United States Student Visa Guide
F-1 Student Visa
For full-time academic study at an SEVP-certified school. Requires the Form I-20 from your university, SEVIS fee, and a consular interview at a U.S. embassy.
- Application fee
- ~$535
- Processing
- 2–8 weeks (varies by post)
- Validity
- Duration of program (D/S)
- Work rights
- On-campus part-time during studies; OPT (12 mo) + STEM extension (24 mo) after.
Document checklist
- ✓Form I-20 from university
- ✓DS-160 confirmation page
- ✓Visa fee receipt + SEVIS I-901 receipt
- ✓Valid passport (≥ 6 months beyond stay)
- ✓Two recent passport-style photos
- ✓Acceptance letter from university
- ✓Funding proof: bank statements / loan / scholarship
- ✓Academic transcripts + degrees
- ✓Standardized test scores (TOEFL / IELTS / GRE / GMAT)
- ○Sponsor letter / affidavit of support (optional)If funded by family.
- ○CV / resume (optional)
Step-by-step process
- 1
Receive I-20
Your university issues the I-20 once you accept admission and submit financial documents.
- 2
Pay SEVIS I-901 fee
Pay USD 350 at fmjfee.com — print the receipt.
- 3
Complete DS-160
Online non-immigrant visa application. Save the confirmation barcode.
- 4
Pay MRV fee + book interview
Pay the visa fee (USD 185) and schedule the interview at the nearest U.S. embassy.
- 5
Attend interview
Bring all originals + photocopies. Interview lasts 3–5 minutes.
- 6
Track passport return
After approval, your passport is couriered back with the F-1 visa stamp.
Interview tips
- Be concise — answers under 30 seconds.
- Lead with why this specific program at this specific university.
- Show clear post-graduation plans tied to your home country (avoid "I want to stay in the US").
- Have funding numbers memorised: tuition, living, total, source, account balance.
- Speak in English even if your interviewer offers your native language.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Looking unfamiliar with your own program / curriculum.
- Vague or rehearsed-sounding answers.
- Not carrying funding documents in original.
- Volunteering information not asked for.
Practise your United States visa interview
Oxbrivy’s AI mock interview scores your answers and tells you what to improve.
Official source: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/student-visa.html. General guidance only — verify current requirements before applying.