United States/F-1 Student Visa

US F-1 Student Visa: $185 + $350 SEVIS Fee

Complete guide to F-1 Student Visa requirements for international students studying in the United States.

Processing: Varies (interview required, apply early)
Fee: $185
Last verified:April 2026
Updated:
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Verified:
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Reviewed byVisaCalm Editorial Team
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Overview

The F-1 visa is for international students attending accredited US academic institutions, including universities, colleges, high schools, private elementary schools, and language training programs.

To qualify, you must be enrolled in a SEVP-certified school, have a Form I-20 from your institution, and demonstrate sufficient funds to support your studies. F-1 students can work on campus and may be eligible for practical training (OPT/CPT).

Eligibility Requirements

  • Accepted at SEVP-certified institution
  • Form I-20 from institution
  • Sufficient funds for tuition and living expenses
  • Meet academic requirements
  • Intent to return home after studies
  • English language proficiency

Required Documents

Form I-20

Required

Certificate of Eligibility from school

Valid Passport

Required

Requirements ensuring your passport remains valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay.

DS-160 Confirmation

Required

Access the official government portal to complete and submit your electronic visa application form.

SEVIS Fee Receipt

Required

The official DHS portal required for paying the mandatory I-901 SEVIS fee prior to an F-1 visa interview.

Financial Documents

Required

Bank statements, sponsor letters

Academic Transcripts

Required

Requirements for providing official transcripts and certificates from your previous academic institutions.

Test Scores

Required

Information on standardized test scores that may be required for admission to your specific academic program.

Passport Photo

Required

Strict official technical requirements regarding composition, sizing, and lighting for your US visa application photo.

Application Steps

1

Get Accepted

Receive admission from SEVP school

2

Receive I-20

Guidance on the Form I-20, the critical Certificate of Eligibility required for all F-1 student visa applicants.

3

Pay SEVIS Fee

The official DHS portal required for paying the mandatory I-901 SEVIS fee prior to an F-1 visa interview.

4

Complete DS-160

Access the official government portal to complete and submit your electronic visa application form.

5

Schedule Interview

Navigate to the authorized scheduling portal to secure a date for your visa interview at the embassy.

6

Attend Interview

Ensure all required forms, photographs, and supporting evidence are properly organized and brought to your interview.

7

Receive Visa

Instructions on how your physical passport with the affixed visa vignette will be returned to you.

Visa Fees

TypeAmountNote
MRV Fee$185-
SEVIS I-901 Fee$350-
View full United States fee breakdown

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work on an F-1 visa?

You can work on-campus up to 20 hours/week during school. Off-campus work requires authorization through CPT (during studies) or OPT (after graduation).

How early should I apply for F-1 visa?

You can apply up to 120 days before your program start date. Apply early as interview wait times vary significantly.

What is the SEVIS fee and when do I pay it?

The SEVIS I-901 fee is $350 for F-1 students. Pay it online at fmjfee.com after receiving your I-20 but before your visa interview. Keep the payment receipt as you will need to bring it to your interview.

What questions are asked in F-1 visa interview?

Common questions include: Why did you choose this school/program? How will you fund your studies? What are your plans after graduation? Do you have family in the US? Be honest and concise. Demonstrate strong ties to your home country and genuine intent to study.

Can I travel outside the US on an F-1 visa?

Yes, but you need a valid F-1 visa stamp, valid I-20 with a recent travel signature from your school (within the last year), and maintained valid F-1 status. Your school's international student office can provide the travel signature.

What is OPT and how do I apply?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows F-1 students to work in their field of study for up to 12 months after graduation (24-month extension available for STEM fields). Apply through USCIS with your school's recommendation, typically 90 days before graduation.

Can my family join me on an F-1 visa?

Yes. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can apply for F-2 dependent visas. F-2 holders can live in the US and attend school (K-12 or part-time at college level) but cannot work. Your school will issue dependent I-20 forms for each family member.

What happens if I fail to maintain my F-1 status?

Falling out of status — by not attending classes, working without authorisation, or failing to maintain a full course load — can have serious consequences. You may be barred from future US visas and could face deportation. If you are having academic difficulties or personal issues, contact your school's international student office immediately — they can help you apply for a reduced course load or medical leave before you fall out of status.

How do I transfer schools on an F-1 visa?

You can transfer by being accepted at a new SEVP-certified school, notifying your current school of the transfer, and having your SEVIS record transferred to the new institution. The new school will issue a new I-20. You do not need a new visa stamp if your current one is still valid, but you will need the new I-20 for re-entry to the US.

What is the difference between CPT and OPT?

CPT (Curricular Practical Training) is work authorisation during your studies that must be part of your curriculum — such as internships or co-ops. OPT (Optional Practical Training) is work authorisation after graduation in your field of study. CPT requires employer and school approval before starting. OPT requires USCIS approval and can take 3-5 months to process.

How much financial proof do I need for an F-1 visa?

You must demonstrate funds to cover at least the first year of tuition plus living expenses. The exact amount is listed on your I-20 form. Acceptable evidence includes bank statements, fixed deposit certificates, scholarship letters, financial sponsor letters with supporting bank documents, and education loan approval letters. The funds should be readily available, not locked in long-term investments.

Generate Your Documents

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Processing Time

Varies (interview required, apply early)
Standard processing

Important

Requirements may change. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or consulate website before applying.

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Official Sources

This information is based on the following official sources. Always verify with these sources before submitting applications.

F-1 Student Visa

Comprehensive State Department guidelines detailing eligibility, necessary forms, and rules for international students.

travel.state.govOfficial
SEVIS Fee Payment

The official DHS portal required for paying the mandatory I-901 SEVIS fee prior to an F-1 visa interview.

fmjfee.com
Study in the States

DHS resource for international students

studyinthestates.dhs.govOfficial
SEVP School Search

The official DHS database tool used to verify if a US academic institution is authorized to host international students.

studyinthestates.dhs.govOfficial

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