The USA hosts nearly 1.1 million international students for higher education, with a majority of them being on an F-1 student visa. For international students like you, an F-1 visa is a crucial travel document that also serves as your ticket to access top-class education, realise career aspirations, and cultural immersion.
If you are also planning to
study in the United States (US), understanding the F1 Student Visa process is crucial. This guide breaks down the essentials in a clear and straightforward way—whether you are still exploring your options or ready to apply. From eligibility to F1 Visa interview tips, we have got you covered.
What is an F1 Student Visa for the USA?
The F1 Visa is a compulsory travel document required to pursue your education in the United States (US). It is specifically designed for international students, allowing you to access full-time studies at accredited US colleges, universities, seminaries, conservatories, or even English language training programmes certified by the SEVP (Student Exchange and Visitor Program).
F1 Student Visa: Key Features
- This is a non-immigrant visa, which means it allows you to stay temporarily in the US
- It allows you to pursue full-time studies from accredited US universities or language programmes, but it's not for vocational training.
- The validity of the F1 visa is until your course duration, plus an additional 60-day grace period after it ends.
- Since this is a non-immigrant visa, you are allowed to work with restrictions on where you can work and the type of work.
- Following your graduation, you may be permitted to work in the US for up to 12 months in a related field of study. However, STEM graduates can apply for a 24-month extension.
- Dependents, like spouses and children, are allowed, although your spouse cannot work or study full-time. But your children can attend school.
F1 Visa vs Other Student Visas:
- F1: For academic studies and language programmes
- M1: For vocational or technical programmes (e.g., mechanical training, culinary school)
- J1: For exchange programmes, including short-term scholars, interns, and researchers (often funded by institutions or governments).
What are the Benefits of an F1 Visa?
The F1 Student Visa has many perks, which is why the majority of students opt for it. Here is a comprehensive list of F1 Visa benefits:
- Gateway to access top-class education: The F1 visa ensures access to full-time studies across accredited universities, colleges and institutions in the US. Accredited universities are highly recognised for their programme quality, research facilities, and diverse courses.
- No cap on the number of visas: Unlike most visas, the F1 Student Visa has no limit on the number of visas issued every year.
- Flexibility: If you hold an F1 Student Visa, you are permitted to travel in and out of the US during your studies, provided you receive a proper travel endorsement from your school's Designated School Official (DSO).
- Work opportunities: F1 student visa holders are eligible for certain types of employment. On-campus employment is generally limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session but can work full-time (up to 40 hours per week) during official school breaks (like summer vacation). Off-campus work requires specific authorisation.
- OPT (Optional Practical Training): Up to 12 months of post-study employment, with a possible 24-month extension for graduates in eligible STEM fields.
- Option to Bring Dependents: You can apply to bring your spouse and unmarried minor children (under 21) to the US on F-2 dependent visas. While your spouse on an F2 Visa cannot work, they may study part-time. Your children on an F2 Visa are permitted to attend K-12 school (elementary, middle, or high school).
- Besides these perks, you also get a chance for personal development with new cultural exposure. And you cannot put a price tag on that.
F1 Visa Requirements
As an aspiring international student, you should know about the F1 Visa requirements to streamline your academic journey:
- Accredited University or Institute: You need to ensure the institute or university you are planning to get enrolled in must be certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Under the F1 Student Visa, you are only allowed to study in handpicked accredited institutions or universities.
- Full-time Studies: To be eligible for an F1 Visa, you must intend to be a full-time student at a SEVP-certified institution in the United States. Your I-20 form, which is a crucial document for the F1 visa application, will be issued by the school and will reflect your full-time programme of study.
- Language Proficiency: You need to ensure and attain an English language proficiency level set by the institution to enhance your English.
- Proof of Funds: Showing adequate proof of funding to cover your living expenses and studies during your stay in the US is mandatory.
- Passport Validity: Your passport must be valid for travel to the US for a minimum of six months following your programme completion date.
- Home Country Residency: You need to have a residence in your home country to ensure you will be returning there after the completion of your studies.
How to Apply for an F1 Student Visa?
Now let's get into the real crux of the topic at hand, how to apply for an F1 Visa. Before we get started with the process, let's understand some of the prerequisites.
Pre-Visa Application Checklist
- Once you get accepted for a full-time programme from a SEVP-certified US school or college, obtain your I-20 form. Once you thoroughly review the form, sign it.
- Pay the SEVIS fee before applying for the F1 Student Visa. It will cost you US$ 350. Keep the SEVIS receipt handy.
- In case you are planning to bring any dependents through the F2 status, then each F2 will need to have additional I-20 forms as well.
F1 Student Visa Application Process
- Complete the DS-160 application. This should be done several days before your visa interview date. Make sure to keep your passport, travel documents, resume and other information handy to complete the DS-160 application. Keep a printout of the confirmation page with you.
- Pay the required US Study Visa Fee, which is US$ 185 and keep the receipt with you. Please note that the fees may vary depending on your country.
- The next step is to schedule your visa interview. Get your appointment from a nearby US consulate or embassy using your DS-160 confirmation number. Please make sure to schedule your appointment early, as the slots fill up quickly. Make sure you have the following documents handy for your interview:
- Valid passport
- Form I-20
- DS-160 confirmation page
- SEVIS I-901 fee receipt
- Visa application fee receipt
- Passport-sized photo (if not uploaded online)
- Proof of financial support
- Academic transcripts and test scores
- Evidence of strong ties to your home country (e.g., job offers, property documents, family commitments)
- Attend the interview. Most F1 Student Visa interviews are quite short, often lasting around 5 minutes, but the actual duration can vary based on individual circumstances. The F1 Visa interview questions will be centred around your academic goals, your education payment plans, and your plans after graduation. Avoid rehearsed answers.
- Receive your approval. Once approved, your F1 Student Visa will be stamped in your passport. Processing times vary by location. Once received, you can begin making your travel arrangements to the United States.
Documents Required to Apply for an F1 Visa
Here is a quick checklist for the necessary documents needed for F1 Student Visa applications:
- Valid passport
- Form I-20
- DS-160 confirmation page
- SEVIS I-901 fee receipt
- Visa application fee receipt
- Passport-sized photo (if not uploaded online)
- Proof of financial support
- Academic transcripts and test scores
- Evidence of strong ties to your home country (e.g., job offers, property documents, family commitments).
- Standardised test scores document
- Acceptance letter from the university
- Statement of Purpose (SOP)
- Resume or CV
What is the Processing Time of an F1 Visa?
Once the F1 Student Visa interview is over, the consular officer will either issue or refuse your visa application. The processing time for an F1 Student Visa is from a few days to a couple of weeks provided your documents are in order. However, if the visa issuing authorities feel they need additional documents. The visa processing time could stretch up to 180 days. The refusal may be because of two reasons: either the person is not eligible, or some administrative processing is required.
If the refusal is because of administrative reasons, the consular will let you know. The time for administrative processing will vary case by case. However, it is advised to wait at least 180 days before raising any enquiries after your interview or submission of relevant documents (whichever comes later).
What to Do if Your F1 Visa is Denied?
While most of the time the F1 visa is approved, under certain circumstances, the consular officer can refuse your visa application based on certain ineligibilities. Some ineligibilities are permanent, while some can be overcome by either you or the US petitioner. In any case, the consular will let you know about the reason for refusal.
If the reason for refusal falls under the non-permanent ineligibility, then you can follow these steps:
- Understand the reason for refusal provided by the consular officer to plan your next step.
- Reapply for the F1 Student Visa again after making sure the shortcomings of the earlier application are addressed. If the consular demands some documents, make sure to attach those while reapplying.
- Don't rush, as there is no wait time before reapplying. Take your time to solve the refusal reason before reapplying.
- Cross-check every detail and try to make your application stronger in due time.
- If needed, seek legal advice before reapplying
- Consider alternative plans, as a backup, such as opting for a different county in case the re-application does not work out.
Note: Visa regulations are subject to change. Always refer to official US government sources for the most current and detailed information or get in touch with our AECC Counsellors.
An F1 Visa for international students marks the dreams of studying in the US for many. It can open doors to new opportunities, jobs, cultural experiences and personal development. And there is no need to stress if you know about the boxes to check, have done your research, and are organised. Moreover, if you need an expert guide, AECC is right here to navigate you through the visa application process and more. Book your free consultation with our experts today.
USA F1 Student Visa FAQs
How long is an F1 visa valid in the US?
The F1 visa stamp in your passport has an expiration date. This date indicates the period during which you can use the visa to apply for entry into the US It does not dictate how long you can stay in the US. Your permitted length of stay in theUS (your F1 status) is typically indicated by 'D/S' (Duration of Status) on your Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record). 'D/S' means you can remain in the US. as long as you are properly enrolled full-time in an SEVP-certified program, maintain your F1 status (which includes having a valid Form I-20 from your school), and adhere to all visa regulations.
Can I work on an F1 Student Visa?
Yes, F1 students can engage in on-campus employment for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session, and potentially full-time during official school breaks. Additionally, you may be eligible for off-campus work authorisation through Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which is integral to your programme of study, or Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows temporary employment related to your major (often used post-graduation)
Is it possible to stay in the US after the F1 Student visa expires?
Yes, it is possible to stay in the US after the F1 Student visa expires. The F-1 Student visa provides an entry permit to the US but the actual duration of the stay is determined by the I-94 form and it lasts as long as you are enrolled in a full-time SEVP-certified programme, you maintain your F1 visa status and you don't break any rules. Either way, you generally get a 60-day grace period after your programme completion (or post-completion OPT, if applicable) to either leave the country, transfer to another SEVP-certified programme, or change your visa status.
Is IELTS compulsory for the F1 Student visa?
When it comes to an F1 Student Visa, one of the primary requirements is to get accepted by an SEVP-certified college or institution. Most of the programmes in a SEVP-certified college or institute require proof of English language proficiency through standardised tests like IELTS. Therefore, it is wise to have your IELTS scores with you if you are planning to go to the US through an F1 Student Visa.
What is the cost of an F1 Student Visa?
The total cost of the F1 Visa for study in the US is US $535 (US $350 + US $185). While applying for the F-1 student visa one of the prerequisites is to have the SEVIS fee receipt handy. The SEVIS costs around US$ 350. Once you pay this fee then you can apply for the
DS-160 application form and pay the US visa fee which sums up to US$ 185 for Nepali students. However, the visa fee may vary depending on your country of origin. Please double-check the official website before applying.
