Duration
Duration
International students can enter the US and attend schools approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Programme (SEVP) with the F-1 student visa, which is a non-immigrant visa.
Although there are various visa programs suitable for international students in the US, the majority of students who want to enrol in a US institution or college use this sort of student visa. Once your application has been accepted by a recognised US institution, you can then apply for your F-1 visa.
The length of your stay as an F-1 student will depend on the duration of the course you enrol in. The I-20 form will include the program's expiration date. This will detail how long you can stay in the US and you must complete your degree before the given expiration date.
Following are the eligibility criteria you must fulfil while applying for this visa:
Putting together the required paperwork is a crucial step in applying for an F1 visa:
When to Apply
Up to 120 days before the start of your academic programme, you can start the F1 visa application procedure. Your processing time will be sufficient after 120 days. Apply as soon as the countdown starts; if you wait too long, it may cause delays with the start of your programme.
Visa Processing Time
After your visa interview, you'll typically hear back right after. The interview marks the end of the processing process. But it's important to remember that delays can happen occasionally, so having patience is crucial. You're more likely to have a quick and easy processing period if you're organised and have all the necessary documentation on hand.
How to Appy
The application process involves several steps:
Duration
Usually, the period of your F1 visa corresponds to the length of your academic programme. Your visa may be valid for a year if your programme lasts a year to complete. The I-20 and I-94 documents contain details regarding the validity of your visa.
Fees
In terms of costs, the F1 visa application fee is $185. In addition, there is a $200 SEVIS I-901 cost. Considering your place of origin and the US Embassy you are applying via, keep in mind that additional payments may be necessary.
Can I get an F1 visa extension if my program takes longer than anticipated?
If the length of your program is extended due to unforeseeable circumstances, you may seek for an extension. You must fulfil specified qualifying requirements and present the required paperwork.
How do I pay the application fees for the F1 visa?
The non-refundable visa application fee can be paid online. Through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) website, the SEVIS I-901 fee can also be paid online.
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