F-1 Student Visa
United States
Last updated: December 29, 2025
Length of degree plus 60 days
$185
2-6 months
High
About this Visa
The F-1 visa lets you study at a US college or university. It's for international students who want a full-time degree or diploma. You can come from almost any country and study any subject—business, engineering, medicine, art, English, whatever you want. With this visa, you can study full-time and live in the US for as long as your program lasts. You can also work on campus (like at the library or cafeteria) while you study. After graduation, you can work in the US for 1–3 years to gain experience. This visa is NOT a shortcut to permanent residency, but it's a real pathway: many people eventually become permanent residents after using F-1 first. Right now (December 2025), the US is still giving out F-1 visas. Over 400,000 students got this visa last year. The US has restrictions for people from 19 countries. If you're from Bangladesh, you're fine—no restrictions.
Key Benefits
- Work on campus up to 20 hours per week during classes
- Work after graduation for 12 months (STEM majors get 36 months total)
- Bring spouse and children under 21
- Travel freely within the US
- Change to work visa (H-1B) without leaving country
- Path to permanent residency through employment (4–7 years total)
- Free access to campus resources (libraries, gyms, health centers)
Eligibility & Requirements
Eligibility Criteria
- Accepted at an approved US university
- Can speak or learn English for classes
- Have enough money ($25,000–$60,000+ per year)
- Have family, property, or job waiting in home country
- Plan to return home after graduation
- No criminal record
- Plan to study full-time
- Good health (medical exam only if health concerns)
- Demonstrate strong ties to home country
Financial Requirement
$25,000–$60,000 per year. Must show 6–9 months of consistent bank savings. No fixed minimum, but you must prove you can cover full program costs.
Documents
- Valid passportGood for 6+ months after program ends
- School acceptance letterFrom an approved US university
- Bank statements6–9 months of account statements
- Sponsor letterFrom parents or sponsor with employment details
- English test scoresTOEFL or IELTS if required by school
- School transcriptsAll high school and college grades
- Form I-20Official certificate from your school
- SEVIS fee receiptProof of $350 payment
- Visa fee receiptProof of $185 payment
- Passport photosTwo recent photos
- DS-160 formOnline visa application
- DS-157 formRequired if male, ages 16–45
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.