F-1 is a temporary non-immigrant student visa
[:en]The F-1 visa is a temporary nonimmigrant student visa that allows foreigners to study full time in the U.S. at an accredited college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or other academic institution or in a language training program.
Eligibility Requirements
You must be enrolled in an “academic” educational program or a language-training program
- Your school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, Immigration & Customs Enforcement
- You must be enrolled as a full-time student at the institution
- You must be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency
- You must have sufficient funds available for self-support during the entire proposed course of study
- You must maintain a residence abroad which you have no intention of giving up.
Application and Authorization Process
You must first apply (and get accepted) to a SEVP-approved school.
After the SEVP-approved school accepts your enrollment, you will be registered for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. The SEVP-approved school will issue you a Form I-20 which you must register in SEVIS. Then you can apply for the student visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
If your spouse and/or children intend to live with you in the United States while you study, they must also enroll in SEVIS, obtain individual Form I-20s from the SEVP-approved school, and apply for an F-2 visa.
An F1 visa interviews are generally required to determine whether or not you are qualified to receive an F1 student visa. You should arrive at the interview with all of the required documents (Form I-20) and receipts, and you should be prepared ahead of time to answer personal questions about your decision to study in the US.
You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but be aware that it may be more difficult to qualify for a visa outside of the country where you live.
Time duration for approval
Varies by location
Forms required to be submitted for this application
- Form I-20
- Form DS-160
Information that you will have to provide
You will have to upload a photograph of yourself while completing the DS-160 form
At the interview:
- print out of the application form confirmation page
- SEVIS I-901 receipt
- Transcripts or diplomas from current or previous institutions
- Signed passport
How we can help
Our attorneys are available to consult with applicants to discuss their options and responsibilities. To start the process:
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