How to Apply

How to apply for an F-1 student visa involves a sequence of steps. Note that specific instructions may vary on a case by case basis.

1. First, apply and gain admission to a US school approved by United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) under the Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Any school you contact should be able to tell you immediately whether they are eligible to accept foreign students.

2. Once you receive acceptance from an approved school, the school should provide the appropriate form, depending on the kind of school it is. The form will be either the USCIS Form I-20 A-B/ID: Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status - for Academic schools, or the USCIS Form I-20 M-N/ID: Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status - for vocational colleges.

3. Obtain a Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant Form DS-156, together with a Form DS-158. All non-immigrant visitors to the US must present these forms, which are available from the US Department of State's website.

4. Ensure that you have a valid passport, with an expiry date at least 6 months after the end of your intended stay in the US.

5. Fill out all necessary forms and bring them to the nearest US Consulate designated in your country to process student visa applications. The consulate may request an interview, and will notify you of any additional documents you may need to present. At this point in the visa application process, you will be required to prove that you have the financial resources to pay for your education and stay in the US. You will also at this point want to arrange housing in the US, since when you arrive in the US, you will be asked where you intend to stay.

6. Pay all processing and application fees as requested.

Note: If you have dependants who will be travelling with you, you will need to present documentary proof of your relationship (for instance, marriage and birth certificates).

If you have any questions, or would like further information, contact the USCIS or your nearest US Consulate.