You must have a student visa to travel to the United States to study. Your course of study and the type of school you plan to attend determine whether you need an F visa or an M visa. The F-1 visa is for academic study at a university, college, high school, private elementary school, seminary, conservatory, or other academic institution, including a language training program. You may not study after entering on a visitor (B) visa or through the Visa Waiver Program.
You have been accepted by a SEVP-approved school in the United States
The school has registered you in SEVIS and issued Form I-20
You have paid the SEVIS I-901 fee
You can demonstrate intent to depart the United States upon completion of your studies
You can demonstrate sufficient funds to pay for educational, living, and travel costs
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Regulatory Criteria
SEVP-Approved School Acceptance
The first step to studying in the United States is to apply to a SEVP-approved school. If the school accepts your enrollment, you will be registered in SEVIS and must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. The school will issue you a Form I-20.
Examples
Apply and be accepted to a SEVP-approved school
School registers you in SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System)
Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee
Receive Form I-20 from the school
Visa Application Process
After receiving Form I-20 and registering in SEVIS, you may apply at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a student visa. Complete the DS-160 online application and schedule an interview.
Examples
Complete Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160
Upload photo meeting photograph requirements
Pay the $185 visa application fee
Schedule visa interview at U.S. Embassy or Consulate
Visa Interview
A consular officer will interview you to determine whether you are qualified to receive a student visa. You must establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive a visa.
Examples
Demonstrate academic preparation (transcripts, diplomas, test scores)
Show intent to depart the United States upon completion of studies
Prove how you will pay all educational, living, and travel costs
Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans taken during interview
Entry Timing Requirements
Student visas for new students can be issued up to 365 days before the start date of a course of study. However, you will not be allowed to enter the United States more than 30 days before the start date.
Examples
New students: visa may be issued up to 365 days before program start
New students: cannot enter U.S. more than 30 days before start date
Continuing students: visa may be issued at any time if currently enrolled
Continuing students: may enter at any time before classes start
Maintaining Status and Extensions
Students with F visas must depart the United States within 60 days after the program end date on Form I-20, including any authorized practical training. Failure to depart on time results in being out of status.
Examples
Depart within 60 days after program end date on I-20
May request extension through USCIS if needed
Visas of individuals out of status are automatically voided
Being out of status may result in ineligibility for future visas
Spouse and Children (F-2 Visa)
Your spouse and unmarried, minor children who intend to reside with you during your study may apply for F-2 visas. SEVIS fee payment is not required, but the school must issue them individual Form I-20s.
Examples
Spouse and minor children eligible for F-2 visa
School must issue individual Form I-20 for each family member
No SEVIS fee required for dependents
Minor children permitted to attend school in the United States
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Application Process
School Acceptance
Apply and be accepted to a SEVP-approved school in the United States.
SEVIS Registration
School registers you in SEVIS and issues Form I-20.
Pay SEVIS Fee
Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee online.
Complete DS-160
Complete Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160, and upload photo.
Pay Visa Fee
Pay the $185 non-refundable visa application fee.
Schedule Interview
Schedule visa interview at U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Attend Interview
Bring required documents; consular officer determines visa eligibility.
Enter U.S.
If approved, enter U.S. up to 30 days before program start (new students).
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Key Benefits
Study at SEVP-approved U.S. academic institutions
Visa may be issued up to 365 days before program start
On-campus employment opportunities during studies
Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation - 12 months (36 months for STEM)
Spouse and minor children may accompany on F-2 visa
Minor children on F-2 may attend school in the U.S.
May request change of status while in the United States
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Documents Needed
Passport valid for at least six months beyond period of stay
Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status (signed by you and school official)
DS-160 confirmation page
Visa application fee payment receipt
Photo meeting photograph requirements
SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
Academic transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates
Standardized test scores required by your U.S. school
Financial evidence showing ability to pay educational, living, and travel costs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I study on a visitor visa or Visa Waiver Program?
No. You may not study after entering on a visitor (B) visa or through the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), except to undertake recreational (non-credit) study as part of a tourist visit. Study leading to a U.S. degree or certificate requires a student (F or M) visa.
When can I enter the United States?
New students cannot enter the United States more than 30 days before the start date of their course of study. Continuing students who are currently enrolled may enter at any time before classes start.
Can I work while on F-1 status?
F-1 students may work on-campus up to 20 hours per week during school terms and full-time during breaks. Off-campus employment requires authorization through CPT (Curricular Practical Training) or OPT (Optional Practical Training).
What is Optional Practical Training (OPT)?
OPT allows F-1 students to work in their field of study for up to 12 months after graduation. Students with STEM degrees may be eligible for an additional 24-month extension, for a total of 36 months.
Can my family accompany me?
Yes. Your spouse and unmarried, minor children may apply for F-2 visas. The school must issue them individual Form I-20s. They do not pay the SEVIS fee. Minor children on F-2 may attend school in the United States.
What happens if I don't leave on time?
F-1 students must depart within 60 days after the program end date on Form I-20. Failure to depart results in being out of status, which automatically voids your visa and may make you ineligible for future visas.
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Fees
Attorney Fee
$4,000
Government Fee
$470
Fees are estimates and may change. Contact us for a quote for your specific case.
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