F-1 Student Visa

Requirements

• Acceptance to SEVP-certified school
• Form I-20 from the school
• Proof of financial support for study period
• English proficiency (for English programs)
• Intent to return home after studies

Restrictions

• Must maintain full-time student status
• Off-campus work requires authorization
• Cannot work more than 20 hours/week during school
• Must leave within 60 days of completing your program or authorized practical training

Time and cost

Processing time

2-8 weeks depending on embassy

Validity

Duration of Status: you may stay while you are enrolled and keep status, plus 60 days to depart. A DHS rule replacing this with a fixed period of up to 4 years was due on 15 September 2026, but a federal court blocked it nationwide on 14 September 2026 (Presidents’ Alliance v. DHS), pending further order.

Cost

From $535

Required

• $185 visa application fee
• $350 SEVIS fee

Optional

• $250 visa-integrity fee at issuance, if your post already charges it, as DHS is still rolling it out post by post ($250 is the statutory floor before annual inflation adjustments)

Path to residency

Can transition to H-1B after OPT; employer green card sponsorship possible

Documents

• Form I-20

  Certificate of Eligibility from school

• SEVIS fee receipt

  I-901 SEVIS fee payment ($350)

• DS-160 confirmation

  Online visa application

• Financial documents

  Bank statements, sponsor letters, scholarship proof

• Academic transcripts

  Previous educational records

• Test scores (if it applies)

  TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, GMAT if applicable

• Proof of ties to home

  Family, property, future plans

Your family

Status your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can hold alongside this route. Children can study on it too.

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