Savanna Hoffman
International students wishing to study in the United States need to obtain a student visa. The most common type is the F-1 visa, which is for full-time international students pursuing academic studies. To obtain an F-1 visa, students must first apply to and be accepted by a school approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Once accepted, students must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and submit the required visa application forms, which are available on U.S. consular websites. In addition, students must provide various documents, including academic records, test scores, evidence of their intent to depart the U.S. after completion of their studies, and proof of financial stability. The final step is a visa interview, after which the F-1 visa will be granted if the application is successful.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa type | F-1 Visa (Academic Student) |
| Who is it for? | International students pursuing full-time academic studies in the USA |
| Requirements | Enrolled in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program; School must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP); Enrolled as a full-time student; Proficiency in English or enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency; Sufficient funds for self-support during the entire course; Maintain a residence abroad with no intention of giving up |
| Application process | Apply to and get accepted by an SEVP-approved school; Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and enroll in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS); Obtain Form I-20 from the school and schedule a visa interview with the U.S. embassy or consulate; Submit required documents and application fee; Attend the visa interview |
| Additional notes | Spouse and/or children accompanying the student must enroll in SEVIS, obtain individual Form I-20s, and apply for a visa; Students may be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) to work for up to 12 months in a related field after graduation |
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What You'll Learn
Enrolling in an SEVP-approved school
SEVP-approved schools are institutions that meet specific federal requirements, allowing them to enrol international students and issue the necessary documentation for obtaining an F1 visa. These schools provide a pathway for international students to gain a high-quality education and access experiential learning opportunities that can enhance their career prospects. They offer diverse academic and career-oriented programs, catering to various interests.
When considering SEVP-approved schools, it is essential to conduct thorough research to find one that aligns with your academic goals, career aspirations, and personal preferences. The official list of SEVP-certified schools, available on the ICE website, is a good starting point. You can filter by state, city, and program type to narrow down your options.
Once you have identified potential schools, review their academic programs, faculty qualifications, and resources. Determine if the school offers hands-on learning opportunities, such as research projects, internships, or cooperative education programs that align with your career goals. Additionally, look for schools that provide dedicated resources for international students, such as guidance on maintaining visa status, cultural adjustment, and professional growth.
After selecting your preferred SEVP-approved school, you will need to apply for enrolment. Once accepted, the school will register you for SEVIS and issue Form I-20, which is required for your visa application. You will then be able to proceed with scheduling your visa interview at a US Embassy or Consulate, where you will present your Form I-20 and other necessary documents.
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Paying the SEVIS I-901 fee
To obtain an F1 visa for international students in the USA, one must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. Here is a step-by-step guide on paying the SEVIS I-901 fee:
Understanding the SEVIS I-901 Fee
The SEVIS I-901 fee is a mandatory payment for all prospective F and M students seeking to study in the United States. SEVIS stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, and the I-901 fee is a part of the process of registering in this system. This fee is typically paid by international students who are applying for a non-immigrant visa, such as the F-1 visa.
Requirements for Paying the Fee
To pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, you will need to provide certain information and documents. This includes your name, address, date of birth, email address, country of birth, and country of citizenship. Additionally, you will need your School Code and SEVIS Identification Number, both of which can be found on your Form I-20 "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status."
Payment Methods
The payment methods for the SEVIS I-901 fee vary depending on your country of citizenship or birth. If you are a citizen or born in Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, or the Gambia, you must pay by money order, Western Union Quick Pay, or a certified check drawn from a US bank. For all other prospective students, you have the additional option of paying by credit card on the FMJfee.com website.
Payment Process
To initiate the payment process, visit FMJfee.com to access the SEVIS Form I-901. You can also find the PDF version of this form on the SEVP website. After filling out the form, you can submit your payment. Remember to print the payment confirmation as proof of your fee payment, which you will need for your visa interview.
Timing of Payment
It is important to note that you should pay the SEVIS I-901 fee before your visa interview. The processing of these fees can take time, so ensure you complete your payment with sufficient lead time. Additionally, if you need to make any corrections or changes to your payment details, email your request at least two weeks before your visa interview to ensure timely processing.
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Applying for the visa
To apply for an F-1 visa, the first step is to apply to and gain acceptance from a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-approved school in the United States. If accepted, you will be registered for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and will need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. The SEVP-approved school will then issue you a Form I-20, which you will present to the consular officer when you attend your visa interview.
Before your interview, you must complete the online application form DS-160, which must be submitted several days before your interview. You will also need to pay a non-refundable visa application fee, and wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season and visa category, so it is recommended that you apply for your visa early.
During your interview, the consular officer will request various documents, including:
- Form I-20
- Academic records, such as transcripts, diplomas, degrees or certificates
- Standardised test scores required by your US institution
- Evidence of your intent to depart the United States upon completion of your course
- Statements proving your ability to pay all educational, living and travel costs
If your application is successful, you will be granted your F-1 visa and acquire F-1 status, allowing you to study in the USA.
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Preparing for the visa interview
Preparing for the F-1 visa interview involves several steps. Here are some tips to help you get ready:
Documents
It is essential to prepare all the necessary documents before your interview. These documents include:
- Form I-20/SEVIS issued by the US university or college you plan to attend.
- Academic records such as transcripts, certificates, diplomas, and degrees.
- Standardized test scores (SAT, TOEFL, etc.) required by your US institution.
- Documents proving your financial and personal ties to your home country, as well as your intention to return after completing your studies.
- Proof of relationship with your sponsor, if applicable (e.g., birth certificate, information about the sponsor's employment, and pay statements).
- Your I-901 SEVIS Fee receipt to prove you submitted your payment.
- Copies of financial documents (such as bank statements) showing you can cover school costs and living expenses (as indicated on your Form I-20).
- School acceptance letter from the institution you will attend.
Appearance
It is important to make a good first impression during your interview. Here are some suggestions to consider:
- Dress formally and professionally.
- Keep accessories and fragrances to a minimum.
- Ensure you are well-groomed, with clean nails, understated makeup, and simple, professional hair.
Interview Questions
The interview will likely be conducted in English, so it is recommended to practice English conversations beforehand. You should be prepared to answer questions about:
- Your reasons for choosing to study in the US and why you selected your specific institution.
- Your academic qualifications and preparedness for the academic program.
- Your ability to finance your education and living expenses.
- Your intention to return to your home country after completing your studies, including any career prospects or future employment opportunities there.
- Your specific intentions, educational objectives, grades, long-term plans, and relationships in your home country.
Timing
Visa interview wait times vary by location, season, and visa category. New students can obtain a visa up to 365 days before the start date of their course but cannot enter the US more than 30 days beforehand. It is advisable to apply early and be mindful of processing times.
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Working after graduation
International students on an F-1 visa are not permitted to work off-campus during their first academic year. However, they may accept on-campus employment, provided they do not exceed 20 hours during the school term. After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment:
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
- Pre-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT)
- Post-completion OPT
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a popular program that allows temporary employment directly related to an F1 student’s major area of study. F1 visa students can apply to receive up to 12 months of total OPT employment authorization. Students may complete this F1 visa work in two different ways: pre-completion OPT before completing academic studies, and post-completion OPT. Students who have graduated with a STEM-related degree can request an additional 24 months of OPT, bringing the total maximum F-1 OPT visa status period to 36 months.
If you are planning to work after graduation, it is important to research your options and plan ahead. There are extensive lead times and complex qualification criteria that require careful planning, and finding an employer sponsor can be challenging. It is recommended that students save their OPT time for working after graduation and decide on their preferred path at least 12 months before graduation. This provides at least 24 months (36 months for STEM) to work out the steps, sponsors, and requirements.
If you are unable to secure a job within 90 days of completing your program, you will be required to leave the US.
Students who receive an OPT extension may also choose to apply for an H-1B visa, also called the Person in Specialty Occupation Visa. To qualify for this work visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Possession of an advanced education degree (four-year BA degree or MA or PhD)
- Correlation between your degree and work experience and your job duties
- Approval of a labor condition attestation (LCA) from the Department of Labor before filing the H-1B petition with Immigration and Naturalization Services
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Frequently asked questions
An F1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows international students to enter the US and study full-time at institutions certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
The requirements for an F1 visa are that you must be enrolled in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program, your school must be approved by the SEVP, you must be enrolled as a full-time student, you must be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency, you must have sufficient funds available for self-support during your studies, and you must maintain a residence abroad.
To apply for an F1 visa, you must first be accepted by an SEVP-approved school. Once accepted, you must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and submit the required visa application forms, which are available on U.S. consular websites. You will then need to schedule an interview with the U.S. embassy or consulate, during which you will be required to present certain documents, including your Form I-20.
The documents you will need for your F1 visa interview include your Form I-20, academic records such as transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates, standardized test scores, evidence of your intent to depart the United States after completing your course, and statements proving your ability to pay all educational, living, and travel costs.
You should apply for your F1 visa well in advance, as it can take several weeks, and occasionally longer, to obtain. F1 visas can be issued up to 120 days before your course start date, but you will only be able to enter the US with an F1 visa 30 days before this date.
