Student Visa

Student Visa Process

Comprehensive guide for F-1 and F-2 visa applications for students and dependents.

F-1 Visa Application Process

The F-1 visa application process begins with gaining admission to a U.S. educational institution and receiving a Form I-20. Here’s a detailed description of the process, starting from applying to U.S. schools to obtaining the I-20 and completing the visa process:

1. Research and Apply to SEVP-Approved Schools

• Choose Schools: Research and apply to accredited U.S. schools approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). These schools must issue the Form I-20 to international students, which is essential for the F-1 visa application.

• Admission Requirements: Each school has its own admission requirements, such as test scores (e.g., SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT), English proficiency exams (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test), and academic transcripts. Review and meet these requirements carefully.

• Application Process: Submit applications through the school's admissions portal or a common application platform. Include all required documents, such as personal essays, recommendation letters, transcripts, and standardized test scores.

Application Requirements

Essential documents and requirements for F-1 and F-2 visa applications.

2. Receive Admission Offer

• Once you are admitted to a U.S. institution, you will receive an acceptance letter from the school. This confirms that the school is willing to enroll you as a student.

• Ensure you respond to the acceptance offer by following the school's instructions (e.g., paying an enrollment deposit).

3. Receive Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility)

• After you accept the admission offer, the school will issue you a Form I-20, which is an official document required to apply for the F-1 visa. The Form I-20 includes:

  • SEVIS ID (unique identification number for tracking international students)

  • Personal information (name, date of birth, country of citizenship, etc.)

  • School details (name of the institution, program start and end dates)

  • Financial information (the estimated cost of attendance and proof of funding)

• You must submit financial documentation to the school to prove you have sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses (e.g., bank statements, sponsorship letters, or financial aid awards). This is a key requirement for obtaining the I-20.

4. Pay the SEVIS Fee (I-901)

• Once you receive your Form I-20, you are required to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee ($350 for F-1 students). The SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee supports the U.S. government’s management of international students.

• After paying the fee online at FMJfee.com, you will receive a payment confirmation receipt. Keep this receipt for your visa application and interview.

5. Complete the DS-160 Form

• Next, complete the DS-160 form, which is the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form. This form is available on the U.S. Department of State’s website.

• In the DS-160 form, you will provide your personal information, passport details, and the reason for traveling to the U.S. You will also need to upload a recent passport-sized photo that meets U.S. visa photo guidelines.

• After submission, you will receive a confirmation page with a barcode. Print this confirmation page, as you will need it during your visa interview.

6. Pay the Visa Application Fee

• Pay the F-1 visa application fee, which is typically $185, through the U.S. embassy or consulate's designated payment system. Keep the receipt as proof of payment for your visa interview.

7. Schedule the Visa Interview

• Once the visa fee is paid, schedule a visa interview appointment with the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. It’s important to book the interview early, as wait times can vary based on location.

• You will receive a confirmation of your interview date and time. Make sure to gather all required documents for the interview.

8. Prepare for the Visa Interview

Before attending the visa interview, ensure you have the following documents ready:

• Form I-20 (issued by your school)

• DS-160 confirmation page with the barcode

• SEVIS I-901 fee receipt

• Visa application fee receipt

• Valid passport (must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay)

• Passport-sized photo (according to U.S. visa guidelines)

• Proof of financial ability (bank statements, scholarships, sponsor letters showing you can cover tuition and living expenses)

• Academic records (transcripts, standardized test scores, diplomas, and acceptance letter from the school)

• Ties to your home country (documents that show you plan to return after completing your studies, such as family ties, property ownership, or job offers)

9. Attend the Visa Interview

• During the interview, a consular officer will ask questions to verify your academic intent, financial capability, and ties to your home country. Typical questions include:

  • Why did you choose this school?

  • How will you fund your education?

  • What are your career plans after completing your studies?

  • Do you plan to return to your home country after your program?

• The officer will also assess whether you meet all requirements for the F-1 visa and whether you have the intention to return home after your studies.

10. Visa Approval and Processing

• If your visa is approved, your passport will be stamped with the F-1 visa, and it will be returned to you. Processing times can vary, but it usually takes a few weeks.

• If additional administrative processing is required, the consulate will inform you. This can delay the issuance of your visa, so apply early to avoid missing your start date.

11. Enter the U.S.

• With your F-1 visa in hand, you can travel to the U.S. no earlier than 30 days before the start date listed on your Form I-20.

• At the port of entry, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers will review your documents (passport, visa, Form I-20, proof of finances). They may ask questions about your studies, so carry all relevant paperwork.

• If everything is in order, you will be allowed to enter the U.S. as an F-1 student.

12. Maintain F-1 Status

• Once in the U.S., follow all F-1 visa rules to maintain your status:

  • Full-time enrollment: Stay enrolled in a full-time academic program.

  • Work restrictions: Do not work off-campus during your first academic year without prior authorization.

  • Program completion: After completing your program, you must leave the U.S. within 60 days unless you extend your stay for further studies or apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT).

Feel free to consult with https://www.uscis.gov/

Ask your question at: contact@immigrationusa.me

Guiding You Through F-2 Visa Process

2. Pay the SEVIS Fee (Optional)

• While F-2 applicants do not have to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, it’s important to check with the U.S. embassy or consulate for any other local fees associated with the visa application process. The SEVIS fee only applies to the F-1 student, not their dependents.

3. Complete the DS-160 Form for Each F-2 Applicant

• Each F-2 applicant (spouse and children) must complete the DS-160 form, which is the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form. You can access the form on the U.S. Department of State website.

• While filling out the DS-160, the F-1 visa details must be included to indicate the connection between the F-2 applicant and the primary F-1 visa holder.

• After submitting the DS-160 form, each applicant will receive a confirmation page with a barcode. Print these confirmation pages, as they will be required for the visa interview.

4. Pay the Visa Application Fee

• Each F-2 visa applicant must pay the visa application fee, which is typically $185 per person, depending on the U.S. embassy or consulate. Save the receipt of payment, as it will be needed for the visa interview.

5. Schedule the Visa Interview

• U.S. Embassy Appointment: Schedule a visa interview for each F-2 applicant at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. It's recommended to schedule the interviews for the F-1 and F-2 applicants together (if applying at the same time), but dependents can also apply separately later.

• Wait Times: Be aware of visa interview wait times and plan accordingly. Visit the U.S. embassy website for your country to check the current wait times.

6. Prepare the Documents for the Visa Interview

Ensure that each F-2 applicant has the following documents ready for their visa interview:

• Valid Passport: The passport should be valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay in the U.S.

• Form I-20: A separate I-20 form issued for each dependent (spouse or child) by the school the F-1 student is attending. Ensure the Form I-20 is signed by both the school official and the dependent.

• DS-160 Confirmation Page: Printed confirmation page with the barcode.

• Visa Application Fee Receipt: Proof of payment for the visa application fee.

• Passport-Sized Photo: Recent passport-sized photo that meets U.S. visa photo requirements.

• Proof of Relationship to F-1 Student:

  • For spouses: An original marriage certificate and a copy, translated into English if necessary.

  • For children: Birth certificates showing the relationship to the F-1 student, along with English translations if applicable.

• Financial Support Evidence: Documents that show the F-1 student has sufficient funds to support themselves and their dependents (e.g., bank statements, financial aid documents, sponsor letters).

• F-1 Visa Holder’s Documents: Copies of the F-1 student’s visa, Form I-20, SEVIS ID, and other relevant documents.

• Intent to Return to Home Country: Documents that demonstrate the F-2 applicants’ intent to return home after the F-1 student completes their studies (e.g., property ownership, employment letters, or family ties).

7. Attend the Visa Interview

• The F-2 applicant (spouse or children) must attend the visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate. For younger children, it may not be necessary for them to attend the interview personally, but check the specific guidelines at the local embassy.

• During the interview, the consular officer will ask questions to verify the relationship with the F-1 student, the financial capability to support the dependents, and the intent to return to the home country after the F-1 student’s studies. Some common questions may include:

  • How long have you been married to the F-1 visa holder?

  • How will your spouse (or parent) support the family while studying in the U.S.?

  • Do you plan to work in the U.S.?

8. Visa Processing and Approval

• After the visa interview, if the F-2 visa is approved, the passport will be stamped with the F-2 visa and returned to the applicant.

• Processing times may vary depending on the embassy or consulate, but typically it takes a few weeks. In some cases, further administrative processing may be required.

9. Prepare for U.S. Entry

• F-2 dependents can enter the U.S. together with the F-1 visa holder or arrive separately at a later date. However, they cannot arrive before the F-1 visa holder’s entry into the U.S.

• When traveling, F-2 visa holders should carry:

  • Passport with the valid F-2 visa stamp.

  • Form I-20 for each dependent, signed by both the school official and the dependent.

  • Proof of financial support.

  • Copies of F-1 visa holder’s documents, such as the Form I-20, visa, and passport.

10. Entering the U.S.

• Upon arrival in the U.S., F-2 visa holders will be inspected by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers at the port of entry. Ensure all documents are in order and answer any questions posed by CBP officers regarding the purpose of the visit and the relationship to the F-1 visa holder.

• The CBP officer will determine the period of admission and may stamp the passport or provide an electronic I-94 record, which indicates the F-2 visa holder's legal entry into the U.S.

11. Maintaining F-2 Status in the U.S.

• No Employment: F-2 visa holders are not allowed to work in the U.S. under any circumstances.

• Study Restrictions: F-2 spouses can only engage in part-time recreational or vocational study. However, F-2 children can enroll in full-time education (e.g., K-12 schooling).

• Follow F-1 Visa Holder’s Status: F-2 status is dependent on the F-1 visa holder’s status. If the F-1 visa holder violates their status or leaves the U.S., the F-2 status is also affected.

By following these steps and ensuring all documents are in order, the F-2 visa application process can be smooth, allowing dependents to join their F-1 visa holder family member in the U.S.

We provide detailed instructions for F-2 visa applications, ensuring a smooth journey for dependents of F-1 students from obtaining the I-20 to the visa interview and U.S. entry.

The F-2 visa allows the dependents (spouse and unmarried children under 21) of an F-1 student to accompany or join them in the U.S. during their study period. Here's a step-by-step guide to ensure a smooth journey for F-2 visa applicants, from obtaining the Form I-20 to entering the U.S.

1. Obtain Form I-20 for F-2 Dependents

• F-1 Student's Role: The F-1 student must first be accepted to a U.S. SEVP-approved institution and receive their own Form I-20. Once they are enrolled, the F-1 student can request additional Form I-20s for their spouse and/or children who will apply for F-2 visas.

• Submit Dependents’ Information: The F-1 student should provide the following details to the designated school official (DSO) at their U.S. institution:

  • Full names of dependents

  • Relationship to the F-1 student (spouse or child)

  • Passport information

  • Proof of financial ability to support the dependents while in the U.S. (e.g., bank statements or scholarship details).

• Issuance of I-20 for F-2 Dependents: The school will issue separate Forms I-20 for each dependent (spouse and/or children). These forms are necessary to apply for the F-2 visa.

The visa application process for F-1 students was clear and straightforward, making it manageable for us.

Emily Chen

I found the step-by-step guidance for F-2 dependents incredibly helpful during our application journey.

Mark Lee

★★★★★

★★★★★