United States · Student Visa
Student visa categories, eligibility, required documents, work rights, and application steps.
AI-drafted, editorially reviewed. Confirm specifics with the official authority.
Full-time study in the United States generally needs an F-1 student visa (M-1 for vocational study). An SEVP-certified school admits you and issues a Form I-20; you then pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, complete the DS-160 and attend a visa interview at a US embassy or consulate. You must show funds for tuition and living costs and ties to your home country.
To study full-time in the United States you generally need an F-1 student visa (M-1 for vocational study). After an SEVP-certified school admits you and issues a Form I-20, you pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, complete the DS-160, and attend a visa interview at a US embassy or consulate. Study in the States (DHS) and the State Department's travel site are the authoritative sources.
- The F-1 visa is for academic study; M-1 is for vocational/technical study. Your school must be SEVP-certified to issue the Form I-20.
- Steps: receive the I-20 → pay the SEVIS I-901 fee → complete the DS-160 → book and attend a visa interview with required documents.
- You must show ties to your home country and sufficient funds for tuition and living costs for the program.
- F-1 students may do limited on-campus work and, later, training such as CPT/OPT — confirm current rules with your school's DSO.
- 1
Get admitted to an SEVP-certified school
Only SEVP-certified schools can issue the Form I-20. Confirm certification before you apply, since an offer from a non-certified school cannot support a visa.
- 2
Choose F-1 or M-1 correctly
F-1 is for academic study; M-1 is for vocational or technical study. The category follows your programme type and affects your later work options.
- 3
Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee
Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee after your I-20 is issued and keep the receipt — you need it at the visa interview and at the port of entry.
- 4
Complete the DS-160 and book the interview
Submit the online DS-160, pay the visa fee and book an appointment. Interview wait times vary a lot by post, so start early.
- 5
Prove funds and ties at the interview
Show sufficient funds for tuition and living costs for the programme, and ties to your home country indicating you intend to return.
- 6
Check work rules with your DSO
F-1 students may do limited on-campus work and later training such as CPT/OPT. Confirm current rules with your school's Designated School Official before working.
- School confirmed as SEVP-certified
- Correct category chosen (F-1 academic / M-1 vocational)
- Form I-20 received from the school
- SEVIS I-901 fee paid and receipt kept
- DS-160 submitted and interview booked
- Proof of funds for tuition and living costs prepared
- Work rules confirmed with the school's DSO
- Study in the States (U.S. Department of Homeland Security)
Authoritative SEVP guide to the Form I-20 and student-status rules.
- U.S. Visas — Student Visa (Department of State)
Official consular guide to F-1/M-1 visa application steps.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between F-1 and M-1?
F-1 is the visa for academic study; M-1 covers vocational or technical programmes. The category follows the type of programme you are admitted to, and it affects the training and work options available to you afterwards.
What is the Form I-20 and how do I get it?
It is the certificate of eligibility an SEVP-certified school issues after admitting you. You need it to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and to apply for the visa, so the school's SEVP certification is the first thing to verify.
Can I work on an F-1 visa?
Limited on-campus work is allowed, and practical training such as CPT or OPT may be available later in your programme. The rules change, so confirm what applies to you with your school's Designated School Official before taking any job.
Government portals
- The White House — Official residence and office of the US President — executive orders, policy briefings, press releases
- U.S. Department of State — US passport and visa services, travel warnings, embassy information worldwide
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS) — Federal tax filing, refund status, ITIN/EIN applications, and Free File program
- USCIS — Green card, H-1B and work visas, naturalization, immigration benefits, and case status