USA F1 Student Visa Guide: Application Requirements, How to Apply

Are you right in the middle of the process of transitioning to the US for higher studies? In 2019, more than 200,000 Indian students went to the US for further education, according to the 2019 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange (IIE). Taking into account the huge number of students who apply for an F-1 visa and its low acceptance rate, getting confused while applying for an F-1 visa could be somewhat inevitable.

When attending an F-1 visa student interview, you will be hit with some unexpected questions that might leave you bothered. Although a long process, it is better for you to understand what is an F-1 visa, who needs to get one, financial requirements, among other things. Read on to find all about F-1 visas.

Also Read:  H-1B vs EB-5: Which Visa is Ideal to Study or Work in the US? 

What is an F-1 Visa?

An F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued by the US Department of State to those wishing to study in the US. F-1 visas, granted only in US embassies and consulates outside the US, require students to maintain a full course of study. 

How to Apply for an F-1 Visa?

Here are the steps to follow that will get you your F-1 visa:

Step 1: Get accepted into an education provider in the US

Step 2: Pay Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee and get your I-20

Step 3: Complete the visa application

Step 4: Schedule and get ready for your interview

Step 5: Attend the Interview

Eligibility Criteria for an F-1 Visa

There are not really any eligibility requirements to apply for an F-1 visa but you might have to fulfil the below-mentioned conditions:

• You must have been accepted to an institution approved by the Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

• You must be able to produce evidence of having strong ties to your home country and that you intend to return home when the program ends.

• You must have cleared English languages proficiency tests such as TOEFL or IELTS.

• Lastly, you must be able to prove that you have sufficient funds to cover the expenses of studying and living in the US.  

When to Apply for an F-1 Visa?

A prospective international student can apply for an F-1 visa after he/ she has been accepted to a US institution and the program is to begin within the next 120 days. One cannot apply before that but applying later may lead to delays due to the time required for the visa to get processed. 

Documents Required for an F-1 Visa

Here is a list of documents that you should keep handy at your F-1 visa interview: 

• A valid passport with a validity date at least six months beyond your duration of stay

• Recent passport size photograph

• Payment receipt of application fees for SEVIS

• Form I -20

• Confirmation page of DS-160

• Application as a non-immigrant

The embassy or consulate might ask for additional documents such as the following:

• Your test scores you used for your university application

• Your official school transcripts

• Your diploma and/or degree certificates that you have

• The bank statements you used for your I-20

Also Read: List of Documents Required for USA Visa Application for Indian Students

Hope this article helps you crack your F-1 visa interview? Write to us at abroad@collegedekho.com and simply let us know how it went or clear out your doubts regarding the same.

All the best!