How to apply for an F-1 visa

Applying for an F-1 visa is a crucial step for international students planning to study overseas in the United States. This article will take you through each step to ensure a smooth application process.

Step-by-step guide to applying for an F-1 visa

The order in which you complete the steps below might be different in your home country. Contact your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate to learn more about F-1 student visa applications.

Step 1: Secure acceptance from a U.S. university

The first step in applying for an F-1 student visa is to secure acceptance from a Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) certified school in the U.S.

Step 2: Obtain Form I-20

Upon acceptance, the school will provide you with a Form I-20, which you will need to apply for the F-1 visa.

Step 3: Pay the SEVIS fee

Once you have your Form I-20, you must pay the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) I-901 fee. This fee is mandatory for all F-1 visa applicants.

Step 4: Complete the DS-160 form

Next, fill out the DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form. This form requires detailed information about your background, education and travel plans. Ensure you print the confirmation page with the barcode for your records.

Step 5: Schedule a visa interview (if required)

Schedule your visa interview at your local U.S. embassy or consulate. Since visa wait times can vary, it’s advisable to schedule your interview as soon as possible.

Explore Immigration Tips

Have questions about the visa process? MPOWER’s immigration resources are for students like you.

Learn More

How to apply for an F-1 visa: Preparing for your visa interview

Gather all necessary documents for your visa interview, including:

A valid passport that does not expire in the next six months
Form DS-160 confirmation page
SEVIS I-901 fee receipt
Form I-20 from your U.S. school
A passport-sized photo that meets the U.S. visa requirements

Be sure to check with your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate to see if there are any additional forms of documentation you must bring.

Other common requirements are:

Financial documents proving you have sufficient funds to pay for your academic program. This can include written private education loans approvals.
Academic transcripts and standardized test results

Interview tips

During the interview, a consular officer will assess your study plans, financial situation and ties to your home country. Be honest, confident and prepared to explain your intentions clearly. Although this might feel stressful, remember that it’s not a test. Your goal is to answer their questions factually and honestly while providing background on your personal story and why you want to get an education in the U.S. You must show intent to return to your home country after your academic program.

Attend the actual interview alone. If your family wants to offer emotional support, they should wait in the waiting area.

What to do after your F-1 visa interview

Visa approval

If your visa is approved, the consular officer will inform you how and when your passport with the visa will be returned. If your visa is delayed, don’t panic – this is increasingly common. Here’s what you can do if your F-1 visa approval is denied.

Obtaining an SSN

As an F-1 visa holder, you can apply for a Social Security number (SSN) if you secure on-campus employment or are authorized for certain off-campus employment opportunities like Optional Practical Training (OPT). An SSN is crucial for reporting earnings and tax purposes.

To apply for an F-1 visa SSN:

Obtain employment authorization from your Designated School Official (DSO).
Complete Form SS-5, Application for a Social Security card.
Visit a Social Security Administration (SSA) office with your completed application, employment authorization, passport, visa, I-94 form and Form I-20.

Common mistakes when applying for an F-1 visa

Managing all the parts of how to apply for an F-1 visa can be complex, and mistakes can delay or jeopardize your approval. Here are key mistakes to avoid:

Submitting incomplete forms: Ensure all forms, especially the DS-160, are filled out completely and accurately. Errors or missing information can lead to delays or denials. Double-check all entries before submission. Be sure you have signed all forms.
Missing required documents: Arriving at your visa interview without all necessary documents can cause significant issues, especially during busy seasons like the summer. Make sure you have your passport, Form DS-160 confirmation page, SEVIS I-901 fee receipt, Form I-20, financial documents, academic transcripts and passport-sized photos.
Providing insufficient financial proof: Failing to prove that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses can result in denial. Ensure your financial aid for international students documents are up to date and clearly demonstrate you can afford your studies and stay in the U.S.
Lack of interview preparation: Going into the interview unprepared can hurt your chances. Refer to interview tips and pPractice answers to common questions about your study plans, financial situation and ties to your home country. Be ready to explain your program choice and career goals.
Failing to show ties to your home country: Not demonstrating strong reasons to return home after your studies can lead to denial. Be prepared to discuss your plans and show evidence of ties, such as family, property or a job offer.
Bringing family members to the interview: Having family members in the interview room can make you seem unprepared. If they accompany you, have them wait in the waiting area.
Underestimating visa processing times: Misjudging visa processing times can lead to stress and missed deadlines. Start early and keep track of processing times to ensure timely visa receipt.
Ignoring changes in regulations: Visa regulations can change, so stay informed about any updates. Regularly check the official U.S. embassy or consulate website for the latest information and guidelines.

How MPOWER Financing supports students?

MPOWER Financing believes funding a student’s education is only the first step to success – not the last. That’s why every MPOWER student gains access to free, exclusive visa support, as well as career and financial resources through its Path2Success program.

Visa support

MPOWER helps students understand and navigate elements of how to apply for an F-1 visa process, including their visa interview.

MPOWER’s visa support services include:

A free visa support letter, which demonstrates students are financially supported for school
A free visa essentials course, so students are fully prepared for their visa interview

Visa support upgrades

MPOWER also offers personalized mock interviews and live Q&A webinars for students who want additional support (US$99 fee required).

For a fee, MPOWER students also have access to speak with former U.S. visa officers.

Career services

MPOWER recognizes the significance of securing a professional career in the United States. Students are not alone in this journey – MPOWER Financing is here to support the internship and full-time job search.

MPOWER offers exclusive career services including:

A guided internship and job search tool for F-1, OPT and H-1B visa-sponsored role
A resume builder to match targeted job requirements
Job application support with profile and skill set match
A directory of F-1 eligible job roles for STEM and non-STEM degrees

Financial services

MPOWER enables students to access U.S. currency as soon as they arrive at their university, which allows students to hit the ground running.

MPOWER offers financial services including:

A prequalified U.S. credit card with cashback benefits
A prequalified no minimum balance U.S. bank account

MPOWER Financing Student Loan

A loan based on your future earnings

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FAQs

How do I schedule a visa interview?

Schedule your interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country. Visa wait times can vary, so it’s best to schedule as early as possible. Interview slots can be particularly limited in summer months when other students are also applying for their F-1 visas.

Can I apply for a Social Security number (SSN) with an F1 visa?

Yes, F-1 visa holders can apply for an SSN if they have on-campus employment or authorized off-campus employment opportunities like OPT. You’ll need employment authorization from your DSO and various supporting documents.

What should I expect during the visa interview?

A consular officer will ask about your study plans, financial situation and ties to your home country. Be honest and clear in your responses to demonstrate your eligibility.

What should I do if my visa application requires additional processing?

If additional processing is needed, the consular officer will provide instructions on the next steps. Ensure you follow these instructions completely and provide any additional documentation as requested.

DISCLAIMER – Subject to credit approval, loans are made by Bank of Lake Mills or MPOWER Financing, PBC. Bank of Lake Mills does not have an ownership interest in MPOWER Financing. Neither MPOWER Financing nor Bank of Lake Mills is affiliated with the school you attended or are attending. Bank of Lake Mills is Member FDIC. None of the information contained in this website constitutes a recommendation, solicitation or offer by MPOWER Financing or its affiliates to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments or other assets or provide any investment advice or service.

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