F-1 Student Visa
United States
Last updated: December 29, 2025
12 months
$185-$350
12-14 months
Medium
About this Visa
The F-1 visa lets international students study full-time at U.S. colleges and universities. You can attend any degree program—undergraduate, graduate, or certificate programs. This visa is for people who want to study in America and return home afterward. The F-1 is active and widely available. About 401,000 students got this visa in 2024. You can stay as long as you're enrolled as a full-time student—there's no set end date. As of January 1, 2026, students from 39 countries cannot get this visa due to entry restrictions.
Key Benefits
- Work on campus without restrictions
- Work after graduation for 12-24 months in your field
- Bring spouse and unmarried children under 21
- Travel freely and return to U.S. anytime
- Path to permanent residency available
- Study any degree program at any approved school
- Stay as long as you maintain full-time enrollment
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Any age accepted
- Must be accepted to a U.S. school
- Must take a full course load each semester
- Must pass English language proficiency test required by school
- Must prove you have money for school and living expenses
- No serious criminal record or immigration violations
- Must have ties to your home country and reason to return
Financial Requirement
You must prove you can pay for tuition (full amount), living expenses ($15,000-$30,000 per year), and books/insurance. Proof required: Bank statements showing accessible funds. Most schools require between $35,000-$60,000 for the first year.
Documents
- Valid passportMust be valid for entire stay
- School acceptance letter (I-20 form)Issued by your school
- Visa application form (DS-160)Completed online
- Bank statementsLast 3-6 months showing proof of funds
- Tax recordsLast 3 years
- School transcriptsFrom previous education
- English language test scoresTOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or PTE
- Payment receipts$185 application fee and $350 SEVIS registration fee
- Form DS-157Required for males ages 16-45 only
Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.