The F-1 visa is the one most international students need to study full-time at a US college or university The process has several steps, and the order matters, because you can’t book your visa interview until your school has sent you the right form. Here’s how it works for a 2027 start.
What Is the F-1 Visa?
It’s a student visa for people who’ve been accepted by a school that’s approved by the US government’s SEVP programme. You can’t apply until you’ve been accepted When you are, the school registers you in a system called SEVIS and gives you a Form I-20, which is the key document for everything that follows.
How Much Does the F-1 Visa Cost?
There are two main fees. The visa application fee is USD 185 and isn’t refunded, even if your visa is refused. The SEVIS I-901 fee is USD 350 for F-1 students, and you pay it to the US government (the official site is fmjfee.com) Depending on your nationality, you may also pay a visa issuance fee after approval, and the amount depends on your country. The official pages I checked didn’t list any other fees, but check the embassy website for your country before you pay anything.
Read More: Canada Study Permit 2027: Fees, Proof of Funds & Steps
Documents You Need
- A passport valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay (some countries are exempt)
- Your DS-160 confirmation page
- The visa fee receipt, if you paid before the interview
- A photo
- Form I-20, signed by you and your school official
The consular officer may also ask to see your transcripts, diplomas, test scores and proof of how you’ll pay for your studies, living costs and travel, so take these to the interview Officers also look for signs that you plan to return home after your studies.
How to Apply Step by Step
- Get accepted by a SEVP-approved US school.
- Receive your Form I-20 and pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.
- Fill in the DS-160 form online, print the confirmation page and upload your photo.
- Book an interview at the US embassy or consulate in the country where you live.
- Pay the visa application fee, if required before the interview.
- Go to the interview with your documents. Your fingerprints are usually taken there.
- If the officer needs more checks, you may go through administrative processing. Once approved, pay the issuance fee if it applies, and arrange to get your passport back.
The exact order can differ from one embassy to another, so follow your embassy’s instructions.
When Can You Get the Visa and Travel?
New students can get an F-1 visa up to 365 days before their programme starts But you can’t enter the US on it more than 30 days before the start date. If you’re starting in January or August 2027, you can plan your application around that.
How Long Can You Stay?
Your visa is valid until the expiry date printed on it You can stay while you’re enrolled, and you must leave within 60 days after the programme end date on your I-20, including any authorised work training. If you don’t leave on time, you can lose your visa.
How Long Does It Take?
The official pages don’t give a processing time Interview wait times depend on the embassy or consulate, and the US State Department has a tool that shows the wait for each location. Book as soon as you have your I-20.
FAQs
How much is the F-1 visa fee?
USD 185 for the visa application and USD 350 for the SEVIS I-901 fee.
When can I apply?
After you have your Form I-20. The visa can be issued up to 365 days before your programme starts.
How early can I enter the US?
No more than 30 days before your programme starts.
Do I need an interview?
Generally yes, with limited exceptions.
How long does F-1 visa processing take?
It’s not stated officially. Check the wait time for your embassy.
