What is an F-1 student visa?

If you’re planning to study in the United States, you’ll probably need an F-1 visa. This student visa lets you attend a U.S. college, university, high school, or language program full-time and experience life in the U.S. as an international student.

The process can feel a little overwhelming at first, but don’t worry—at Manifest, we can help you navigate the process from start to finish. In this guide, you’ll learn who’s eligible for an F-1 visa, how to apply, what documents to prepare, and what to expect at your interview and beyond.

The F-1 visa allows international students to study full-time at a U.S. school. This includes universities, colleges, high schools, seminaries, conservatories, and language training programs. It’s designed specifically for people whose main goal is education—not permanent residence or full-time work—so it’s classified as a nonimmigrant visa .

With the F-1 visa, you can stay in the U.S. for the entire length of your academic program, plus any approved breaks, as long as you maintain your student status. It also allows you to gain practical experience and training through on-campus jobs or internships, if you meet certain additional requirements.

What are the eligibility requirements for an F-1 student visa?

If you’ve been accepted to a full-time academic or language program at a U.S. school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) , you may be eligible to apply for an F-1 visa. The Department of Homeland Security officially approves these schools to enroll international students, and you can check if a school is certified on the DHS website .

To qualify for an F-1 visa, you must meet several key criteria :

• Acceptance at an SEVP-approved institution: This can be a college, university, private and public high K-12 schools.
• Full-time enrollment: You must intend to pursue full-time study in a qualifying program. Note that there are different definitions of what qualifies as “full-time” depending on the type of school you’re planning to attend.
• English proficiency: Show that you can read, write, and speak English, usually through tests like TOEFL or IELTS, or enroll in courses that will help you achieve proficiency.
• Financial stability: You need adequate funds to cover tuition, fees, and living expenses for your entire study period.
• Ties to your home country: Since F-1 is a temporary visa, you’ll need to prove you’ll return after finishing your studies and maintain a permanent residence abroad.
• Academic or language focus: If your program is vocational or technical training requires an M-1 visa instead.

What is the application process for an F-1 student visa?

Applying for an F-1 visa involves several steps. While the exact order may vary by U.S. embassy or consulate, this is a good roadmap to help you understand what to expect. Always check the U.S. Department of State website for the latest instructions.

Step 1: Apply and get accepted to an SEVP-approved school

Only schools approved by SEVP can issue Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status), the official document you need to apply for your F-1 visa. Make sure you are accepted before moving forward with the visa process.

Step 2: Register with SEVIS and pay the I-901 fee

SEVIS stands for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, which is the U.S. government’s system for tracking international students.

Paying the I-901 SEVIS fee registers your information in their system and lets the government know you plan to study in the U.S.

Step 3: Receive Form I-20

After your school sends you Form I-20, you’ll pay the SEVIS fee . This form confirms your acceptance and provides details about your program, start and end dates, and financial information.

Double-check that all the information is correct, as you’ll need it for your visa interview and for entering the U.S.

Step 4: Complete Form DS I-160

Form DS-160 is the online application form used by the U.S. Department of State for all nonimmigrant visas, including the F-1 student visa.

It’s specifically for people applying from outside the U.S. who will need to go through the visa stamping process in their home country.

Step 5: Schedule your interview and prepare your documents

Book your visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.

Step 6: Attend your visa interview

The interview is usually brief, but it’s your chance to show that you’re a serious student. At your appointment, you’ll get fingerprinted and answer questions about your studies and future plans.

Step 7: Visa issuance

If your visa is approved, your passport will be returned with your F-1 visa stamp. Sometimes, additional administrative processing is needed, which can take extra time. Once you have your visa, you’re ready to travel to the United States and begin your studies.