The F-1 student visa, step by step.
After a US school admits you, this is the process that gets you from the acceptance letter to the plane. Plain language, official sources, no surprises.
Get admitted, receive your I-20
Your school must be certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). After you accept admission and show financial proof, the school's international office registers you in SEVIS and issues Form I-20, the Certificate of Eligibility. Everything starts with this document, and it carries your SEVIS ID, which you will need for every step after.
Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee
Pay the $350 SEVIS fee at fmjfee.com using your SEVIS ID from the I-20. You cannot pay it without the I-20, and you must pay it before your interview. Keep the receipt; you will bring it with you.
Complete the DS-160
Fill out the online nonimmigrant visa application, Form DS-160, at ceac.state.gov. Enter the SEVIS ID exactly as it appears on your I-20, upload a compliant photo, and save the confirmation page with its barcode.
Pay the visa application fee
Pay the $185 Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee through your country's US visa scheduling portal. Keep the receipt number; you need it to book the interview.
Book and attend the interview
Schedule an in-person interview at a US embassy or consulate. Interview waivers are now rare, so plan to attend in person. Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation, I-20, SEVIS fee receipt, financial documents, and academic records. Book early: wait times at some posts stretch for months.
If approved, pay the Visa Integrity Fee
A newer Visa Integrity Fee (about $250) is charged at visa issuance for most applicants. It applies only after approval, not before. Implementation details are still evolving, so confirm the current requirement on official sites.
Travel
A student visa can be issued up to 365 days before your program start date, but you may enter the US no earlier than 30 days before it. Do not book nonrefundable travel until the visa is in your passport.
What it costs
| Fee | Amount (2026) | When |
|---|---|---|
| SEVIS I-901 (F-1) | $350 | After I-20, before interview |
| Visa application (MRV) | $185 | Before booking interview |
| Visa Integrity Fee | ~$250 | At issuance, if approved |
Interview tips
- Show nonimmigrant intent. The officer must believe you plan to study and then leave. Ties like family, property, or a job offer at home help.
- Prove funding clearly. Bring organized financial evidence covering tuition and living costs. Vague answers about money are the most common stumble.
- Keep answers short and honest. Know why you chose this school and program, how it connects to your past work, and what comes after. Never present false documents; misrepresentation can bar you for years.
- Apply early. Start the process as soon as you have the I-20. Interview slots and administrative processing can push timelines by months.