Quick answer: To get an F-1 student visa for the US, you need an acceptance and Form I-20 from a SEVP-certified school, proof you can pay for your studies, and a successful interview at a US embassy or consulate. In 2026 you’ll pay the $350 SEVIS I-901 fee and the $185 visa application fee, and some embassies also collect a $250 visa integrity fee when the visa is issued. Most applicants must interview in person. A rule replacing “duration of status” with a fixed admission period was due on September 15, 2026, but a federal court put it on hold the day before.
This guide walks through the full process, the documents to bring, the 2026 rule changes and what you can do once you’re in the US. Last reviewed October 2026 against State Department and DHS sources.
F-1 visa requirements at a glance
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| School acceptance | Full-time admission to a SEVP-certified US school |
| Form I-20 | Issued by your school’s Designated School Official (DSO) |
| SEVIS I-901 fee | $350, paid at fmjfee.com before your interview |
| Visa application (MRV) fee | $185 |
| Visa integrity fee | $250 at issuance where collected; conditionally refundable |
| Proof of funds | Enough to cover at least the first year shown on your I-20 |
| Ties to home | Evidence you plan to leave the US after your studies |
| English and academics | Transcripts, test scores and diplomas your school relied on |
How to get an F-1 visa, step by step
- Get admitted and receive your I-20. Check that your name, program and dates match your passport and plans.
- Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee ($350) and keep the receipt.
- Complete Form DS-160 online on the official State Department site and print the confirmation page.
- Pay the $185 visa fee and book your interview. Apply at the US embassy or consulate in your country of nationality or residence. Since September 2025, applying in a third country is generally not allowed.
- Attend the interview in person. Since September 2, 2025, most applicants must interview, including children and older adults, with only narrow exceptions.
- Receive your visa. If your embassy collects the $250 integrity fee, you’ll pay it at issuance.
Documents to bring to your F-1 interview
- Valid passport (at least six months beyond your intended stay)
- Form I-20, signed by you and your DSO
- DS-160 confirmation page and visa fee receipt
- SEVIS I-901 payment receipt
- Bank statements, scholarship letters or sponsor documents
- Transcripts, diplomas and test scores (TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, SAT as relevant)
- Evidence of ties to home: family, property, a job offer after graduation
Officers also review your online presence, and students are asked to keep social media accounts public. Prepare with our F-1 interview questions.
What changed for F-1 students in 2026
- Duration of status is on hold, not gone. DHS finalized a rule giving students a fixed “admit until” date (program length, capped at four years, plus a 30-day grace period instead of 60, with extensions through USCIS on Form I-539). It was due to take effect on September 15, 2026, but a federal court in Massachusetts issued a preliminary injunction on September 14, 2026, so students are still admitted for duration of status for now. The government may appeal. See our duration of status explainer.
- In-person interviews are the norm again, so book early: wait times vary widely by embassy.
- Apply in your home country or country of residence.
- The $250 visa integrity fee is being collected at some posts.
Arriving in the US
- You can enter up to 30 days before the program start date on your I-20.
- Carry your I-20 and financial documents in your hand luggage.
- Check in with your DSO soon after arrival.
Working on an F-1 visa
- On-campus jobs: up to 20 hours a week during the term, full time during official breaks.
- CPT (Curricular Practical Training): off-campus work that’s part of your curriculum, authorized by your DSO.
- OPT (Optional Practical Training): up to 12 months of work in your field, usually after graduation.
- STEM OPT: an extra 24 months for eligible STEM graduates.
- Many graduates later move to H-1B. See H-1B in 2026.
Why F-1 visas get refused
The most common reason is Section 214(b): the officer isn’t convinced you’ll return home, or that your study plans and funding are genuine. Read F-1 visa denied under 214(b) for how to reapply.
FAQ
How much does an F-1 visa cost in 2026?
$350 for the SEVIS fee and $185 for the visa application, plus the $250 integrity fee where your embassy collects it. Some nationalities also pay a reciprocity fee.
How early can I apply for an F-1 visa?
Up to 365 days before your program start date, though you can only enter the US 30 days before it begins.
Can I bring my family on an F-1 visa?
Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can come on F-2 visas. F-2 spouses can’t work.
Can I change from a tourist visa to F-1?
Sometimes, by filing with USCIS, but you generally can’t start classes until it’s approved. Applying for an F-1 visa from home is usually more reliable.
Official sources to check before you apply or travel
- U.S. Department of State – U.S. Visas
- Study in the States (U.S. Department of Homeland Security)
- U.S. Department of State – Visa fees
Visa rules, fees, processing times and entry requirements change often. Always confirm the current requirements on the official government website, or with the embassy or consulate, before you apply, pay or travel. One Visa Center is an independent information site, not a law firm or government agency, and this article is not legal advice. Read how we research, fact-check and use AI tools in our Editorial Policy.
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