Live and Study in the U.S. | F1 Student Visa Application Process and Interview Tips

Is studying in the United States your dream? Wondering what it takes to study at your ideal university? The entire process might seem stressful and time-consuming, but the studying abroad experience will surely be worth it. In this post, we share with you the basic steps of U.S. Student Visa application process.

Many students dream of attending school in the United States, which is no surprise. Studying in the United States opens a world of opportunities for anyone who dares to embark on this unforgettable journey! You get a world-class education, all while discovering new places and traveling across the country.

You get to improve your skills and master new ones, meet new people, connect with your peers and grow as a person in a multicultural environment. By studying in the United States, you also have a chance to renew your visa and extend your stay. With a valid student visa, you’ll be able to travel outside of the States as well.

Most international students who get the chance to study in the United States need to apply for and obtain an F1 visa in order to enter the country.

What is the F1 visa?

The F1 visa, also known as a student visa, is a nonimmigrant visa for international students who want to attend educational institutions in the United States. Students who obtain the F1 visa are obligated to maintain the status of the F1 student by taking a full course of study each semester.

However, some conditions must be fulfilled before you apply for your student visa, and we are here to provide you with all the necessary information.

Before you start the visa application process, you will need to contact the educational institution in the United States where you will study. The SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) must have approved the institution you're applying to. You will also need to prove that you have strong ties to your home country, your financial eligibility, and demonstrate your English language proficiency.

After admission, it is best to start the visa application process right away, so as not to lose any precious time. You'll need to collect all the necessary documents, prepare for and attend the visa interview.

Application process

After being accepted into your desired, SEVP-certified school, you’ll receive the Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status), which is the most important document that will enable you to apply for the visa, and that you need to keep safe.

Now you are ready to start the process!

You will need to apply online using the DS-160 form, pay the application fee, and submit the file with the documents required for the F1 visa. Paying the SEVIS I-901 fee is the next step, and please make sure that you print and keep the receipt.

Then comes one of the crucial steps, and, perhaps, the most nerve-wracking part of the process—scheduling and attending the visa interview. Fortunately, we offer you useful tips and guides that will help you during the interview.

Getting accepted to school → Receiving Form I-20 → Starting the visa application process → Applying online through the DS-160 Form → Paying the application fee → Paying SEVIS I-901 fee → Scheduling visa interview → Submitting the file with the F1 visa required documents → Attending the interview

U.S. Student Visa interview

During the interview, you want to tell your story to the Consular Officer, answering their questions honestly and completely. Listen carefully to what the Officer asks. In case you don’t understand a question, don't be afraid to ask for additional explanation. Be transparent and concise, answering only the questions the officer asks you.

Since the first impression is important, make sure that you dress formally. Although it’s not a requirement, try practicing your English. But don’t worry, in case you have trouble with understanding questions in English, you can always ask for an interpreter. This will not affect the outcome of the interview in any way.

They want to know what your study plans are, why you chose that particular school, how you’ll pay for your studies, and what you plan to do after you graduate. By coming prepared to your interview, you increase your chances for visa approval.

VisaExpress agents are here to provide online support and consultancy during the process.