Visa Type Series: Understanding F-1 Visa Requirements

The U.S. is home to many of the world’s leading educational institutions, and the F-1 visa is the key for international students to access these opportunities. This nonimmigrant visa is tailored for students enrolling in accredited academic programs at U.S. universities, colleges, private secondary schools, and language programs. In this blog post, we'll unpack everything you need to know about the F-1 visa, including: • Understanding the F-1 Visa • Requirements, documents, and fees • Processing times • How outbound can simplify your journey Understanding the F-1 Visa: What is an F-1 Visa? An F-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa specifically designed for international students enrolled in academic programs at accredited U.S. universities, colleges, private secondary schools, or language programs. What can you do with an F-1 Visa? • Enroll full-time in an academic program at an SEVP-approved U.S. institution. • Work on-campus with permission from your school (limited hours). • Participate in practical training related to your field of study (with additional approval). • Travel outside the U.S. with a valid visa and a travel signature from your school. • Important Note: You cannot work off-campus without authorization through a specific program like Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). Requirements, Documents, and Fees To qualify for an F-1 visa, you'll need to: • Be accepted and enrolled full-time in a U.S. educational institution. • Demonstrate strong financial resources to cover your tuition and living expenses. • Show proof of strong ties to your home country, ensuring your return after studies. Documents needed for your F-1 visa application include: • Valid passport (at least 6 months of validity by travel date) ◦ We highly encourage you to renew your passport before applying for F-1, as F-1 is a multi-year visa that can potentially outlast your passport expiry • Form DS-160 confirmation page (nonimmigrant visa application) • I-20 issued by your school • SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee receipt • Acceptance letter from your U.S. school • Proof of financial support (bank statements, scholarships, etc.) • Evidence of your academic qualifications (e.g., high school transcripts, SAT scores) • A recent passport-sized photograph. See Photo Requirements. How much does it cost to apply for a F-1 visa? Currently, the F-1 visa application fee is currently at US$185. Applicant will be required to pay a separate SEVIS fee of US$350. There may be additional school-specific fees. Processing Times: The processing time for an F-1 visa can vary depending on the embassy or consulate you apply through and the current workload. Generally, it's recommended to apply well in advance of your program start date. Most students begin their visa applications in early summer, leaving 2-3 months to obtain the F-1 visa before traveling to the U.S. As the F-1 process requires multiple steps, we highly recommend students to start their application at least 2 months before their U.S. travel date. How can outbound help you with your F-1 visa application? Applying for a visa can seem daunting, but outbound is here to help! • Sleek, mobile friendly application form to centralize all your information • Dedicated visa consultant to support and handle your application • Global consular services team to book and manage embassy appointments • 50% refund on service fees if your visa application is rejected Let outbound help you today on your F1 visa: See pricing here.