United States student visa guide
The United States F-1 visa is the principal route for full-time international study, built around the SEVIS system, the I-20 form from your school, and proof you can fund your entire first year.
The F-1 student visa allows full-time academic study in the United States. After a SEVP-approved school admits you, it issues a Form I-20, and you must pay the SEVIS fee of 350 dollars to register in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System before booking your interview at the US Embassy or Consulate. The interview is central: a consular officer assesses your study intent and finances in person.
You must demonstrate funds covering your full first-year costs, meaning tuition plus living expenses, through bank statements, sponsor affidavits, or scholarship letters. Language evidence is typically TOEFL 80 and above or IELTS 6.5 and above. The F-1 is prized for its post-study work options, OPT and the STEM extension.
I-20, SEVIS fee, and the interview
Your I-20 is generated once you accept admission and submit financial evidence to the school. You then pay the 350 dollar SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 form, and schedule the visa interview. At the interview you bring the I-20, SEVIS payment receipt, financial documents, and academic records, and you should be ready to explain your programme, funding, and ties to home clearly.
We prepare students for the financial documentation and interview free of charge, focusing on a consistent, well-evidenced story.
Financial proof and work after study
Unlike fixed-figure European routes, the F-1 requires proof of your full first-year cost of attendance, which varies by institution, so check the exact amount on your I-20 and document every funding source. Processing once the interview is scheduled is often four to eight weeks, though interview wait times vary widely by post.
After graduation you can use Optional Practical Training for twelve months, with a thirty-six month STEM OPT extension for eligible science, technology, engineering, and mathematics graduates. Refusals frequently follow weak financial evidence or an unconvincing account of study intent.
Visa facts at a glance
Apply via Common App or directly. I-20 issued by institution after admission. SEVIS fee ($350) required. F-1 visa interview at US Embassy.
| Visa type | F-1 Student Visa (SEVIS) |
| Issuing authority | US Embassy / Consulate |
| Processing time | 4–8 weeks |
| Financial proof | Full 1-year costs (tuition + living) |
| Language requirement | TOEFL 80+ or IELTS 6.5+ |
| Post-study work | OPT: 12 months; STEM OPT extension: 36 months |
Visa application steps
- 1
Receive your admission letter
Apply to a United States university and obtain your acceptance — we help you choose programmes and apply.
- 2
Prepare financial proof
Arrange evidence of Full 1-year costs (tuition + living) as required by the US Embassy / Consulate.
- 3
Gather documents
Passport, admission letter, language certificate, photos and the visa application form.
- 4
Submit & attend appointment
Submit your F-1 Student Visa (SEVIS) application and attend any interview. Processing takes about 4–8 weeks.