Before you apply for the F-1 visa, you need to obtain the I-20 form from the university or institution you want to attend. A university or school will only give you admission and the Form I-20 if you satisfy its admission requirements. Each university has its own admission requirements. Check the website of the university or school you want to attend to know its admission requirements before applying for admission. You can also contact the international students’ office or department of the university to find out what is required from you before you are issued an I-20 form. Most schools and universities will require you to provide necessary documents showing that you have sufficient funds to pay for the program and take care of yourself during your study in the U.S. without taking any employment, academic credentials to determine your eligibility for the program, and health insurance to take care of your medical expenses.
Once the school or university is satisfied with your application, you will be issued with the Form I-20, which you will use to apply for an F-1 visa. However, before the Form I-20 is issued, you will be required to pay a non-refundable application fee known as the SEVIS I-901 Fee. Once the payment is made, you will be registered in the SEVIS, which is an acronym for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. The university will now issue you the I-20 form, which the consular officer will ask for on the interview day. You are ready to apply for your F-1 visa when you receive your I-20 form.
F-1 visa application is made at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country of origin or the country of your permanent residence. You can also apply for an F-1 visa at any U.S. Consulate in other countries. However, it is advisable to apply for an F-1 visa in your country of origin or country of permanent residence because it is easier to be issued an F-1 visa if you apply at the country of your origin.
The process of application may not be the same in all countries. So, it is advisable that you check the website of the U.S. Embassy in your country, country of permanent residence, or the country you want to apply from to find out the application process. Generally, applicants are required to pay a non-refundable visa application fee, complete and the print the Form DS-160 after making the visa application payment, and then attend an interview in the U.S. embassy.
The interview is the final stage of the F-1 visa application process. The U.S. embassy or Consulate where you make the application will schedule the interview. The wait time for the interview depends on a number of factors including season, location, type of visa, and others. You are advised to apply for the visa on time in order to avoid any delay. The visa will be issued if you have all the supporting documents and you are able to satisfy the consular officer during the interview.
Note that you can be issued an F-1 visa in advance of 120 days before the date of the beginning of your program. However, you are not allowed to enter the U.S. with the F-1 visa until 30 days before the beginning of your program.
For detailed information on the options available to you and for expert help on your immigration process, you should contact our office and speak with our experienced and professional attorney.