Counselly

Visa Guide — United States

Student Visa Guide — United States

Welcome to your comprehensive guide on obtaining a student visa for studying in the United States. This guide outlines the steps, required documents, and important information for both undergraduate and graduate students.

Steps

Undergraduate

  1. Receive I-20 from your school: After admission and financial documentation, your Designated School Official (DSO) will issue Form I-20. Ensure that your name, SEVIS ID, program dates, and school information are correct. Learn more about the I-20.

  2. Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee: Pay the SEVIS fee and keep the receipt. This must be done before your visa interview. Pay the SEVIS fee here.

  3. Complete DS-160 online: Fill out the Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160) and save the confirmation page with the barcode. Access the DS-160 portal.

  4. Book visa appointment & pay MRV fee: Use your local U.S. embassy or consulate portal to schedule your fingerprinting/biometrics and the interview. Appointment wait times may vary. Find your embassy/consulate here.

  5. Attend the interview: Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation, SEVIS receipt, signed I-20, photo (if required), MRV receipt, financial evidence, and academic records. More details on the interview.

  6. Visa issuance & passport return: Some nationalities may need to pay an additional issuance (reciprocity) fee after approval. Your passport will be returned by courier or available for pick-up. Check reciprocity fees.

  7. Travel to the U.S.: You can enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the I-20 start date. Carry your I-20, SEVIS receipt, financial documents, and school admission letter.

  8. After arrival: Retrieve your I-94 and check in with your DSO. Download your I-94, verify your F-1/D/S status, and complete the school check-in/orientation by the program start date. Access your I-94 here.

Graduate

  1. Obtain Form I-20 from your university: After admission and financial verification, your DSO will issue Form I-20, which includes your SEVIS ID, program details, and estimated expenses. Learn more about the I-20.

  2. Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee: Pay the SEVIS fee online before your interview and keep the receipt. Pay the SEVIS fee here.

  3. Submit DS-160 (Nonimmigrant Visa Application): Complete the DS-160 online, upload your photo, and print the confirmation page. Access the DS-160 portal.

  4. Schedule your visa interview & pay MRV fee: Book an appointment at your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and pay the MRV visa fee as required. Find your embassy/consulate here.

  5. Attend your F-1 visa interview: Bring all required documents, including financial evidence, transcripts, test scores, and proof of assistantship or funding. More details on the interview.

  6. Visa approval & passport collection: You may need to pay a reciprocity fee based on your nationality. Wait for your passport return or pick-up notification. Check reciprocity fees.

  7. Prepare for travel & entry: You can enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the start date listed on your I-20. Carry your I-20, SEVIS fee receipt, and proof of finances.

  8. After arrival: Check in and attend orientation. Retrieve your I-94 record online, confirm your F-1/D/S status, and complete your university’s international orientation. Access your I-94 here.

Required Documents

Undergraduate

  • Passport (required): Valid for travel to the U.S. according to local consulate rules.

  • DS-160 confirmation (required): Nonimmigrant Visa Application confirmation with barcode. Access the DS-160 portal.

  • I-901 SEVIS fee receipt (required): Print your payment confirmation. Pay the SEVIS fee here.

  • Form I-20 (required): Signed by both you and your DSO; verify program details. Learn more about the I-20.