US Student Visa Guide 2026
Everything you need for the F-1 visa — I-20, SEVIS fee, DS-160, interview preparation, and working after graduation through OPT and STEM OPT.
Types of US Student Visas
F-1 Student Visa
The main visa for full-time academic study at SEVP-certified universities and colleges
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
For approved exchange programs, visiting scholars, and some funded fellowships
M-1 Vocational Student Visa
For vocational and technical (non-academic) programs at SEVP-certified schools
F-2 Dependent Visa
For the spouse and unmarried children (under 21) of an F-1 student
Fees shown as of 2026. Visa interview wait times differ by consulate — check the current schedule and fees on travel.state.gov before applying.
F-1 Visa Application Process
Receive Your Form I-20
After accepting admission and confirming your finances, your SEVP-certified university issues Form I-20 — the Certificate of Eligibility that carries your SEVIS ID and program dates.
Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee
Pay the $350 I-901 SEVIS fee online at fmjfee.com using the SEVIS ID from your I-20, and keep the payment confirmation — you must show it at your interview.
Complete the DS-160 Form
Fill out the DS-160 online nonimmigrant visa application, upload a compliant photo, and print the confirmation page with its barcode.
Pay the Visa Fee & Book Appointments
Pay the $185 visa application (MRV) fee, then book two appointments in India: biometrics at a Visa Application Center and the visa interview at a US Embassy or Consulate.
Attend the Visa Interview
A consular officer confirms you are a genuine student who can fund your education. Carry your I-20, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipts, academic documents, test scores, and financial proof.
Receive Your Visa & Travel
If approved, your passport is returned with the F-1 visa stamped. You may enter the United States up to 30 days before the program start date on your I-20.
Working in the US: CPT, OPT & STEM OPT
The F-1 visa comes with generous work options — internships during your degree and up to 3 years of post-study work for STEM graduates.
CPT — During Your Studies
Curricular Practical Training
- Off-campus internships that are part of your curriculum
- Available after one full academic year of study
- Authorized by your university's DSO, not USCIS
- Part-time during semesters; full-time in breaks (program-dependent)
OPT — 12 Months After Graduation
Optional Practical Training
- 12 months of work authorization in your field of study
- Apply to USCIS with Form I-765 (up to 90 days before program end)
- No employer sponsorship needed
- Maximum 90 days of unemployment allowed
STEM OPT — 24-Month Extension
For approved STEM degrees
- Extends OPT by 24 months — up to 3 years of US work in total
- Employer must be enrolled in E-Verify
- Requires a formal training plan (Form I-983)
- Extra window for H-1B lottery attempts
Required Documents
Form I-20
Issued by your university; signed by you (and a parent if under 18)
Valid Passport
Valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay
DS-160 Confirmation Page
Printed confirmation with barcode from your online application
Fee Receipts
SEVIS I-901 payment confirmation and MRV fee receipt
Financial Documents
Bank statements, education loan letters, or sponsor documents covering year one
Academic Records & Test Scores
Transcripts, degree certificates, and TOEFL/IELTS/SAT/GRE scores
Work Experience Documents
Offer letters or experience certificates, if relevant to your program
Admission Correspondence
University admit letter and scholarship/assistantship award letters
Visa Costs Breakdown
*A $250 Visa Integrity Fee was signed into US law in 2025 but is not yet being collected as of mid-2026 — confirm the current fee schedule on travel.state.gov before you pay.
Need F-1 Visa Assistance?
Our visa experts have a 96% success rate. From DS-160 to mock interviews, we guide you through every step of the application.