F1 Visa USA for International Students

To apply for the F-1 Visa, you must fulfil some requirements.

• SEVP Immigration & Customs Enforcement must authorize the college or university where you intend to study.

• You must be enrolled as a full-time student at the university for the academic semester.

• It is necessary to have an English Language Proficiency certificate to apply for a US Visa.

• You must prove that you have sufficient funds to cover your education and living costs while in the United States.

• You must have a valid passport till the end of the course.

• You must have a domicile in your native country to which you will return after completing your degree.

Are you ready to apply for the F-1 Visa?

Your F-1 Visa Process will be completed in 5 easy steps.

Step 1 - Get an Offer Letter from SEVP Certified Institution

To apply for the US Student Visa, you must have an offer letter from the SEVP Certified University. Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification is a method for the US government to demonstrate that your university is accredited and has the necessary resources to provide you with an education.

Step 2 - Accept the Letter and Pay the Fee to Get the I-20 Form

Once you accept the university offer, you are expected to pay the initial tuition deposit to the university, you will submit proof of your finances. Once this is verified, then you are issued with an I20.

Step 3 - Create Your SEVIS ID and Pay the Fee

When your I-20 is issued, the following information is logged in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

• SEVIS ID Number

• Course Duration and Date

• Your Intended Program of Study

• Funding Sources

• Cost of Attendance at Your School Of Choice

• Other Personal Information

Pay $350 as the SEVIS fee and save the receipt. You will also need to pay $160 for the visa. Save the receipts for your visa interview.

Step 4 - Complete your DS-160 Visa Application

Fill your application of DS-160 and successfully submit it. You will get a printed confirmation with a barcode. Save this form to appear in the Visa Interview.

Note - To get an F-1 visa, it is important for all international students to submit a DS-160. Your DS-160 and SEVIS ID will be used to schedule your interview.

Step 5 - Schedule & Attend your Visa Interview

Once you have completed the above processes, find the nearest US Embassy or consulate and schedule your visa interview. Attend your visa interview. If the embassy finds your profile & documents accurate, then you will get the F-1 Student Visa.

You must have some required documents during your interview.

• A passport

• A photo you'll be using for your visa

• Copies of your DS-160 and I-901 SEVIS payment confirmations in print

• I-20 form Official school transcript and test results stated on your university application

• Diploma (if appropriate)

• Bank statements or other financial documentation

Sometimes, it may be possible that the consular officer requests you for additional documents.

• Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, and certificates from colleges you have attended

• Standardized test scores required by the American university

• Proof of your intention to leave the United States after completing your program of study

You can expect these questions during your interview:

• Are you a legitimate student?

• Why did you choose the course you did?

• Do you have enough money to pay for your studies?

• Do you intend to return home after finishing your degree?

• Why did you choose this particular university?

• Which other universities in the United States did you apply to?

• How are you going to pay for your education?

• Do you have family in the United States?

• Do you intend to work while in the United States?

• What are your plans after graduation?

If you have any queries regarding your F-1 Student Visa, then you can share them with us through email at application02@meridean.org, or you can reach us on our toll-free number 1800-1230-00011.

Over the years, Meridean Overseas has helped students achieve their goal of studying abroad. Our experts continuously guide the students to write a strong SOP for university applications and visas.

If you have STEM F-1 Visa, then it will be valid for 5 years. For Non-STEM F-1 Visa, it will be valid for 3 years. You can apply for up to 1 year of Curricular Practical Training.

Additionally, after you graduate you will be permitted to stay up to 2 years to complete your Optional Practical Training.

Yes, you will be permitted to work in the United States while on an F-1 student visa, but you must adhere to the following F-1 visa requirements and restrictions:

• When your academic year is in session, you can only work part-time on campus.

• You are only permitted to work a maximum of 20 hours each week.

• With your university's permission, you might be permitted to work off-campus.

• During breaks you may work up to 40 hours per week.

It may be possible that the embassy will not accept your visa application because of your intent to remain in the US after completing your course, financial issues, suspicious university, degree, and goals. If your visa gets denied, you may appeal.