Every international student that wants to study in the United States must get an international student visa to do so. Most commonly, students apply for an F1 visa rather than an M1.
The F1 visa gives the opportunity, according to the USCIS, to “ enter the United States as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or other academic institution or in a language training program.”
I have personally applied to this visa twice, once for my undergraduate students and then renewed it for my master’s degree.
And today, I am going to walk you through a comprehensive guide on the steps to apply for the F1 visa!
CORONAVIRUS UPDATE
Since June 4th, 2020, USCIS field offices have resumed face-to-face services. Meaning that you will be able to schedule your visa interview again. They have enacted precautions to reopen their facilities, as outlined here.
Step 1: Apply to a US School
Apply and get accepted to a USCIS approved school.
You can check here the list of approved schools.
Once you are accepted, you will need to fill out the necessary forms for the school to issue your I-20. They will most likely ask for your passport picture as well as a bank statement showing you have enough funds to pay for school.
Be sure to check with your school how much the expected expenses for the year are!
Step 2: Fill out Form DS-160
You can go fill out the application online through this link.
When you upload a photo, make sure it fits the Photography Requirements! If you are not able to upload a photo, you will need to take one to the interview.
Once you have completed the document, make sure to print it out, and keep it somewhere safe. You will need to take this form to your interview!
Step 3: Schedule an Interview
Now that you completed your DS-160 form, you can schedule an interview with the US Consulate or Embassy in your country of residence
Wait times vary depending on location and visa category, so be sure to schedule your interview with plenty of time!
Step 4: Pay the Fees
You will be required to pay a visa application fee. You can find more information regarding the fee here.
Sometimes you might also have to pay a visa issuance fee, but this is based on your nationality.
Step 5: Gather the Required Documents
For the interview, you will need
- A valid passport
- Note: The passport has to be valid for AT LEAST 6 months past your program end date. For example, if your program ends May 1, 2024, your passport at least be valid until December 1, 2024
- The Form DS-160
- A passport photo if you were not able to submit one with your DS-160 Form
- The receipt of payment for the F1 visa application fee
- The I-20 form provided by your school (Note: this form must be signed and dated by yourself and
Step 6: Attend your Visa Interview
During the interview, an officer will decide whether or not you are qualified for the F1 student visa
Once the visa is approved, you will be given instructions on how to pick up your passport and new visa.
An F1 visa is given up to 120 days in advance of the start of your course date, but you will only be able to enter the US 30 days before your start date.
