Who the F-1 is for
#- Students accepted to a SEVP-certified U.S. school
- Applicants pursuing a full-time academic program
- Students who can show required financial and academic documents
Maintaining status and work rules
#F-1 status has ongoing requirements (full-time enrollment, address updates, and program end dates). Work options like CPT or OPT require school authorization.
Requirements checklist (high level)
#- Form I-20 issued by the school
- SEVIS fee payment (when required)
- Completed DS-160 for the visa application
- Consular interview and required documents
Documents and evidence
#Common documents include your passport, Form I-20, DS-160 confirmation, and evidence tied to your program and finances. Check the official student visa guidance for details.
U.S. documents checklistF-1 student visa checklistF-2 dependent visa overviewReview the DS-160 form guideStep-by-step overview
#- Receive Form I-20 from your SEVP-certified school.
- Pay the SEVIS fee (if required) and complete the DS-160.
- Schedule and attend a visa interview at a U.S. consulate.
- After issuance, travel per official entry guidance.
Fees (verify before you pay)
#F-1 applicants typically pay the Department of State visa application fee and a SEVIS fee. Always verify current amounts on official sites.
Last verified: 2026-02-02 • Visa fee schedule (Department of State)
Last verified: 2026-02-02 • SEVIS fee information (DHS)
Processing times
#Interview availability and processing times vary by consulate. Use the official wait times tool for your location.
Last verified: 2026-02-02 • Visa appointment wait times (Department of State)
Common mistakes that cause delays
#- Applying before receiving the Form I-20
- Missing SEVIS payment confirmation
- Submitting incomplete or inconsistent DS-160 details
Next steps
#Use Find My Visa to build a sequenced plan with official sources and deadlines.
FAQs
Do I need a Form I-20 to apply for an F-1 visa?
Yes. F-1 applicants must have a Form I-20 from a SEVP-certified school before applying for the visa.
Where can I check interview wait times?
Use the Department of State’s wait times tool for the embassy or consulate where you will apply.
Is the SEVIS fee required?
Most F-1 applicants must pay the SEVIS fee before the interview. Always confirm requirements on the official SEVIS guidance.
Can F-1 students work in the U.S.?
F-1 students can work on campus and may be eligible for CPT or OPT with school authorization. Unauthorized work can jeopardize status.
Sources
Last reviewed: 2026-01-29
- Student visa (Department of State)
- Study in the States (DHS)
- SEVIS fee information (DHS)
- Visa interview information (Department of State)
- Visa denials (Department of State)
- DS-160 online application (Department of State)
- Visa fee schedule (Department of State)
- Visa appointment wait times (Department of State)
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. VisaMind turns uncertainty into a sequenced checklist with official source citations.
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