Student Visa
A U.S. Student Visa, primarily the F-1 Visa, allows international students to enter the United States to pursue full-time academic studies at accredited institutions, including universities, colleges, high schools, and language training programs. To apply, students must first be accepted by a SEVP-approved school, which will provide a Form I-20. Applicants then complete the DS-160 form online, pay the visa application fee, schedule and attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate, and present required documentation, such as a valid passport, the Form I-20, financial evidence proving the ability to cover tuition and living expenses, and proof of ties to their home country. The F-1 Visa typically allows students to stay for the duration of their academic program plus any authorized practical training period.
Necessary Documents
- Form I-20
- Form DS-160
- Passport
- Visa Fee Receipt
- SEVIS Fee Receipt
- Photograph
- Interview Appointment Confirmation
- Financial Evidence
- Academic Documents
- Proof of Ties to Your Home Country
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The F-1 Student Visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows international students to enter the United States to pursue full-time academic studies at accredited institutions, such as universities, colleges, high schools, and language training programs.
Anyone accepted by a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-approved school in the United States for a full-time academic program can apply for an F-1 Visa. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources and strong ties to their home country.
To apply, you need to be accepted by a SEVP-approved school and receive a Form I-20. Then, complete the DS-160 form online, pay the visa application fee and SEVIS fee, schedule an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate, and attend the interview with all required documents.
Required documents include Form I-20, DS-160 confirmation page, valid passport, visa fee receipt, SEVIS fee receipt, recent photograph, interview appointment confirmation, financial evidence, academic documents, and proof of ties to your home country.
The non-refundable visa application fee is $160. Additionally, you must pay the SEVIS fee, which is $350 for F-1 visa applicants.
Processing times vary by embassy or consulate but generally take a few weeks. It's advisable to apply as early as possible after receiving your Form I-20 to ensure timely processing before your program starts.
F-1 visa holders can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during holidays and breaks. Off-campus work requires specific authorization, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT).
The SEVIS fee funds the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. F-1 visa applicants must pay a $350 SEVIS fee online at FMJfee.com and bring the receipt to their visa interview.
Yes, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can apply for F-2 dependent visas to accompany you. Each dependent must submit a separate DS-160 form, and you must provide proof of financial support for their stay.
If your visa application is denied, you will be informed of the reason. You can address the issue and reapply. Consulting with your school's international student office or an immigration attorney can provide guidance on how to strengthen your application.
To extend your stay, you need to apply for a program extension through your school's designated school official (DSO) before your current I-20 form expires. Extensions are granted if you can demonstrate a valid academic or medical reason.
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