Your Path to U.S. Education
The F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa for individuals who wish to study full-time at an academic institution in the United States, such as a university, college, high school, or language program.
Who Qualifies for Student Visas (F-1)?
- SEVP-Certified School: You must be accepted into a school that is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
- Full-Time Study: You must be enrolled as a full-time student.
- Sufficient Funds: You must prove you have enough money to pay for your tuition and living expenses during your entire program
- Non-Immigrant Intent: You must prove to the consular officer that you have strong ties to your home country and intend to return after your studies are complete.
Step-by-Step Process & Typical Timeline
- Get Accepted: Apply to and get accepted by a SEVP-certified school.
- Receive Form I-20: The school will issue you a Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility”.
- Pay SEVIS Fee: You must pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee online.
- File DS-160: Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160) and pay the visa fee.
- Consular Interview: Attend a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.
- Enter the U.S.: If approved, you can enter the U.S. up to 30 days before your program start date.
Real-world timing: Consular wait times vary, but as of Summer 2025, most student visa interviews are scheduled within 4–8 weeks of paying the fee.
2024-25 Policy Updates
• Interview Waivers Expanded (Jan 2025): The Department of State has expanded its interview waiver program. Many students renewing an F-1 visa may be able to get it without an in-person interview.
• STEM OPT Remote Work (Sept 2024): DHS clarified its rules for F-1 students on STEM OPT extensions, placing new restrictions on remote work and “gig” employment.
Evidence Checklist (for the Embassy)
- Your valid passport
- Signed Form I-20 from your school
- Proof of SEVIS I-901 fee payment
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Financial Evidence (bank statements, affidavit of support, scholarship letters)
- Proof of Ties to Home Country (family assets, a job offer for after graduation, property deeds)
Risks & Practical Tips
- Maintaining Status is Your Job: Once here, you must remain a full-time student. Dropping below a full-time course load without your school’s (DSO) permission is a status violation that can make you deportable.
- Work Authorization: F-1 work is highly restricted. You are limited to 20 hours/week of on-campus work. You need special authorization (CPT or OPT) for any off-campus work or internships.
- The 60-Day Grace Period: After you graduate, you have 60 days to either depart the U.S., start your OPT, or transfer to a new school/degree program.
Next Steps
The consular interview is the most difficult part. We help students prepare a “visa-ready” application and practice for the tough “non-immigrant intent” questions. Contact us for a consultation.
Last updated October 2025. Regulations change frequently—contact us for a personalized assessment.
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.