For studying in the U.S.
F-1 Student Visa
F-1 is the main visa for full-time study at an accredited U.S. institution. It allows on-campus work, OPT/CPT practical training, and later transition to a work visa or green card.
Key facts
Duration
Duration of program + 60-day grace period after completion
Cost
$185 visa fee + $350 SEVIS I-901 + tuition
Processing time
I-20 issuance: 2–8 weeks; consular visa: 2–12 weeks
Path to green card
Not direct: via OPT → H-1B → EB-2/EB-3, or through marriage/family
Who this is for
- •You want to study at a U.S. university, college, language school, or high school.
- •You're enrolled full-time in an SEVP-approved program.
- •You can show financial means for one year of tuition and living costs.
- •You can prove non-immigrant intent — ties to your home country and plans to return.
Who this is NOT for
- •You want to work off-campus from day one without OPT/CPT.
- •You plan part-time or evening study (F-1 requires full-time).
- •You're already in green card processing — F-1 requires non-immigrant intent.
Step-by-step process
- 1
Apply to school
Take TOEFL/IELTS, SAT/GRE/GMAT (if required), submit your application, receive your I-20.
- 2
Pay SEVIS I-901
Pay $350 at FMJfee.com and save the receipt.
- 3
Complete DS-160
Online visa application at ceac.state.gov.
- 4
Schedule interview
Book at U.S. embassy. Bring I-20, passport, photo, DS-160, and proof of finances.
- 5
Interview and visa
Show ties to home country and study plan. The visa is stamped in your passport.
- 6
Enter up to 30 days early
You may enter the U.S. no more than 30 days before your I-20 program start date.
Required documents
- ›Form I-20 from the school
- ›SEVIS I-901 receipt ($350)
- ›DS-160 confirmation
- ›Passport (valid 6+ months)
- ›5×5 cm photo per State Department specs
- ›Bank statements covering one year of tuition + living expenses
- ›Diplomas, certificates, transcripts
- ›TOEFL/IELTS, SAT/GRE/GMAT score reports
Common mistakes
- ⚠Weak answer to "why the U.S. and why will you return home".
- ⚠Insufficient funds — you must cover the full first year.
- ⚠Working off-campus without authorization — grounds for F-1 revocation.
- ⚠Dropping below full-time without DSO approval — loss of status.
Frequently asked questions
Can I work on F-1?+
On-campus: up to 20 hours/week during term, full-time during breaks. Off-campus: only via CPT (during studies) or OPT (12 months after, +24 months for STEM).
Can I bring my family?+
Spouse and children under 21 get F-2. They cannot work; spouse cannot study full-time; children can attend school.
Important: This page is a general overview, not legal advice. U.S. immigration law is complex and changes often. Consult a licensed attorney before filing.
Need advice on this visa?
Ask a licensed immigration attorney. Free questions are answered when possible; Premium subscribers get a reply within 48 business hours (Mon–Fri, weekends excluded).