F-1 Student Visa

It is important to note that there are restrictions on public primary and secondary schools for F-1 visa holders. F-1 students may not attend any public primary/elementary schools (grades K-8).  They may attend a public secondary/high school (grades 9-12) but only for a maximum of 12 months. The student must also pay the secondary school system the full, unsubsidized, per capita cost of the education they receive. F-1 visa holders may, however, attend private primary and secondary SEVP-certified schools without these restrictions. F-1 visas are also not to be used to attend any publicly funded adult education programs, even if tuition is charged.

Once you have applied for and are accepted into a SEVP approved school, you will be added to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and will have to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. This system tracks and monitors schools and exchange visitor programs and student visa holders while they are studying in the United States. The school you will be attending will then issue you a Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.  This form confirms your acceptance at the institution and your visa eligibility. You may then apply for an F-1 student visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

To apply for a visa, you should complete the Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, and print out the confirmation page to bring with you to your interview. You may then schedule your visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Interviews are generally required, except in children 13 years old and younger, and those who are 80 and older. Wait times for interview appointments vary depending on the location, season, and visa category. It is advised to check the U.S. State Department’s website to find out the current wait time. New student visas can be issued up to 120 days prior to the start date for the course of study, but continuing students can be issued student visas at any time if they are currently enrolled at a SEVP-approved institution. New students may enter the U.S. no more than 30 days before their start date, but continuing students may enter at any time prior to their courses starting.

Before the interview, you must pay the application fee. An issuance fee may also be required, depending on your nationality, but this will not be due until after the interview. Check the Department of State’s website to see the current fee amounts. The following documents should be brought to the interview appointment:

• A valid passport
• Form DS-160 confirmation page
• Application fee payment receipt
• Photo
• Completed and signed Form I-20
• Additional documentation may be requested by the consular officer, so it is advised to also have the following applicable documentation with you:
  • Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, certificates from any schools you have attended
  • Standardized test scores as required by the U.S. school or institution
  • Evidence of ties to your home country
  • Evidence of sufficient funds to support yourself and pay for all educational, living, and travel expenses

During your interview, a consular officer will decide whether you are qualified to be issued a student visa. In some cases, the officer may determine that your case requires further administrative processing. Fingerprints may also be taken at this time, although this may vary depending on the location of your interview. If you are approved for a visa, you will then be able to travel to a U.S. port-of-entry to request permission to enter the United States. Officials at the port-of-entry will have the final say as to whether you may enter the U.S.