Studying in United States
- pre_application Blocks your application
Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility)
Your school issues Form I-20 once your details are in SEVIS. You must bring it to the visa interview.
- When
- after_offer
travel.state.gov · 2026-08-17 · U.S. Department of State / SEVP
Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status-For Academic and Language Students, Form I-20. Your school will send you a Form I-20 once they have entered your information in the SEVIS database.
- pre_application Blocks your application
Acceptance at a SEVP-approved school
You must be accepted by a school approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program before you can apply for a student visa. Studying on a visitor visa is not permitted.
- When
- before_application
travel.state.gov · 2026-08-17 · U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (SEVP) / Department of State
The first step to studying in the United States is apply to a SEVP-approved school in the United States. You must have a student visa (F or M visa) to travel to the United States to study. You may not study on a visitor visa. Study leading to a U.S. conferred degree or certificate is not permitted o
- visa Blocks your application
DS-160 online visa application and interview
You must complete Form DS-160 online, pay a USD 185 application fee, and attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Costs
- USD 185
- When
- with_application
travel.state.gov · 2026-08-17 · U.S. Department of State
Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160. You must: 1) complete the online visa application, and 2) print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview. Application Fee $185. Interviews are generally required for visa applicants with certain limited exceptions. Wait time
- financial_proof Blocks your application
Evidence of funds and intent to depart
The consular officer may require evidence of your academic preparation, how you will pay all educational, living and travel costs, and your intent to leave the United States after study.
- When
- with_application
travel.state.gov · 2026-08-17 · U.S. Department of State
A consular officer will interview you to determine your qualifications for a student visa, and may request additional documents, such as evidence of: Your academic preparation, such as: Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended; and Standardized test scores required b
- fee_status Blocks your application
I-901 SEVIS fee
F and M visa applicants must pay a USD 350 I-901 SEVIS fee. It is separate from the visa fee and from any school charges, and non-payment can lead to a terminated record and denial of entry.
- Costs
- USD 350
- When
- before_travel
www.ice.gov · 2026-08-17 · U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (SEVP)
In 2004, Congress mandated all nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors must pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee, which funds the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and SEVIS. This fee is separate from visa fees and school SEVIS administration fees. I-901 SEVIS Fee F or M visa applicants (full payme
- visa
Visa issue timing (365 days before start)
A student visa for a new student can be issued up to 365 days before the course start date, so an early interview is possible and advisable.
- Takes
- 365d
- When
- before_travel
travel.state.gov · 2026-08-17 · U.S. Department of State
New Students – Student (F and M) visas for new students can be issued up to 365 days before the start date of a course of study.