An F-1 visa, which stands for ‘Full-time Student visa,’ is a non-immigrant visa allowing international students to study at institutions in the United States. It is the most common visa type for those pursuing education at a US university or college. Here’s a concise overview of the process.
F-1 Visa Requirements
To apply for an F-1 visa, you must fulfill these requirements
Institution Certification: The university or college you plan to attend must be certified by the Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) of Immigration & Customs Enforcement.
Full-time Enrollment
You must be enrolled as a full-time student during the academic term.
English Language Proficiency
Meet the required English proficiency standards of your institution or enroll in appropriate courses.
Sufficient Funding
Demonstrate adequate financial resources to cover your tuition fees and living expenses in the US.
Valid Passport
Ensure your passport remains valid for at least six months beyond your program completion date.
Home Country Residency
Have a residence in your home country that you intend to return to upon completing your studies.
Steps to Apply for an F-1 Visa:
Before starting your F-1 visa application, follow these steps:
Receive Acceptance: Obtain acceptance from a SEVP-certified institution. Once accepted, you will receive an I-20 form necessary for the visa application.
Pay the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee.
Complete DS-160 Form: Fill out the DS-160 online visa application form.
Schedule Interview: Schedule an appointment for a visa interview at the nearest US embassy or consulate.
Attend Interview: Attend your scheduled visa interview. Be prepared to provide necessary documents and answer questions about your intended stay and study plans in the US.
For detailed information, you can refer to official resources such as the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services [1] and additional guides on F-1 visas [2].
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Students and Employment, USCIS, https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/students-and-exchange-visitors/students-and-employment (accessed June 14, 2024).
Shorelight, F-1 Visas for International Students: Requirements, Rules, Status, Shorelight, https://shorelight.com/student-stories/f-1-visa-international-students/ (accessed June 14, 2024).
F-1 Visa Application Process: Described Individually
Get Accepted and Get Your I-20
The F-1 student visa process begins upon acceptance to a SEVP-certified US university. SEVP certification ensures that the university meets US government standards for providing education to international students.
Once accepted, your university will issue you the I-20 form. This document outlines your study plans and provides essential information for your visa application.
When your I-20 is issued, the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records:
- Your SEVIS ID number
- Program start and end dates
- Intended program of study
- Funding sources
- Cost of attendance
- Other personal details provided in your university application.
- Upon receiving your I-20, verify all information for accuracy and sign the bottom of the first page. Errors on the I-20 can delay your visa process or affect your entry into the US. Keep your I-20 safe as you will need it for entry into the US, employment, and other activities such as obtaining a driver’s license.
Pay Your SEVIS Fee
The total cost for your F-1 student visa application is approximately $510, inclusive of the visa fee and SEVIS processing fees.
Requirements: Your I-20 form
Cost: $350 (SEVIS fee)
Payment
You can pay your SEVIS fee using the local currency through designated payment portals or electronic funds transfer options specified for your country. For example, in Nepal, payments are facilitated through Nepal Investment Mega Bank Limited (NIMB) or electronic funds transfer via connectIPS.
After payment, retain the I-901 SEVIS fee receipt as you will need it for your visa interview.
Complete Your DS-160 Visa Application
Complete Your DS-160 Visa Application
The DS-160 is the official visa application form for international students seeking an F-1 visa. You can access it through the US Department of State’s Consular Electronic Application Center website.
Purpose: All prospective international students must complete the DS-160 to apply for an F-1 visa.
Required Documents:
- Valid Passport
- SEVIS ID (Student Exchange Visitor Information System ID)
- SEVIS Fee Receipt ($350, valid for one year)
- Travel Itinerary (Draft)
- US Travel History (if applicable)
- Resume or CV
- Digital Photo
- DS-160 Fee: $160 (separate from the SEVIS I-901 fee)
Steps to Complete:
- Fill out the DS-160 online application form.
- Upload a digital photo that meets the Photograph Requirements.
- Print the confirmation page of your completed DS-160 form to bring to your visa interview.
- Additional Information: Ensure all information provided is accurate and matches your supporting documents and I-20 form.
Attend Your Visa Interview
The visa interview is a crucial part of the F-1 visa application process conducted at the US consulate or embassy. During the interview, officials confirm your intention to study as a legitimate and committed student in the US.
You must also demonstrate financial capability to support your studies and provide assurance that you plan to return to your home country upon completing your studies.
Attendance Requirement: In-person attendance at the visa interview is mandatory, except under rare circumstances (e.g., applicants under 14 or over 80 years old, or meeting specific visa renewal criteria).
Cost: The fee paid for the DS-160 application covers the visa interview cost.
Scheduling: Use the designated scheduling portal to arrange your visa interview.
After a successful interview, you will receive your F-1 visa and achieve F-1 status, allowing you to commence your studies in the USA.
- Get accepted into a school.
- Pay the SEVIS fee.
- Receive your I-20.
- Complete the F-1 visa application form (DS-160).
- Schedule and attend the F-1 visa interview.
- F-1 visa approved.
Conclusion
Therefore, the F-1 student visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows international students to study at recognized institutions in the United States. To be eligible for an F-1 visa, students must meet several requirements, including being accepted by an SEVP-certified school, enrolling as a full-time student, demonstrating English proficiency, having sufficient funds, possessing a valid passport, and maintaining a residence in their home country.
The F-1 visa application process involves several steps. First, the student must be accepted by an SEVP-certified school and receive their I-20 form. Next, they must pay the SEVIS fee and complete the DS-160 visa application.
After that, the student schedules a visa interview at the nearest US embassy or consulate. Finally, the student attends the visa interview, where they must demonstrate their legitimacy as a student, prove they have sufficient funds, and confirm their intention to return home after completing their studies.
Once the student successfully completes the visa interview, they are granted an F-1 visa and acquire F-1 status, allowing them to study in the United States.
It is essential for students to ensure all information on their I-20 form is accurate and to retain the form when traveling to the US, as it is necessary for various activities during their stay.
Disclaimer:
This website’s content is intended solely for general information purposes. Nothing on this website should be interpreted as legal advice in any particular case or scenario. This information is not intended to establish an attorney-client relationship, and receipt or viewing does not constitute such.
Alpana Bhandari is a founding partner and CEO of Prime Legal Consultants and Research Center. She graduated from American University Washington College of Law. She specializes in corporate/arbitration and family law.
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