Your I-20 is issued by your university's Designated School Official (DSO). You cannot apply for an F-1 visa without it.
Verification Checklist
Name Matches Passport
Check exactly — no nicknames or spelling differences
SEVIS ID (starts with N) 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.
2
Pay the SEVIS Fee (I-901)
The SEVIS fee is $350 for F-1 students (2025). Pay online at fmjfee.com.
Enter SEVIS ID exactly as on I-20
Save your I-901 payment receipt
Wait 3 business days before scheduling your visa interview
Print or screenshot your receipt. You'll need to present this at your visa interview — embassies do not look it up for you.
3
Complete the DS-160
The DS-160 is the online nonimmigrant visa application. Complete it at the US Department of State website.
Category Selection
Select F — Student (or B, OPT if tourist)
Save Often
Save your application ID; starts with AA — times out after inactivity
Photo Specs
Upload a passport-style photo with white background
Final Print
Print confirmation page with the barcode
4
Schedule and Attend Your Interview
Book your appointment at the US Embassy or Consulate. The MRV application fee is $185.
Documents to Bring
Valid Passport
DS-160 Confirmation
Original Signed I-20
SEVIS Fee Receipt (I-901)
Visa Appointment Confirmation
MRV Fee Receipt
University Admission Letter
Financial Documents
Proof of Ties to Home Country
Transcripts & Test Scores
Quick Interview Facts
"Why this university?"
Be specific about your program, research, or professors — not just rankings.
"How will you fund your studies?"
Reference your financial documents. Be clear and concise.
"Plans after graduation?"
Show intent to return home. Mention career plans in your home country.
Arrival Day Checklist
Documents to Keep in Your Carry-On
⚠ CRITICAL: Never check these 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, etc.)
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. Your visa expiration date is just the last date you can use it to enter the US. Once inside, your stay is governed by your I-20 program end date.
Can I work in the US on an F-1 visa?
On-campus work is permitted up to 20 hours per week during school and full-time during breaks. Off-campus work requires authorization — CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT.
What if my application is denied?
You can reapply. Most F-1 denials are under Section 214(b). Strengthen your ties-to-home-country documentation and reapply with more supporting evidence.
Can I travel internationally while on F-1 status?
Yes, with a valid visa, unexpired I-20 with travel signature (signed within 12 months), and valid passport. Re-entry is subject to officer discretion.
Get your personalized arrival plan
Arrive gives you step-by-step guidance tailored to your university, visa type, and home country — all in one free app.
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