F-1 Academic Student Visa
Generally required for study at a university, college, high school, private elementary school, seminary, conservatory, another academic institution, or an approved language-training program.
United States Student Visa Guide
How to Apply for a USA Student Visa: F-1 and M-1 Application Process
Updated: 1 September 2026Foreign nationals who intend to study in the United States generally need an F-1 academic student visa or an M-1 vocational student visa. Before applying for the visa, the student must first be accepted by a school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), be entered in SEVIS, and receive a Form I-20.
Student study is not covered by ESTA or an ordinary visitor visa. A person traveling to the United States for academic or vocational study generally must obtain the appropriate F or M student visa. A short recreational, non-credit course may be treated differently.
Step 1: Choose the Correct Student Visa
M-1 Vocational Student Visa
Generally required for vocational or other recognized nonacademic programs, other than language-training programs.
The legal classifications arise under the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act provisions governing academic and vocational students. The actual course of study and the type of SEVP-certified institution determine whether F or M classification is appropriate.
Step 2: Apply to an SEVP-Certified U.S. School
The visa application does not begin with the DS-160. The student must first apply to and be accepted by a U.S. school certified by the Department of Homeland Security's Student and Exchange Visitor Program.
After acceptance, the school enters the student's information in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and issues the appropriate Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.
Review the Form I-20 carefully. The student's name, school, program, start date and SEVIS identification number should be accurate before proceeding with the visa application.
Step 3: Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee
Most prospective F-1 and M-1 students must pay the I-901 SEVIS fee after receiving Form I-20 and before the visa interview. The current I-901 SEVIS fee for F and M students is US$350.
Pay the fee through the official SEVIS I-901 fee payment system using the information shown on Form I-20. Keep the payment confirmation or receipt for the visa interview and for your records.
Dependents: An accompanying spouse or unmarried minor child applying for F-2 or M-2 status must receive an individual Form I-20, but dependents do not pay a separate I-901 SEVIS fee.
Step 4: Complete the DS-160 Online Visa Application
Complete the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application through the U.S. Department of State's Consular Electronic Application Center. Each student and each dependent who requires a visa must submit a separate DS-160.
- Use the personal details exactly as shown in the passport.
- Enter the SEVIS ID and school information accurately.
- Provide complete education, travel and background information.
- Upload a visa photograph that meets the required specifications.
- Answer all security and eligibility questions truthfully.
- Save and print the DS-160 confirmation page after submission.
Review the form before submission. If a material error is discovered after submission, follow the current DS-160 instructions or the directions of the embassy or consulate handling the application.
Step 5: Pay the F-1 or M-1 Visa Application Fee
The current non-refundable application processing fee for an F or M student visa is US$185. This is separate from the US$350 I-901 SEVIS fee.
| Fee | Current amount | Who generally pays it? |
|---|---|---|
| F/M visa application fee | US$185 | Each visa applicant, subject to applicable rules. |
| I-901 SEVIS fee | US$350 | Most principal F-1 and M-1 students. |
| Visa issuance / reciprocity fee | Varies by nationality | May apply after visa approval, depending on nationality. |
Follow the local fee-payment instructions of the U.S. embassy or consulate where the visa application will be processed.
Step 6: Schedule the Student Visa Interview
After completing the DS-160 and the required fee steps, schedule the visa interview according to the instructions of the relevant U.S. embassy or consulate.
Under current Department of State instructions updated on 15 July 2026, nonimmigrant visa applicants should normally schedule their interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their country of nationality or residence. Applicants applying based on residence should be prepared to establish that residence.
Biometric procedures, document-submission steps and whether a separate application-center visit is used vary by country and post. Do not assume that every embassy or consulate uses the same two-appointment process.
Interview-waiver rules changed. Under the current policy effective 1 October 2025, nonimmigrant visa applicants-including applicants under 14 and over 79-generally require an in-person interview unless they fall within a specifically listed exception. F and M student visas are not among the ordinary renewal categories listed for routine waiver.
Step 7: Prepare Student Visa Documents
Before the interview, prepare the required documents and any supporting evidence needed to establish eligibility for the F-1 or M-1 visa.
- Passport valid for travel to the United States, generally for at least six months beyond the intended stay unless an applicable agreement provides otherwise.
- DS-160 confirmation page.
- Visa application fee receipt, if payment before interview is required by the post.
- Form I-20 issued by the SEVP-certified school.
- I-901 SEVIS fee payment confirmation.
- Visa photograph if the DS-160 upload failed or a printed photo is otherwise required.
- Academic records such as transcripts, diplomas, degrees, certificates or test scores where relevant.
- Evidence showing how tuition, living costs and travel expenses will be paid.
- Evidence relevant to the student's intention to depart the United States after completing the approved course of study.
The consular officer may request additional evidence concerning academic preparation, the chosen school or program, funding, future plans, family circumstances, or other facts relevant to eligibility.
Step 8: Attend the F-1 or M-1 Visa Interview
At the interview, the consular officer evaluates whether the applicant qualifies for the requested student visa. The officer may ask about the school, course, educational background, finances, career plans, family circumstances, previous travel and the applicant's intention to comply with student status.
Applicants for F and M visas are temporary nonimmigrants and must satisfy the applicable requirements of U.S. immigration law, including the requirement to establish eligibility for nonimmigrant student classification.
Digital fingerprints are generally taken during the visa process, subject to post-specific procedures. After the interview, the application may be approved, refused or placed in additional administrative processing.
Current Online-Presence Screening for F and M Visa Applicants
F and M student visa applicants are subject to the Department of State's online-presence review. Current Department guidance instructs applicants in the F, M and J classifications, along with other specified categories, to adjust the privacy settings on their social-media profiles to "public" or "open" to facilitate screening and vetting.
Applicants should provide truthful and consistent information throughout the visa process. Online-presence review does not replace the ordinary legal requirement to establish eligibility for the visa sought.
Step 9: Visa Issuance and Entry to the United States
New F and M student visas may be issued up to 365 days before the program start date shown on Form I-20. However, a new student generally may not enter the United States more than 30 days before that program start date.
Continuing students may be issued an F or M visa at any time, provided they remain enrolled at an SEVP-certified school and continue to have active SEVIS status.
A visa does not guarantee admission. At the U.S. port of entry, U.S. Customs and Border Protection determines admissibility. Carry the passport, valid student visa and Form I-20 when traveling.
F-1 / M-1 Student Visa Application Checklist
- Choose the correct F-1 or M-1 category for the proposed course.
- Apply to and receive acceptance from an SEVP-certified school.
- Receive Form I-20 and verify the SEVIS information.
- Pay the US$350 I-901 SEVIS fee if required.
- Complete and submit Form DS-160.
- Pay the US$185 student visa application fee.
- Schedule the interview in the country of nationality or residence.
- Prepare academic, financial and immigration supporting documents.
- Attend the interview and complete applicable screening and biometrics.
- After issuance, follow the 30-day entry rule for new students.
Official U.S. Government Links
U.S. Department of State
- Student Visas (F and M)
Department of Homeland Security
- Study in the States
DHS
- Search for SEVP-Certified Schools
DHS
- Official I-901 SEVIS Fee Payment Website
U.S. Department of State
- DS-160 Online Application
U.S. Department of State
- DS-160 Information
U.S. Department of State
- Current Interview-Waiver Policy
U.S. Department of State
- Country of Nationality or Residence Rule
U.S. Department of State
- Expanded Screening and Vetting
U.S. Department of State
- Global Visa Wait Times
Find a U.S. Embassy or Consulate
Related USA Student Visa Pages
Important Note
Student visa fees, appointment procedures, security screening and entry rules may change. Applicants should verify current requirements through the U.S. Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, SEVP and the U.S. embassy or consulate handling the application before paying fees or making final travel arrangements.