How to Apply for an F1 Visa

apply-for-f1-visa-image
Step 1: Documentation Support and Receipt of I-20 Form

Submit the application form and a few supporting documents (such as a copy of your passport and bank statement in English) to the institute where you will be studying. The school will confirm the application form and required documents and send the I-20 Form to the student by international mail/email once everything is cleared. This is a very important document for your arrival and stay in the United States.

Step 2: Online documentation and payment of fees related to student visa application

You must register online and pay the SEVIS fee. SEVIS is the identity management program for international students. The SEVIS fee receipt is required for visa issuance and entry into the United States, so keep it secure. After paying the SEVIS fees, you must complete and submit the online DS-160 Form, a US nonimmigrant visa application. DS-160 Submission Confirmation is required for visa interview.

Step 3: Visa Interview

After paying the visa fee, apply for a visa interview online at the visa interview application site by specifying the date that you can attend an interview. Provide your identification documents, financial documentation, and other required documents, including the DS-160 Form. After checking the material for the visa interview and preparing for it, you will attend the visa interview at the US Embassy in your home country.

Step 4: Prepare for admission and entrance into the United States

If you are successful, you will be required to enter the language school and prepare for your stay in the United States (you must enter the US within 30 days of the start date of your I-20 Form). You should contact the language school to discuss the start date, lodging/homestay, insurance, airport pickup, etc., and purchase your flight ticket. As soon as you arrive in the United States, you will immediately visit the language school and discuss your needs for language education and student support services.