F1 Visa Application Cycle

Visa AppMany students want to study in the United States, but most don’t know where to truly begin. To be legally admitted into the US to attend a university or other academic institution you will need to apply for a F-1 student visa.

The process to obtain your F-1 visa involves 5 specific steps that must be completed thoroughly and with great care. Here is the F1 Visa Application Cycle explained:

1. Be Accepted at an SEVP Approved School

Start by sending out those applications! InternationalStudent.com is a great place to start your school search. You can find schools that fit your criteria and request more information and application details from the schools directly.

2. Pay your SEVIS Fee and Receive your I-20

After you are accepted to the US school of your dreams, you’ll pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee and your school will provide you with an I-20 Form. The I-20 is your preliminary ticket into the US and should be presented during your F-1 Visa interview, described below.

3. Complete the Visa Application

Then, you must complete the F-1 Visa application. This can usually be completed online but it can vary depending on your US embassy.

4. Schedule and Prepare for your Interview

You’ll schedule your visa interview with your US embassy or consulate. It should be scheduled no more than 120 days of your first day of class or study. If issued, you will be able to enter the US up to 30 days before your studies begin.

5. Attend your F-1 Visa Interview

Finally, attend your F-1 visa interview well prepared. Be sure to bring all the appropriate documents, and be prepared to answer these F1 Visa Interview Questions.

Arrow2

Following your interview, all eligible students will be approved at the discretion of the consular office. Enjoy your time in the US!

 

Category: Visa Requirements

Posted by Victoria Troupe

Victoria is currently a marketing specialist with Envisage International. She has had the opportunity to live and study around the world, including Germany, Poland, and China. A native of Wyoming, Victoria received her Bachelor's degree from the University of Wyoming, her MBA from the University of North Florida and her Master's of Intercultural Communication from Fachhochschule Köln, in Cologne, Germany.

Compare plans fitting your coverage needs

Where are you going?

Get updates via email:

Archives