Be aware that some steps may vary depending on the rules for your country’s U.S. embassy or consulate. Consult the embassy or consulate website for the country you intend to apply from.
- Once accepted to the college, you will be enrolled in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and you will be issued the Form I-20 by the college. You will then pay the SEVIS I-901 fee to the U.S. government and bring your Form I-20 to a visa interview.
- Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160.
- Learn more about the Form DS-160. Print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview.
- Upload your photo while completing the online form DS-160. Be aware of the Photograph Requirements.
- You will need to pay a visa application fee when scheduling your visa interview.
- Schedule a visa interview, generally, at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country where you live (You may schedule your interview at any U.S. embassy or consulate, but be aware that it may be more difficult to qualify outsider your place of permanent residence). Wait times vary by location, season, and visa category, so you should apply for your visa as early as possible. F-1 visas can be issued up to 120 days in advance of your start date for your course of study (listed on your I-20).
For more information about these steps, visit the
U.S. Department of State website