Studying in the United States remains a top goal for international students. However, securing an F-1 student visa requires careful preparation, accurate documentation, and compliance with U.S. immigration rules.
This updated guide explains the complete F-1 visa process, including SEVIS payment, DS-160 submission, visa interview preparation, new social media disclosure requirements, and recent updates like the proposed Visa Integrity Fee. Whether you’re applying for Fall or Spring intake, this step-by-step breakdown will help you avoid delays and stay compliant.
Get Accepted to a SEVP-Approved School
Your F-1 visa journey begins with admission to a school certified under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
After acceptance:
- The school registers you in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
- A Designated School Official (DSO) issues your Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status).
Before proceeding, confirm your school is SEVP-certified by checking the official U.S. Department of Homeland Security Study in the States website.
Important: You cannot apply for an F-1 visa without a valid Form I-20.
Receive Form I-20 & Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee
Once you receive your Form I-20, you must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee before scheduling your visa interview.
Current SEVIS Fee (F-1 Students):
- $350 (subject to change by DHS)
You will need:
- SEVIS ID number (from your I-20)
- School code (listed on I-20)
- Personal information (passport details, date of birth, citizenship)
After payment:
- Print and save your SEVIS I-901 receipt.
- Bring the receipt to your visa interview.
Failure to pay this fee will result in visa refusal.
Complete the DS-160 Online Visa Application
The DS-160 is the required online nonimmigrant visa application form for F-1 students.
You must complete it through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC).
Visa Application Fee:
- $160 nonimmigrant visa application fee (may vary slightly by country due to currency exchange).
Information You’ll Need:
- Valid passport
- SEVIS ID (from I-20)
- U.S. school details
- Travel history (last five visits to the U.S., if applicable)
- Resume or academic background
- Digital photograph
After submission:
- Print the DS-160 confirmation page with a barcode.
- This page is required for your interview.
Social Media Disclosure Requirement (Updated Guidance)
All F-1 applicants must disclose social media identifiers used in the past five years when completing the DS-160.
Key Points:
- You must list usernames/handles for platforms used in the last five years.
- Accounts no longer active must still be disclosed.
- Providing false or incomplete information may result in visa refusal.
Consular officers may review publicly available online information as part of the visa adjudication process.
Important: While official policy requires disclosure of handles, applicants should follow instructions provided by their specific embassy or consulate regarding accessibility of accounts. Requirements may vary by location.
Schedule Your Visa Interview
After submitting the DS-160:
- Pay the visa application fee (if not already completed).
- Schedule your interview at your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Print your appointment confirmation.
Visa Appointment Wait Times
Wait times vary based on:
- Embassy workload
- Seasonal demand
- Staffing levels
Check official U.S. visa appointment wait times before planning travel.
Expedited Appointments
You may request expedited processing in limited situations, such as:
- Program start date approaching
- Medical emergency
- Urgent academic reasons
Approval is discretionary and requires supporting documentation.
Proposed Visa Integrity Fee (FY2026 Update)
Recent U.S. legislation introduced a Visa Integrity Fee that may apply to most nonimmigrant visa categories, including F-1.
What We Know:
- Expected minimum amount: $250
- May apply beginning FY2026
- No official collection system finalized yet
- No waivers anticipated
Possible Reimbursement
Legislative summaries indicate reimbursement may be possible if the visa holder:
- Fully complies with visa conditions
- Leaves the U.S. on time or properly extends/adjusts status
Because implementation details are evolving, applicants should monitor official DHS and Department of State updates.
Attend Your Visa Interview
Bring the following documents:
- Valid passport (at least six months validity beyond stay)
- DS-160 confirmation page
- SEVIS I-901 receipt
- Form I-20
- Visa appointment confirmation
- Visa fee payment receipt
- Passport-style photograph (if required)
Additional Documents May Include:
- Academic transcripts and diplomas
- Standardized test scores
- Proof of financial support
- Statement of intent to return home
Common F-1 Visa Interview Questions
Consular officers typically assess three key areas:
- Genuine intent to study
- Financial ability to fund education
- Nonimmigrant intent (plans to return home)
Common questions include:
- Why do you want to study in the United States?
- Why did you choose this school?
- Who is funding your education?
- What are your plans after graduation?
- Do you have relatives in the U.S.?
Clear, honest, and consistent answers are essential.
Entering the United States
An F-1 visa allows you to travel to a U.S. port of entry but does not guarantee admission.
At the airport, you must present:
- Passport
- F-1 visa
- Form I-20
A U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will determine admissibility.
Entry Timeline:
You may enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the program start date listed on your I-20.
Your electronic Form I-94 will reflect your admission status.
Maintaining F-1 Status in the U.S.
Maintaining status is critical.
You must:
- Maintain full-time enrollment
- Avoid unauthorized employment
- Keep your passport valid
- Update your address within 10 days of moving
- Consult your DSO before any program changes
Grace Period
After completing your academic program, F-1 students generally receive:
- 60 days to depart the U.S.
- Or apply for OPT
- Or transfer to another SEVP school
- Or change status
Failure to maintain status can impact future immigration benefits.
Final Thoughts: Plan Early, Stay Compliant
Applying for an F-1 student visa requires preparation, documentation accuracy, and awareness of evolving policies. From SEVIS payment to interview readiness, each step plays a crucial role in approval.
Always rely on official U.S. government sources and consult your Designated School Official for school-specific guidance.
Staying informed and compliant is the best strategy for a smooth F-1 visa process.
People Also Ask
- How long does it take to get an F-1 student visa?
Processing time varies by country and embassy workload. After the visa interview, most decisions are issued within a few days, but administrative processing can take several weeks in some cases. - When should I apply for an F-1 visa?
Students are generally advised to apply at least 2–3 months before their program start date to allow enough time for appointments, interviews, and processing. - What is the SEVIS fee for F-1 students?
The SEVIS I-901 fee for F-1 students is currently $350, though fees may change, so applicants should verify the amount before payment. - Can I work on an F-1 visa?
Yes, F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full time during scheduled breaks, subject to school authorization. Off-campus employment requires specific authorization. - Is the visa interview difficult for F-1 students?
The interview is usually brief. Officers mainly assess whether the student is a genuine applicant, has sufficient financial support, and intends to follow visa rules. - What documents are required for an F-1 visa interview?
Common documents include:
Valid passport
Visa application confirmation page
SEVIS fee receipt
Admission form (I-20)
Financial documents
Academic records
Requirements may vary slightly by embassy. - Can my F-1 visa be rejected?
Yes, refusals can occur due to incomplete documentation, unclear study plans, insufficient financial proof, or inability to demonstrate intent to return home after studies. - How early can I enter the United States on an F-1 visa?
Students are generally allowed to enter up to 30 days before the program start date listed on their admission document. - Do I need to show proof of funds for an F-1 visa?
Yes, applicants must demonstrate the ability to cover tuition, living expenses, and other costs for at least the first year of study.
10. What happens after completing studies on an F-1 visa?
Most students receive a 60-day grace period to leave the United States, transfer schools, apply for practical training, or change immigration status, depending on eligibility.
