How to obtain an F-1 student visa?

Visas can only be obtained outside the United States.

After receiving a Form I-20 from a school, the prospective nonimmigrant must apply to the local consulate or embassy for a visa appointment and interview. The SEVIS I-901 fee must be paid prior to the interview.

As part of the visa application process, an interview at the embassy consular section is required for visa applicants from age 14 through 79. Persons age 13 and younger, and age 80 and older, generally do not require an interview, unless requested by the embassy or consulate.

Advance planning may be needed to ensure the individual will have the visa in time to travel to the United States. The DOS Web site at http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/tempvisitors_wait.php gives the typical wait time for visa interview appointments and the wait time for a visa to be processed. Prospective nonimmigrant students may apply for a visa up to 120 days prior to the program start date on their Form I-20.

DOS strongly encourages making visa applications early but applying early and providing the requested documents do not guarantee that the student will receive a visa.

Prospective nonimmigrant students who have been accepted by more than one school must use the Form I-20 from the school they intend to attend to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and to apply for a visa.

Prospective nonimmigrant students should check the embassy or consulate Web sites at http://usembassy.state.gov/. Each has directions for nonimmigrants applying for a student visa that includes how to make an appointment for a visa interview.

• Visa application forms are available at http://evisaforms.state.gov/.

• The EducationUSA Web site http://educationusa.state.gov/usvisa.htm lists counseling centers that help nonimmigrants prepare for visa interviews.

No one can promise a visa will be issued before the DOS has fully processed the visa application. Therefore, do not make final travel plans or purchase nonrefundable tickets until a visa has been issued.

What to bring to a visa interview?

All applicants for an F or M student visa must provide:

• Form I-20A-B, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status-For Academic and Language Students or Form I-20M-N, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status for Vocational Students

• A completed application, Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant, Form DS-156, together with a Form DS-158. Both forms must be completed and signed. Some applicants will also be required to complete and sign Form DS-157. A separate form is needed for children, even if they are included in a parent's passport.

• An interview at the embassy consular section is required for almost all visa applicants.

• A passport valid for at least six months after your proposed date of entry into the United States

• One (1) 2x2 photograph

• A receipt to show payment of the visa application fee, a visa issuance fee if applicable (Please consult the Visa Reciprocity Table) and a separate SEVIS I-901 fee receipt. While all F visa applicants must pay the visa application (MRV) fee, including dependents, only the F-1 principal applicants must pay the SEVIS fee.

Because each student's personal and academic situation is different, two students applying for the same visa may be asked different questions and be required to submit different documents. For that reason, the guidelines that follow are general and can be changed by consular officers overseas, depending on each student’s situation.

All applicants should be prepared to provide:

• Transcripts and diplomas from previous institutions attended

• Scores from standardized tests required by the educational institution such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT, etc.

• Financial evidence that shows that the student or sponsoring parents have sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses during the period of intended study. For example, if the student or sponsor is a salaried employee, please bring income tax documents and original bank books and/or statements. If the student or sponsor owns a business, please bring business registration, licenses, etc., and tax documents, as well as original bank books and/or statements.

Applicants with dependents must also provide:

• Proof of the student’s relationship to his/her spouse and/or children (e.g., marriage and birth certificates.)
• It is preferred that families apply for F-1 and F-2 visas at the same time, but if the spouse and children must apply separately, they should bring a copy of the student visa holder’s passport and visa, along with all other required documents.

Visa wait times for interview appointments and visa processing time information for each U.S. embassy or consulate worldwide is available on the DOS website at Visa Wait Times, and on most embassy Web sites.

During the visa application process, usually at the interview, a quick ink-free fingerprint scan will be taken. Some applicants will need additional screening, and will be notified when they apply.

For additional information, see the DOS Web site at http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html#need