Most likely you will applying for an F1 Visa, which is for International Students who will be attending an University in the United States. F-1 students must maintain the minimum course load for full-time student status. They can remain in the US up to 60 days beyond the length of time it takes to complete their academic program, unless they have applied and been approved to stay and work for a period of time under the OPT Program
F1 Visa Qualifications
In order to qualify, applicants need to satisfy and prove several strict criteria during an F1 visa interview, including the following:
- Foreign Residence
- F-1 applicants must have a foreign residence and must intend to return there upon the completion of their studies.
- Sponsoring Institution
- While on your F-1 visa, you may only study at the academic institution through which the visa was granted.
- Financial Support
- Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial support — the Study USA Financing Guide can help you prepare for this aspect of your time abroad.
- Ties to Home Country
- All applicants must demonstrate that they have strong ties to their home country.
Strong ties consist of, but are not limited to, the following:- A job offer letter upon completion of studies
- Assets (i.e., house, land, vehicle, etc.)
- Bank accounts
- Family
How to Apply for an F1 Visa
Admission Requirements
Different universities have different admission policies. Your university will tell you what they need to determine if you are academically eligible. Don’t worry, we will help you with this!
Among other requirements, you will need to show the school that you have enough money to support yourself while studying without having to work and you may have to show health insurance in order to cover any medical expenses should you need any medical assistance. Once the university has determined that your application is complete and you are academically eligible, they will issue an I-20 form to enable you to apply for your student visa.
Where to Apply for Your F1 Visa
Applicants for student visas should generally apply at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction over their place of permanent residence. This will normally be your home country — the country in which you live. Although visa applicants may apply at any U.S. consular office abroad, it may be more difficult to qualify for the visa outside the country of permanent residence.
Find a U.S. Embassy or Consulate
Items to Provide With Your Application
Although the process may vary or require additional steps, depending on your country and embassy or consulate, you will need the following when applying for your student visa:
- Application Fee
- You will have to pay a non-refundable application fee. This means that if your visa does not get approved, you will not get your money back.
- Form DS-160
- All applicants will need to complete and submit DS-160, the online application for a non-immigrant visa.
- Form DS-157
- A DS-157 form for all males aged 16-45.
- Valid Passport
- A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States. If more than one person is included in the passport, each person desiring a visa must make an application.
- Photos
- You can upload a digital photo that is:
- In color
- Sized such that the head is between 1 inch and 1 3/8 inches (22 mm and 35 mm) or 50% and 69% of the image’s total height from the bottom of the chin to the top of the head
- Taken within the last 6 months to reflect your current appearance
- Taken in front of a plain white or off-white background
- Taken in full-face view directly facing the camera
- With a neutral facial expression and both eyes open
- Taken in clothing that you normally wear on a daily basis