How to Provide an F1 Visa
- 1). Gain admission to a school accredited by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Most colleges and universities qualify for an academic (F-1) visa. But double-check before applying to be sure. The SEVP division of Immigration and Customs Enforcement maintains a website where you can locate schools that are approved for F-1 visas. That website is listed in the resources below. Once you have located an accredited school, you have to gain an offer of admission to that school.
- 2). Request an immigration Form I-20 from the school. Unlike many other immigration forms, the I-20 is not filled out by the person who wants to come to the U.S. The school fills it out and certifies that it is prepared to enroll the student and keep track of the student during the course of study. Contact the school's international students' office for assistance in getting the I-20.
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The SEVIS fee is one of two necessary fees before your visa will be approved.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
Pay the online fee for the Students and Exchange Visitors Information System (SEVIS). The SEVIS system is designed to keep track of students who are traveling to the U.S. or are in the U.S. either as exchange students, academic students or vocational students. You can pay your SEVIS fee online and simultaneously submit an I-901 application to register in the system. You will need to provide proof of paying your SEVIS fee when you apply for a visa. - 4). Apply for the F-1 student visa by using the Department of State's online application for non-immigrant visas. The online DS-160 application is the only way to apply for a student visa. The form will ask for information that will allow the Department of State to consider your request, contact you for questions, and schedule your interview to see if you qualify for a visa. You have to pay a separate visa application fee of $140 to request a non-immigrant visa.
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A consular officer will interview you at the U.S. embassy in your home country.Comstock Images/Comstock/Getty Images
Go to the U.S. embassy in your country for an interview. After your application has been received, but no more than 120 days before you start school, a consular officer at the U.S. embassy will interview you to make sure that you have submitted all the right documents. In addition, the consular officer's duties include making sure that people applying for non-immigrant visas are really planning to return to their home after their visit. The officer might ask for proof that you will keep a home in your country, or that you have other evidence that you intend to return. You also will likely need to prove you will be able to support yourself and pay for the course of study at your school. - 6
An immigration officer will review your passport and visa upon arrival.Digital Vision/Digital Vision/Getty Images
Travel to the U.S. You may travel to the U.S. no more than 30 days before you begin school. You will need your passport and visa. Upon arrival, you will fill out a Form I-94 to record your arrival into the county. The immigration inspector will keep part of the I-94 as a record of your arrival, and give you back the other half with a date of your maximum stay in the country. You will need to give back that second half when you leave the country, so keep it in a safe place.
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