and is required before applying for a student visa.

 

Can I work while on an F-1 visa?

Yes, but work is limited to on-campus jobs during the first academic year. Off-campus employment is allowed only with authorization from USCIS.

 

Can my family accompany me to the United States?

Yes, spouses and dependent children can apply for F-2 visas, allowing them to stay with you while you study.

 

What happens if my visa application is denied?

You will receive a notice explaining the reason for the denial. Depending on the issue, you may reapply with additional documentation.

 

Glossary

 

Term	Definition
F-1 Visa	A non-immigrant visa for international students pursuing academic studies in the United States.
M-1 Visa	A non-immigrant visa for international students enrolling in vocational or technical training programs.
SEVP	Student and Exchange Visitor Program, which oversees schools and students participating in the F-1 and M-1 visa programs.
Form I-20	A document issued by SEVP-approved schools that is required to apply for an F-1 or M-1 visa.
SEVIS	Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, which tracks international students and exchange visitors in the US.
I-901 SEVIS Fee	A mandatory fee paid to support the SEVIS system before applying for a student visa.
USCIS	United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, responsible for immigration and visa applications.
On-Campus Employment	Work opportunities available on the campus of the school that F-1 visa holders are authorized to attend.
F-2 Visa	A visa for dependents (spouse and children) of F-1 visa holders, allowing them to accompany the student in the US.
Visa Denial	The rejection of a visa application, often due to missing documentation, insufficient evidence, or ineligibility.