A Visual Aid: How to Apply for F-1 Student Visa Click on each image for more info! A Visual Aid: How to Apply for F-1 Student Visa Complete DS-160 visa online application Receive SEVIS I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility) from IEC 4 2 Submit Complete IEC Application Pay SEVIS fee online and print receipt 3 1 SEVIS I-20 APPLICATION Receive your passport with F-1 visa stamp Secure your visa appointment at the U.S. embassy/consulate 7 Enter the U.S. no more than 30 days before your program start date Attend visa interview at the U.S. embassy/consulate 5 6 8 Congratulations!

SEVIS I-20 Back

F-1 Student Visa

F-1 Visa Interview Tips Prepare and bring to your visa interview the following: A passport valid for at least six months Form I-20 (sign the form under Item 11) School admission letter Completed visa applications (DS-160) Two 2"x 2" photographs in the prescribed format A receipt for the visa application fee A receipt for the SEVIS I-901 fee. If you have not received an official receipt in the mail showing payment and you paid the fee electronically, the consulate will accept the temporary receipt you printed from your computer. If you do not have a receipt, the consulate may be able to see your payment electronically if your fee payment was processed at least 3 business days before your interview. Financial support document that shows you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period you intend to study. Any information that proves that you will return to your home country after finishing your studies in the United States. This may include proof of property, family, or other ties to your community. Questions you may be asked at the interview: Where are you going to study in the U.S.? Who do you know in the U.S.? Who is your sponsor for your study? How long are you planning to study or stay in the U.S.? Please note: These questions are just some guidance. You may be asked different questions, more or less depending on the consular official who interviews you.