Applying for a US student visa involves several steps, from securing admission at an approved institution to preparing for your visa interview. Most international students need an F-1 visa to study at a US college or university, although some exchange and vocational programs require different visa categories. This guide explains how to apply, which documents you need, the fees to budget for, and how long you can stay in the United States after completing your studies.
Find SEVP-Certified Programs in the US
Your student visa journey starts with an admission offer and Form I-20. Use ApplyBoard to explore and apply to top SEVP-certified colleges and universities across the United States.
Disclaimer: Immigration rules, fees, and application procedures can change. Always confirm the latest requirements on the US Department of State's student visa page and with your school before applying.
Which US Student Visa Do You Need?
Most international students need an F-1 student visa. The visa category you need depends on your program and the type of institution you plan to attend.
- F-1 student visa: For academic studies at colleges, universities, high schools, private elementary schools, seminaries, conservatories, and English language training programs.
- J-1 exchange visitor visa: For approved educational and cultural exchange programs, including certain university, research, and professional exchange programs.
- M-1 student visa: For vocational or other recognized nonacademic training programs, such as technical and career-focused courses.
Before applying, you must be accepted into an institution or program that is authorized to enrol international students. F-1 and M-1 students must attend a school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). J-1 applicants must be accepted by an authorized exchange visitor program sponsor.
How to Apply for a US Student Visa, Step by Step
The US student visa application process generally involves six steps. Open each step below for details.
After accepting your admission offer and completing your school's enrolment requirements, you will receive a document confirming your eligibility to participate in your study program.
- F-1 and M-1 students: Your SEVP-certified school issues a Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status).
- J-1 exchange visitors: Your designated exchange visitor program sponsor issues a Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status).
Check that your name, date of birth, program details, and financial information are correct. F-1 and M-1 students must sign their Form I-20, and the appropriate school official must also sign it.
Keep this document safe. You will need it when completing your visa application, attending your interview (if required), and seeking admission to the United States.
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee is a US government system used to track international students and exchange visitors during their stay.
Most F-1 and M-1 students must pay the I-901 SEVIS fee before their visa interview. Standard J-1 exchange visitors must also pay the applicable SEVIS fee unless they qualify for an exemption.
You will need your SEVIS identification number, which appears on your Form I-20 or DS-2019.
Pay the fee through the official I-901 SEVIS fee payment website. Keep a copy of your payment receipt for your records and interview.
The DS-160 is the online nonimmigrant visa application form used by most F-1, M-1, and J-1 applicants who require a visa.
The form is free to complete. However, you must pay a separate non-refundable visa application fee.
When completing the DS-160:
- Enter your personal and passport details accurately.
- Provide information about your education, travel plans, and intended US study program.
- Answer the questions about your social media identifiers truthfully.
- Upload a photograph that meets the US Department of State's requirements.
After submitting the form, print or save your DS-160 confirmation page. You will need it when booking and attending your visa interview.
After completing your DS-160 and paying the applicable visa application fee, schedule an interview at the US embassy or consulate responsible for processing applications in your country of nationality or residence. Wait times change by place and season, so book as soon as you can. Check your embassy's website for local steps and extra documents.
Common documents include:
- Your passport
- Your DS-160 confirmation page
- Your I-20 or DS-2019, signed
- Your SEVIS fee receipt and visa fee receipt
- Your admission letter and proof of funds (money to pay for your studies)
Answer every question honestly and clearly. Review the details of your application before you go.
Once your visa is approved and your passport is returned, you can make your travel arrangements.
New F-1 and M-1 students generally cannot enter the United States more than 30 days before the program start date listed on their Form I-20.
Continuing students may travel before classes resume, provided they maintain their student status and meet the applicable entry requirements.
Keep your passport, visa (if required), Form I-20 or DS-2019, and other important travel documents in your hand luggage rather than your checked baggage.
Remember that receiving a visa does not guarantee admission. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers make the final admission decision at the port of entry.
US Student Visa Fees for 2027
Most international students applying for an F-1 or M-1 visa should budget for two main government fees: the SEVIS I-901 fee and the visa application processing fee.
The standard fees are:
For most F-1 and M-1 applicants, the two standard fees total US$535. For standard J-1 applicants, they total US$405.
Some J-1 exchange visitor categories have different SEVIS fees, and participants in official US government-sponsored exchange programs may qualify for a visa application fee exemption.
Additional charges may apply depending on your nationality and circumstances.
Other fees to consider
- Visa issuance (reciprocity) fee: Some applicants must pay an additional fee after visa approval, depending on their nationality. Check the US Department of State's Visa Reciprocity and Civil Documents by Country directory.
- Visa Integrity Fee: US legislation established an additional fee for nonimmigrant visa issuance, separate from the standard application fee. Its applicable amount and collection arrangements should be checked with the relevant US government authorities before applying. It is not included in the totals above. See Section 1806 of the US Code.
For the latest application fee information, visit the US Department of State's Fees for Visa Services page.
Do You Have to Share Your Social Media for a US Student Visa?
Yes. Applicants for F-1, M-1, and J-1 visas are subject to expanded online presence screening.
The DS-160 asks applicants to identify social media platforms they have used during the previous five years and provide the corresponding identifiers or handles.
The US Department of State also instructs F, M, and J visa applicants to set the privacy settings on their social media profiles to public or open. Consular officers may review this information as part of the visa screening process.
You do not need to provide your social media passwords. Answer all application questions truthfully and follow the latest instructions from the embassy or consulate where you apply.
For more information, review the US Department of State's announcement on expanded screening and vetting.
How Long Can You Stay After Your US Study Program Ends?
The time you can remain in the United States after completing your studies depends on your visa category and immigration status.
For F-1 students, the existing Duration of Status framework remains in effect. Students who maintain their status generally receive a 60-day grace period after completing their program or authorized post-completion practical training.
J-1 exchange visitors generally receive a 30-day departure period after completing their exchange program. This period is intended for travel and departure, not continued participation in the exchange program or employment.
Important: A federal court postponed the September 2026 DHS rule that would have replaced Duration of Status with fixed admission periods. As of November 2026, the existing rules remain in effect, including the 60-day F-1 grace period. Check the USC update for developments.
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Frequently Asked Questions
First, get accepted by an SEVP-certified school or an authorized exchange visitor program. F-1 and M-1 students receive a Form I-20, while J-1 exchange visitors receive a Form DS-2019. Pay the applicable SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 if required, pay the visa application fee, and schedule and attend your visa interview.
Most F-1 and M-1 applicants pay a US$350 SEVIS fee and a US$185 visa application fee, bringing the standard total to US$535. Standard J-1 applicants generally pay US$220 for SEVIS and US$185 for the visa application. Additional fees, exemptions, and visa issuance charges may apply.
An F-1 visa is for academic study at a college, university, high school, or English language institution. A J-1 visa is for approved educational and cultural exchange programs. An M-1 visa is for vocational or other recognized nonacademic training.
New F-1 and M-1 students generally cannot enter the United States more than 30 days before the program start date listed on their Form I-20. Continuing students may enter before classes resume if they maintain their student status.
F-1 students generally have a 60-day grace period after completing their program or authorized post-completion practical training. They must use this period to prepare to leave the United States, transfer to another eligible program, or take other steps permitted under their immigration status.
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