Student visa for United States: documents, fees and steps

Documents requested

Valid passport, normally valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay, unless an applicable agreement provides otherwiseConditions and details
The passport must be valid to travel to the United States and, in principle, for at least six months beyond the intended stay. Country-specific agreements waive this validity extension; check whether an agreement applies to your passport. The visa, when required, and admission by CBP remain separate conditions.
Form I-20 "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status", original signed by the student and by the designated school officialConditions and details
All F and M students need a form I-20. The school's designated school official (DSO) issues it once the student is accepted at an institution certified by the SEVP program; the name of the form (academic and language students, or vocational students) determines the type of student visa and the status to maintain. The student and the DSO sign it. The original is expected at the visa interview; the consular officer may accept a copy in limited cases. For a new student, the visa may be issued up to 365 days before the start of the program and entry is possible at the earliest 30 days before. A student who continues their studies and remains enrolled at an SEVP institution and in SEVIS may apply for their visa at any time and enter before classes resume. On entry, present to CBP the signed I-20, kept in the carry-on baggage.
Receipt of payment of the SEVIS I-901 fee (350 USD), printed after payment, to present at the interviewConditions and details
The SEVIS I-901 fee is mandatory and is paid before the issuance of the visa, after receiving the form I-20, because the payment requires information from that form (school code, SEVIS number) and from the student (name, address, date of birth, email, country of birth and of citizenship). The receipt printed after payment is the proof to present at the interview. A third party may pay for the student. For a person whose country of citizenship or of birth is Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria or Gambia, payment is made by money order, Western Union Quick Pay or certified check drawn on a United States bank; others may also pay by credit card on FMJfee.com. Spouses and children applying for an F-2 visa do not pay this fee. To correct the receipt or transfer the payment, a detailed request must be sent by email at least two weeks before the interview.
Electronic nonimmigrant visa application form DS-160, completed and electronically signedConditions and details
Any person applying for a nonimmigrant visa completes the electronic form DS-160 and signs it by checking the “Sign Application” box. This signature binds the applicant to the accuracy of his or her statements, under penalty of perjury. Submission of the form remains mandatory even when the interview is waived. Print the DS-160 confirmation page and bring it to the interview.
Digital identity photograph, uploaded with the DS-160 formConditions and details
Upload a photo meeting Department of State requirements during the DS-160 application. If the upload fails, bring a compliant printed photo to the interview. Also follow the instructions of the consular post.
Payment of the visa application processing fee (185 USD per person), non-refundableConditions and details
The consular fee schedule sets at 185 USD per person the processing fee for a nonimmigrant visa application not based on a petition, excluding category E, which includes the F-1 visa. This fee is neither refundable nor transferable. Issuance fees may be added depending on nationality, on a reciprocity basis.
Proof of sufficient resources for tuition and living expenses during studies (bank statements, sponsor document, scholarship or financial aid letter)Conditions and details
The student must have, themselves or their sponsor, sufficient funds to cover tuition, books, living expenses and travel for the duration of the studies, or convince the consular officer that other arrangements have been made. The institution verifies this proof before issuing the I-20; the student must also bring it to the visa application, and it is advisable to have it on entry to the United States in case a CBP officer wants to see it. Examples cited: family bank statements, sponsor document, financial aid or scholarship letters, letter from an employer indicating the annual salary. Some institutions have particular requirements on acceptable proof.

Depending on your situation

Proof of sufficient English proficiency for the course, unless the program consists solely of English-language studyConditions and details
The consular officer must be convinced that the student, unless they come solely to study the English language, knows enough English to follow the chosen course of study. If their level is insufficient, they may still obtain the visa when the institution offers English courses and has expressly accepted them for a full-time course of study in a language they know, or will enroll them in a combination of courses and English that forms a full-time course of study.
Fingerprint scan, at the request of the consular officerConditions and details
Provide fingerprints according to the instructions of the post and of the consular officer. Digital scans are usually taken during the interview, but the organization of the fingerprinting varies depending on the place of application.
Police certificate (criminal record extract), if the consular officer has reason to believe that a record existsConditions and details
The applicant presents a certificate from the police authorities indicating what their records contain about them when the consular officer has reasons to think that a police record or a criminal record exists. The officer may also require any other document they deem necessary to establish eligibility.

Official fees

F-1 visa: visa application processing fee, per person 185 USD
SEVIS I-901 fee for an F or M visa applicant, full payment 350 USD

Steps

Be accepted into a school certified by the SEVP program and receive the signed I-20 form from the designated school official (DSO).
Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee before the visa interview, with the information from the I-20, then print the payment receipt.
Complete the DS-160 form online, upload the digital photo to it, and sign it electronically.
Pay the visa application fee and make an appointment for the interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country of residence or nationality.
Appear for the interview with the requested supporting documents. Since 1 October 2025, it is generally required at any age, unless a limited waiver applies; follow the post's biometric instructions.
For a new student, enter no earlier than 30 days before the program, with the signed I-20 at hand. If you are continuing your studies, check the return conditions with the DSO.
On arrival, establish your admissibility to the satisfaction of the CBP officer, who sets the period of admission: the length of the program on the I-20 (four years at most) plus 30 days before and 30 days after.
Contact the DSO upon entry to the United States and no later than the program start date on the I-20, then maintain your student status.

Where to apply

SEVP-certified school: designated school official (DSO) who issues the I-20 form and monitors the student's status
FMJfee.com website, indicated by the SEVP program, to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and print the receipt; payment by money order, Western Union or certified check for certain countries
Online application form DS-160 from the Department of State, accessible from the "Visas" pages of U.S. embassies
Consular section of the U.S. embassy or consulate with jurisdiction over the place of residence, for the interview and visa issuance
Point of entry to the United States: inspection by a CBP officer, who decides on admission and records the period of admission

Good to know

Fixed period of admission since the DHS final ruleConditions and details
According to the final rule published by DHS on 17 July 2026, with an effective date of 15 September 2026 subject to Congressional review, F students are admitted for a fixed period and no longer for the duration of status: the duration of the program listed on the I-20, four years at most, plus 30 days to arrive and 30 days to depart. Students in English language programs are limited to 24 months of admission, plus 30 days of preparation for departure, and those in public high schools to 12 months in total. The SEVP program pages must be updated on the effective date of the rule.
Extend one's stay, change program or schoolConditions and details
A student who needs more time than the admission date listed must apply for an extension of stay to USCIS, with form I-539, after obtaining from their DSO an updated I-20, or leave the United States and obtain a new period of admission from CBP on their return. For programs below the master's level, one may not change level of study, nor specialty, nor school during the first year, except for an exception of the SEVP program; at the master's level and above, one may not change level, nor specialty, nor generally school during the program. One must speak to their DSO before any step.
Dates to respect for the visa and entryConditions and details
For a new student, the visa may be issued up to 365 days before the start of the program; entry with this visa is possible at the earliest 30 days before. Students who continue their studies, remain enrolled at an SEVP institution and in SEVIS may obtain the visa at any time and enter before classes resume. Check the I-20, the visa and the DSO's instructions before traveling.
Visa application in the country of residence or of nationalityConditions and details
The Department of State asks to make the interview appointment at the United States embassy or consulate of the country of residence or of nationality. The application is filed with the post competent for the place of residence; a post of the place of presence may sometimes accept the application. The application fee is neither refundable nor transferable.
Social media accounts in public modeConditions and details
Persons who apply for an F, M or J visa (as well as other categories, including H-1B) are invited to set the privacy of all their social media accounts to "public" or "open", in order to facilitate the verifications necessary to establish their identity and their admissibility to the United States.
Entry suspensions for 39 countriesConditions and details
Since 1 January 2026, Proclamation 10998 suspends or limits entry and visa issuance for nationals of 39 countries and holders of travel documents of the Palestinian Authority. It targets persons who were outside the United States and without a valid visa on that date. The categories concerned and the exceptions vary by country; visas valid on the effective date are not revoked under this proclamation. Affected persons may file an application and appear for an interview, with no guarantee of issuance or admission.
Conditions to be classified as an F-1 studentConditions and details
To issue the visa, the consular officer must be convinced that the student has been accepted at an institution approved by DHS for a full-time course of study and presents a completed and signed I-20, that they have sufficient funds or other arrangements for their expenses, that they know enough English (unless the program consists solely of English-language study) and that they intend and are able to leave the United States at the end of their student status. The acceptance information is verified in the SEVIS database before the issuance of the visa.
Possible bondConditions and details
In borderline cases, the consular officer may require the deposit of a bond with the Secretary of Homeland Security in an amount sufficient to guarantee that the student will leave the United States at the end of their studies or if they do not maintain their student status.
Work during and after studiesConditions and details
An F student may work only when authorized to do so by their DSO or, in certain cases, by USCIS. Working without authorization requires immediately leaving the United States and may prevent returning there. F students may benefit from curricular practical training (CPT), which must be an integral part of the program and directly related to the specialty, and from optional practical training (OPT) during or after the program.
Maintain one's student statusConditions and details
Attend all classes, progress normally and maintain full-time enrollment; consult the DSO before any change or travel. The new fixed period of admission provides 30 days to prepare for departure after studies or practical training. A transitional regime maintains a 60-day departure period for students admitted for the duration of status (D/S) and present in the United States on the effective date: they may stay until the end of the I-20 or of the OPT/STEM OPT valid on that date, within the limit of four years, plus these 60 days. Travel and a new admission may cause a switch to the fixed regime; consult the DSO.
Spouse and children: F-2 visaConditions and details
The spouse and minor children of an F-1 student may receive an F-2 visa if the consular officer is convinced that they are accompanying the student or will join them, that sufficient funds cover their expenses in the United States and that they will leave the country at the end of the student's status. F-2 visa applicants do not pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.
Canada, Bermuda and freely associated statesConditions and details
Canadian citizens generally benefit from a visa exemption; the admission formalities specific to study or work remain to be respected. For Bermuda, the Department of State indicates an exemption limited to 180 days, with exceptions: check longer stays with the consulate. Citizens of Micronesia, the Marshall Islands and Palau admitted under the Compacts may study and work without this visa, under the conditions of those agreements; nationality alone is not sufficient in all cases. Consult the official pages to prepare the appropriate route.
Entry not guaranteedConditions and details
The visa does not guarantee entry: on arrival, the CBP officer verifies admissibility. A finding of inadmissibility may lead to removal proceedings, affect future entries, and cause the visa to be canceled.

Nationalities covered

This procedure applies to 243 nationalities.

Afghanistan
Åland Islands
Albania
Algeria
American Samoa
Andorra
Angola
Anguilla
Antarctica
Antigua and Barbuda
Argentina
Armenia
Aruba
Australia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Bahamas
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belarus
Belgium
Belize
Benin
Bhutan
Bolivia
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Bouvet Island
Brazil
British Indian Ocean Territory
British Virgin Islands
Brunei
Bulgaria
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cambodia
Cameroon
Cape Verde
Caribbean Netherlands
Cayman Islands
Central African Republic
Chad
Chile
China
Christmas Island
Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Colombia
Comoros
Congo
Cook Islands
Costa Rica
Côte d'Ivoire
Croatia
Cuba
Curaçao
Cyprus
Czechia
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Denmark
Djibouti
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Ecuador
Egypt
El Salvador
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Estonia
Eswatini
Ethiopia
Falkland Islands
Faroe Islands
Fiji
Finland
France
French Guiana
French Polynesia
French Southern Territories
Gabon
Gambia
Georgia
Germany
Ghana
Gibraltar
Greece
Greenland
Grenada
Guadeloupe
Guam
Guatemala
Guernsey
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Guyana
Haiti
Heard Island and McDonald Islands
Honduras
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Ireland
Isle of Man
Israel
Italy
Jamaica
Japan
Jersey
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kiribati
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Latvia
Lebanon
Lesotho
Liberia
Libya
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Macao
Madagascar
Malawi
Malaysia
Maldives
Mali
Malta
Martinique
Mauritania
Mauritius
Mayotte
Mexico
Moldova
Monaco
Mongolia
Montenegro
Montserrat
Morocco
Mozambique
Myanmar
Namibia
Nauru
Nepal
Netherlands
New Caledonia
New Zealand
Nicaragua
Niger
Nigeria
Niue
Norfolk Island
North Korea
North Macedonia
Northern Mariana Islands
Norway
Oman
Pakistan
Palestine
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Philippines
Pitcairn Islands
Poland
Portugal
Puerto Rico
Qatar
Réunion
Romania
Russia
Rwanda
Saint Barthélemy
Saint Helena
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Martin
Saint Pierre and Miquelon
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Samoa
San Marino
São Tomé and Príncipe
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Serbia
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Singapore
Sint Maarten
Slovakia
Slovenia
Solomon Islands
Somalia
South Africa
South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
South Korea
South Sudan
Spain
Sri Lanka
Sudan
Suriname
Svalbard and Jan Mayen
Sweden
Switzerland
Syria
Taiwan
Tajikistan
Tanzania
Thailand
Timor-Leste
Togo
Tokelau
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Tunisia
Türkiye
Turkmenistan
Turks and Caicos Islands
Tuvalu
U.S. Outlying Islands
U.S. Virgin Islands
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
United Kingdom
Uruguay
Uzbekistan
Vanuatu
Vatican City
Venezuela
Vietnam
Wallis and Futuna
Western Sahara
Yemen
Zambia
Zimbabwe

Official links

Department of State — Student Visa (new tab) travel.state.gov
Students and the Form I-20 | Study in the States (new tab) studyinthestates.dhs.gov
Paying the I-901 SEVIS Fee | Study in the States (new tab) studyinthestates.dhs.gov
Code of Federal Regulations — 22 CFR § 22.1 « Schedule of fees » (new tab) www.govinfo.gov
Financial Ability | Study in the States (new tab) studyinthestates.dhs.gov
Code of Federal Regulations — 22 CFR partie 41 « Visas: Documentation of Nonimmigrants » (new tab) www.govinfo.gov
Final Rule: Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure Quick Facts | Study in the States (new tab) studyinthestates.dhs.gov
Visas - U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Morocco - Use our new U.S. Visa Wizard! (new tab) ma.usembassy.gov
Department of State — Suspension of Visa Issuance (new tab) travel.state.gov
Maintaining Status | Study in the States (new tab) studyinthestates.dhs.gov
Department of State — Citizens of Canada and Bermuda (new tab) travel.state.gov
USCIS — Citizens of Micronesia and the Marshall Islands (new tab) www.uscis.gov
USCIS — Citizens of Palau (new tab) www.uscis.gov
Admission into United States | U.S. Customs and Border Protection (new tab) www.cbp.gov
Department of State — Interview Waiver Update (new tab) travel.state.gov
I-901 SEVIS Fee | ICE (new tab) www.ice.gov

Free, with or without an account

Free, no account needed

The entry rule for your nationality
The list of documents for your situation

Get my document list

With a free account

Your saved cases
Your documents to tick off: to prepare, in progress, declared available
A summary to print or save as a PDF

Create a free account