United StatesStudy and training

US student visa (F-1): requirements and application

F-1 student visa (M-1 for vocational study)

In short

Academic study at a US university, college, high school or English language programme requires an F-1 visa; vocational schools use M-1. You need a Form I-20 from an SEVP-certified school, payment of the $350 SEVIS fee and proof that you can pay tuition and living costs. Since 15 September 2026, new F-1 admissions are for a fixed period of up to 4 years instead of “duration of status”.

checked 25 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
From 15 September 2026: the programme end date, up to 4 years, plus a 30-day departure period; longer study needs an extension from USCIS
Fee
US$185Visa application fee (22 CFR 22.1) plus I-901 SEVIS fee of $350 for F and M students
Funds required
US$0 per yearNo fixed national amount: you must document the total first-year cost shown on your I-20
Processing time
Visas can be issued up to 365 days before the programme start; entry no earlier than 30 days before
Work
On-campus work up to 20 hours a week in term; CPT and OPT with authorisation
Family
Spouse and children under 21 can come on F-2 visas; F-2 spouses cannot work
Path to permanent residence
Not directly; graduates may move to H-1B, O-1 or a green card route
Where to apply
A U.S. embassy or consulate, normally in your country of nationality or residence

Admission and Form I-20

Apply to and be accepted by a school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). The school enters you in SEVIS and issues Form I-20 listing the programme, start date and estimated costs. You must study full time, show English ability or enrol in English study as the school requires, and keep a residence abroad you intend to return to. M-1 is used for vocational or non-academic programmes and has stricter work and length limits.

Proof of funds

There is no single national figure: you prove you can pay the first-year total on your I-20 (tuition, fees, living costs, plus extra for any F-2 family members) and that funding exists for later years. Use bank statements, scholarship or assistantship letters, or a sponsor’s affidavit with their income evidence.

Fees

Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee ($350 for F and M) after receiving the I-20 and before the interview, then the $185 visa fee. Social media accounts must be set to public for F, M and J applicants, as stated by the embassy.

Fixed admission period from 15 September 2026

A DHS final rule replaced admission for “duration of status” with a fixed period. Students admitted under the new rule receive an admission date tied to the programme end date, not exceeding 4 years, plus 30 days to prepare to leave. If you need more time, for example for a longer degree, you must apply for an extension of stay with USCIS before the date on your I-94.

Work rules and after graduation

F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours a week while school is in session. Off-campus work requires Curricular Practical Training linked to your programme or Optional Practical Training (OPT), normally up to 12 months, with a 24-month STEM extension for eligible degrees; OPT needs an approved I-765 before you start. Report address and programme changes to your designated school official.

Refusals

Refusals usually cite section 214(b) when the officer is not convinced of your study plans, funding or intent to return. You can reapply with a new DS-160 and fee. Some fields may lead to administrative processing that takes several weeks or longer.

Documents

Required documents

Identity

  • Valid passport, one 5 × 5 cm photo and the DS-160 confirmation page

Money

  • I-901 SEVIS fee payment receipt ($350)
  • Proof of ability to cover the costs on the I-20

Study

  • Form I-20 issued by the SEVP-certified school

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Study

  • Transcripts, diplomas and test scores

Other

  • CV, study or research plan and, where relevant, military service documents

How to apply, step by step

  1. Get admitted to an SEVP-certified school and receive your Form I-20.
  2. Pay the $350 I-901 SEVIS fee online.
  3. Complete the DS-160 and set your social media accounts to public.
  4. Pay the $185 visa fee and book the interview through the official appointment service of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply.
  5. Attend the interview with the I-20, SEVIS receipt and funding documents.
  6. Enter the US no more than 30 days before the start date and report to your school.

Forms

Frequently asked questions

How much money do I need to show for an F-1 visa?

At least the first-year total on your I-20 (tuition, fees and living costs), plus evidence of funding for later years and for any dependants.

When can I enter the United States?

No more than 30 days before the programme start date on your I-20; the visa itself can be issued up to 365 days in advance.

Can I work while studying?

On campus up to 20 hours a week during term; off campus only with CPT or OPT authorisation.

What changed in 2026 for students?

From 15 September 2026, new F-1 admissions are for a fixed period up to the programme end date (maximum 4 years) plus 30 days, and longer stays need an extension from USCIS.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for the United States

Visits and short stays

  • Tourist visa Maximum stay: Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors
  • Medical treatment visa Maximum stay: Set by CBP; an extension can be requested with Form I-539 if treatment continues
  • Transit visa Maximum stay: Immediate and continuous transit only; never more than 29 days

Business and self-employment

  • Business visa Maximum stay: Set by CBP on the I-94 at entry, usually up to 6 months for visitors
  • Investor visa Maximum stay: Admission normally for up to 2 years at a time, renewable while the business qualifies

Study and training

  • Researcher visa Maximum stay: Length of the programme, up to 5 years
  • Internship and trainee visa Maximum stay: Interns up to 12 months; trainees up to 18 months (12 months in agriculture and hospitality and tourism)
  • Au pair visa Maximum stay: 12 months, extendable by 6, 9 or 12 months with State Department approval

Work

  • Skilled worker visa Maximum stay: Up to 3 years, extendable to 6 years in total
  • Intra-company transfer visa Maximum stay: Initial stay up to 3 years (1 year for a new office); total 7 years for L-1A and 5 for L-1B
  • Work visa Maximum stay: Up to 3 years initially; extensions in 1-year increments
  • Seasonal work visa Maximum stay: Period of the certified need, usually up to 1 year, extendable to a 3-year maximum

Family

  • Spouse and partner visa Validity: K-1: 90 days to marry; CR-1: 2-year conditional green card; IR-1: 10-year green card
  • Family reunification visa Processing time: Immediate relatives: no queue after petition approval; preference categories: years, depending on the Visa Bulletin

Residence

Online travel permits

Faster processing

Protection

United States visa guide