Everything You Must Know About F1 Visa

Many of us want to pursue higher education in the United States of America because of the best quality of education. For this, they must know everything about the F1 visa process.

Many fulfill their dream of studying abroad in the USA, and you can also join them with proper guidance and preparation. To help you in the preparation, we mention the key points for the US embassy for an F1 visa (study visa) in this blog.

What is an F1 visa?

International students can come to the US and study at institutions that are approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) with the help of the F1 student visa, a non-immigrant visa. It is the most common type of student visa for those who are seeking to enroll in a US university or college. You may only apply for an F1 visa once a recognized US institution has accepted your application.

Your stay period will vary according to the program in which you take admission. The I-20 form will mention the expiry date of your program. You have to complete your degree before the expiration of the program. All this will make clear to you how long you can stay in the USA.

Important information You can apply for optional practical training (OPT) directly connected to an F1 student’s major study area. It will allow you to work in the US for up to 12 months in a profession associated with your studies.  You can seek an extra two years of employment in a relevant profession if you are related to STEM graduates. Moreover, you can go back to your native country within 60 days of graduating if you don’t have any extensions or further training.

What are the requirements for an F1 visa?

If you plan to apply for an F1 student visa, there are a few rules you should be aware of. The following requirements must be fulfilled for your application to be approved-

1 Institution certification 

The college or university where you intend to study should be approved by SEVP Immigration & Customs Enforcement

2 English language competence

You must have the minimum level of English language proficiency needed by the institution you are attending.

3 Adequate funding

You must show that you have the resources necessary to pay for your academics and living costs while studying in the US.

4 Full-time enrollment

While your academic term is in session, you must be registered as a full-time student at the institution.

5 Valid passport

For travel to the US, your passport must be valid for at least six months after the end of your program.

How to apply for an F1 visa: Process you must know

1 Obtain acceptance and your I-20

Once you are accepted to a US university recognized by SEVP, the F1 student visa application procedure begins. The US government uses SEVP certification to show that your university is recognized and has the resources necessary to educate you.

Your university will provide your I-20 form once you’ve been accepted. This form outlines your planned course of study and offers relevant details regarding your visit.

When your I-20 is issued, the following data is entered into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)-

• Your program start and end dates
• Your SEVIS ID number
• Your funding sources
• Other personal information
• Your intended program of study
• Cost of attendance at your school of choice

2 Make your SEVIS payment

Your F1 student visa will cost you around $510, which covers the cost of the visa as well as SEVIS processing and maintenance costs. 

Necessities	Your I-20
Fee	$350
Where to apply	For the SEVIS fee, apply through payment

Save the I-901 SEVIS fee receipt. For your visa interview, you will require it.

3 Fulfill DS-160 visa application

Your US visa application is a form DS-160. To get an F1 visa, prospective overseas students must complete a DS-160.

Necessities	Your passport, I-20, photo for your visa, and travel itinerary.
Fee	$160
Where to apply	On the application portal

Your DS-160 will be successfully submitted, and after that, you will get a print confirmation with a barcode. You’ll need this form for your visa interview, so save it.

4 Set an appointment for your visa interview.

Schedule your visa interview at the nearest US embassy or consulate. Assuming that waiting time can last months and vary by country, make sure to schedule your appointments as soon as possible.

5 Give your visa interview.

The US consulate or embassy verifies that you are coming to study as an honest and committed student during the interview phase of the F1 visa application procedure. You must show financial support for your period spent studying in the US and state your intention to return home during the visa interview.

There are very few instances where you are not required to appear in person for your visa interview (e.g., if you are younger than 14 or older than 80 years of age or if you meet certain visa renewal requirements).

Fee	Your DS-160 fee covers the expense.
Where to apply	On the scheduling portal

After completing your visa interview successfully, you will be issued an F1 visa and be given F1 status. Now you are cleared to go to the USA for study!

Final advice

By providing a thorough breakdown of the interview process, Chetanya Career Consultants can assist you in getting ready for your interview. We are there for you throughout the process. You can practice mock interviews with our help.

Contact us and get the doors open for a USA study visa!

FAQ’s

1 Can I stay longer than my visa permit?

You have 60 days to make travel arrangements back to your native country once your visa expires.

2 Can I work in the United States as a foreign student?

Since your visa is a student visa and not a work visa, you are allowed to work as an F1 student only for a short period. While classes are in session, you can work part-time and work full-time during breaks.