📄 Visa & Immigration
F-1 Visa Guide for International Students (2025–2026)
Everything from the moment you receive your I-20 to the day you land in the US — with checklists for every step.
Start early. Apply at least 4–6 months before your program start date. Embassy wait times vary widely by country and season.
Step 1 — Receive and Verify Your I-20
Your I-20 is issued by your university's Designated School Official (DSO). You cannot apply for an F-1 visa without it.
- Your name matches your passport exactly — no nicknames or spelling differences
- SEVIS ID (starts with N) is clearly printed on page 1
- Program start and end dates are correct
- DSO signature is present
- If anything is wrong, contact your DSO for a corrected I-20 before paying the SEVIS fee
Step 2 — Pay the SEVIS Fee (I-901)
The SEVIS fee is $350 for F-1 students (2025). Pay online at fmjfee.com.
- Enter your SEVIS ID exactly as shown on your I-20
- Save your I-901 payment receipt — you'll need it at your interview and at the US port of entry
- Wait 3 business days before scheduling your visa interview
Warning: Only pay at fmjfee.com directly. Third-party "SEVIS fee" websites are scams.
Step 3 — Complete the DS-160
The DS-160 is the online nonimmigrant visa application. Complete it at the US Department of State website.
- Select F — Student as the visa category (not B-1/B-2 tourist)
- Use your legal name exactly as it appears in your passport
- Upload a passport-style photo with white background
- Save your application ID (starts with AA) — the form times out after inactivity
- Print your DS-160 confirmation page with the barcode
Step 4 — Schedule and Attend Your Interview
Book your appointment at the US Embassy or Consulate in your home country at travel.state.gov. The MRV application fee is $185.
Documents to Bring
- Passport — valid at least 6 months beyond your intended stay
- DS-160 confirmation page (printed)
- Original I-20 signed by DSO
- SEVIS fee receipt (I-901)
- Visa appointment confirmation
- MRV fee receipt
- University admission letter
- Financial documents — bank statements, scholarship letters showing you can cover tuition + living expenses
- Proof of ties to home country — family, property, employment (shows intent to return)
- Previous transcripts and test scores (TOEFL, GRE, etc.)
Most interviews last 2–5 minutes. Be concise, honest, and confident. Common questions: Why this university? How will you fund your studies? What are your plans after graduation?
Arrival Day — Documents to Keep in Your Carry-On
Critical: US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will review these at the port of entry. Never check them in your luggage.
- Passport with F-1 visa stamp
- Original signed I-20
- SEVIS fee receipt
- University admission letter
- Financial documents
- Proof of accommodation (dorm letter, lease, or host family letter)
- Emergency contact numbers
Frequently Asked Questions
How early can I arrive before my program starts?
No more than 30 days before your program start date as shown on your I-20. Arriving earlier risks being turned away at the port of entry.
Does my visa expiration date mean I have to leave by then?
No. F-1 students are admitted "Duration of Status" (D/S). You can stay as long as you maintain valid student status — even after your visa stamp expires. The stamp is only needed to re-enter after traveling abroad.
Can I work in the US on an F-1 visa?
During your first year, you can work on-campus up to 20 hours/week. Off-campus work requires CPT or OPT authorization from your DSO. Working without authorization risks visa revocation.
What if my application is denied?
You'll receive a written reason. Common causes: insufficient financial proof, weak home-country ties, or suspicion of immigrant intent. Address the reason and reapply — many students are approved on a second attempt.
Can I travel internationally while on F-1 status?
Yes, but your I-20 must be valid and signed by your DSO within the past 12 months (6 months on OPT). You also need a valid F-1 visa stamp to re-enter — get a new one before returning if yours expired while you were in the US.