Who is eligible for F1 visa?

You may enter in the F-1 or M-1 visa category provided you meet the following criteria: You must be enrolled in an “academic” educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program. Your school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, Immigration & Customs Enforcement.

The F1 Visa allows eligible international students who wish to attend a full course of study at colleges, universities, and high schools in the United States. The academic institution attended must be certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). In addition, this student visa can be used by foreign nationals coming to the country to attend a language training program.

While in the country, international students are free not only to study and live in the United States but they can also travel abroad without losing their visa status. In addition, F1 visa holders can open a bank account and obtain a driver’s license.

Furthermore, the F1 Visa cannot be used to attend publicly funded adult education programs. Those who would like to pursue a course of study that is not academic, such as post-secondary vocational or business schools, should apply for an M-1 Visa.

The Student Visa does not have an annual cap, meaning that the visa application can be processed as soon as it is submitted which is only a few business days.

What are the F1 Visa requirements?

To be eligible for this student visa, international students must meet the following requirements:

  • They have been accepted as an international student by an educational institution in the United States approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Along with a letter of acceptance, they must receive a Form I-20 from their SEVP approved school.
  • Prove adequate English proficiency. Those who are applying as participants in a language training program may be exempt from this requirement
  • Be able to demonstrate sufficient funds to cover at least the first year of study
  • Have non-immigrant intent. This means that the foreign student must be able to prove to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that they have strong ties to their home country. In addition, they must also be willing to leave the U.S. upon their program completion
  • Have a valid passport

    How to apply for an F1 Student Visa?

    If you would like to apply for a student F1 visa, you will first need to apply to a SEVP-approved academic institution. For a list of SEVP-certified schools, you should go to Study in the States to search for a list of approved academic institutions.

    You must then be registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) where you will need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. After the SEVIS fee payment has been made, you will then be issued Form I-20 from your school.

    If you have eligible dependents (spouses and unmarried children under 21) that you would like to bring with you to the US, they must also enroll in SEVIS to obtain their individual I-20 Forms for their dependent F2 visas. Dependents do not need to pay the SEVIS fee.

    You may then begin the F-1 visa application process at your nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. To do this, the visa applicants will need to complete Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application), submit supporting documentation, and attend a visa interview.

    What are the required documents for an F1 Visa?

    You can file your application form online or at your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate. For the F1 Visa, you will need the following supporting documents to make your visa application:

    • Form DS-160 (Nonimmigrant Visa Application) confirmation page
    • Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status)
    • A copy of your passport (valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay with at least one blank page)
    • Application fee payment receipt
    • Two passport-sized pictures that comply with the USCIS standards
    • Documents concerning your previous education and academic qualifications such as standardized test scores, diplomas, original transcripts, etc
    • Income tax documents or original bank statements to disclose your financial situation
    • Scores from English standardized tests, such as TOEFL or IELTS
    • Evidence of your intent to depart from the U.S. at the end of your studies

    The F1 Visa interview

    The last step of your application is an interview, which is required to determine whether or not you qualify for a Student Visa. If you are abroad, this will take place at your nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

    At this visa interview, the consular officer will review your documents and ask you questions about your academic qualifications and choice of university. They will ask questions about the course you are planning to take, as well as your reasons behind opting to study in the US.

    You will be required to demonstrate your willingness to return to your home country at the end of your course of study and future plans.

    Most importantly, you will need to prove that you have enough means to finance your education and your life in the U.S. The interviewer may ask about your income, who is sponsoring your education and how you plan to cover living expenses while studying.

    Attending a visa interview can be daunting so make sure you prepare in advance. Try to keep your answers concise and factual.