F-1 Student Visa: Requirements, Costs and Application Process

The F-1 student visa allows international students to pursue full-time academic studies or certain language training programs at authorized institutions in the United States.

At our firm of immigration lawyers in New Jersey, we can review your situation before you apply or when a problem has already arisen. A prior denial, questions about financial resources, immigration history, or an important decision after graduation may require a different analysis than a straightforward application.

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What is the F-1 student visa and who needs it?

The F-1 is a nonimmigrant visa for individuals who want to study full time at an institution certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

This category may be used to study at:

• Colleges and universities,
• Academic institutions,
• Seminaries,
• Conservatories, or
• Language training programs.

The institution must be authorized to enroll F-1 students and issue Form I-20. The visa allows you to request entry to complete the specified program, but it does not guarantee admission or authorize activities beyond those permitted under F-1 status.

Types of student visas in the United States

The appropriate category depends on the type of studies or program. The most common classifications include F-1, M-1, and J-1.

F-1 and M-1 visas for full-time students

• F-1 visa: for full-time academic studies, including certain language programs.
• M-1 visa: for certain vocational or nonacademic studies.

J-1 visa for exchange visitors

The J-1 visa is for individuals participating in approved exchange programs. It has its own rules and documentation, including Form DS-2019, and should not be confused with the F-1 visa.

Depending on the program, J-1 status may cover study, research, teaching, or other exchange activities. The correct classification depends on the actual purpose of the program and the sponsoring organization.

What are the requirements for applying for an F-1 student visa?

To apply, you generally must meet the following requirements:

• Admission: You must be accepted by an SEVP-certified institution and receive Form I-20.
• Full-time studies: You must maintain the required course load unless a reduced course load is properly authorized under the applicable rules.
• Sufficient funds: You must demonstrate how you will cover tuition, living expenses, and travel without relying on unauthorized employment.
• Temporary purpose: You must demonstrate that you meet the requirements of the category and intend to leave the United States when your authorized stay ends.
• Residence and ties outside the United States: You should be able to provide evidence of circumstances supporting the temporary nature of your stay.
• Academic and language preparation: You must be able to pursue the program to which you were admitted. The institution establishes its own academic and language requirements.

English proficiency is not an identical consular requirement for every applicant. F-1 language training programs exist, and each institution establishes its own admission criteria. What matters is that the program, documentation, and applicant’s explanation are consistent.

Can my family travel with me?

The spouse and unmarried children under age 21 of an F-1 student may apply for F-2 classification to accompany the student during their studies. The institution must issue a separate Form I-20 for each dependent.

F-2 dependents do not pay the I-901 SEVIS fee. In addition to their own documents, they will generally need to provide evidence of their family relationship to the principal student.

How long can I stay in the United States with F-1 status?

The expiration date of the visa stamped in your passport and your authorized period of stay are not the same. To determine how long you may legally remain in the country, you should review your Form I-94, your I-20, and whether you continue to maintain the required status.

Update as of September 23, 2026: a federal court blocked the new DHS rule that sought to replace admission for duration of status (D/S) with fixed periods from taking effect. While the court order remains in effect, the D/S framework continues to apply. Because the litigation remains ongoing, you should check for any changes before making decisions about travel, length of stay, or maintaining status.

Under the framework currently in effect, an F-1 student admitted for D/S may remain in the United States as long as the student maintains status and complies with the rules governing the academic program and any authorized practical training. After completing the program or authorized OPT, there is generally a grace period of up to 60 days.

New students may not enter the United States more than 30 days before the program start date. For an SEVP-certified public high school, attendance in F-1 status is limited to a maximum of 12 months, and specific rules regarding educational costs apply.

Do I have to return to my home country immediately after completing my studies?

Not necessarily. During the permitted period after completing your program or OPT, you may consider different options depending on your circumstances and eligibility.

• Apply for post-completion OPT if you are still within the applicable eligibility requirements and deadlines.
• Begin another educational program or transfer to another SEVP-certified institution when appropriate.
• Apply to change to another nonimmigrant status if you qualify for another category.
• Explore a path to permanent residence or another independent immigration strategy when a legal basis exists.

If an employer wants to hire you in a specialty occupation, it may be appropriate to consider the H-1B visa option. If your goal is permanent residence, you should also separately evaluate whether there is a legal basis for an adjustment of status application. F-1 status alone does not automatically make you eligible for either benefit.

How long does the F-1 visa process take?

There is no general 60-day processing period. Interview wait times vary depending on the embassy or consulate, the season, and the visa category, and some cases require additional administrative processing after the interview.

Check the official wait times for the location where you will apply and begin the process well in advance. When entering the United States, also review your I-94 record and confirm that your class of admission is correct.

How much does it cost to apply for an F-1 student visa in 2026?

The two main federal fees for a new F-1 applicant currently total $535, not including any potential reciprocity issuance fee, translations, travel expenses, or other individual costs.

Fee	Amount
I-901 SEVIS fee for F/M students	$350
F visa application fee	$185
Basic federal total	$535

The visa application fee is nonrefundable. F and M visas for new students may be issued up to 365 days before the program begins, although students may not enter the United States more than 30 days before the start date. Because appointment wait times vary by location, it is best to begin the process well in advance.

How to apply for an F-1 visa step by step

In general, you will need to follow these steps:

1. Obtain admission and Form I-20

First, you must be accepted by an SEVP-certified institution. You can check whether a school is authorized through the official Study in the States school search tool.

The institution will provide you with Form I-20. Review it carefully to make sure the information is correct because this document will be central to the application process and to maintaining your status in the United States.

2. Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee

After receiving your I-20, pay the I-901 fee at FMJFee.com and keep the receipt.

3. Complete Form DS-160

Complete the DS-160 form online. Make sure the information about your school, funding, previous travel, and background is consistent with the rest of your application.

4. Pay the consular fee and schedule your interview

Follow the instructions provided by the appropriate U.S. embassy or consulate. As of July 2026, the Department of State states that nonimmigrant visa applicants should generally schedule their interview in their country of nationality or residence, subject to the exceptions and instructions established by each location.

At the interview, you should be prepared to explain the purpose of your studies, how you will finance them, and why you meet the temporary intent requirements of the category.

5. Prepare for and attend the interview

During the interview, the consular officer will evaluate your eligibility. Do not assume the visa will be issued. Some cases require additional documentation or administrative processing before a final decision is made.

F-1 interview: questions and preparation

During the interview, the consular officer may ask questions to evaluate whether your academic plans, funding, and temporary intent are consistent. Questions may include:

• Why did you choose this university or program?
• How will you pay your tuition and living expenses?
• What have you studied previously?
• What are your plans after graduation?
• Do you have family members in the United States?
• Why will you return to your home country after completing the program?
• Do you intend to work while studying?

These are only examples, and there is no single official interview script. Preparation should focus on answering clearly and truthfully rather than memorizing responses.

Online presence review: the Department of State continues to review the online presence of F-1 applicants and currently instructs them to set their social media profiles to “public” or “open” to facilitate screening. Publicly available information, the DS-160, supporting documents, and statements made during the interview should all be truthful and consistent.

Can my student visa application be denied?

Yes. The legal basis for the denial matters. A decision under INA 214(b) does not work the same way as a refusal under INA 221(g) for incomplete documentation or administrative processing.

A refusal under INA 214(b) may mean that you did not sufficiently demonstrate that you qualify for the visa category or that you failed to overcome the presumption of immigrant intent. There is no consular appeal process for a 214(b) decision. If you apply again, you must submit a new application, pay the fee again, and provide stronger evidence of your eligibility or relevant changes in your circumstances.

A refusal under INA 221(g), by contrast, may occur because documentation is missing or because the case requires administrative processing. If the consulate requests additional information, follow its instructions and deadlines exactly.

If your application has already been refused, first review the reason provided and avoid submitting exactly the same case again without addressing the underlying issue. For more information, see what to do if your visa application was denied.

When can consulting an attorney about an F-1 visa be helpful?

Many F-1 applications are handled without legal representation. However, there are situations in which the issue involves more than simply completing forms, and it may be helpful to have the case reviewed before reapplying, traveling, working, or making a decision that could affect your status.

• You have already received a 214(b) or 221(g) refusal: It is important to identify exactly what happened and avoid submitting the same case again without first addressing the reason for the refusal.
• Your financial resources are difficult to explain: For example, when there are multiple sponsors, recent deposits, funds from different sources, or documents that do not clearly establish who will pay for your studies and living expenses.
• You have prior immigration issues or status problems: An overstay, unauthorized employment, SEVIS termination, visa cancellation, or inconsistent information may require an individualized analysis.
• The circumstances of your case raise concerns about the consular interview: Your chosen program, academic or professional background, funding, ties abroad, or a previous refusal may require an especially clear and consistent explanation.
• Graduation is approaching: OPT, STEM OPT, a potential H-1B visa, another temporary status, or a path to permanent residence each have different requirements and deadlines and should not be confused with a simple extension of F-1 status.
• You plan to travel while an issue remains unresolved: Leaving the United States can have different consequences depending on your current status, visa validity, I-20, and immigration history.

In these situations, a legal review can help identify which rule applies to the issue, which documents must be consistent, and which decisions may preserve or eliminate available options. An attorney’s role is different from that of a designated school official (DSO), and no legal review can guarantee approval of a visa or immigration benefit.

Tips for maintaining F-1 status in the United States

As an international student, it is important to properly maintain F-1 status throughout your program. Among other precautions:

When entering the United States

• Enter no more than 30 days before your program begins.
• Contact your designated school official (DSO) and complete the registration steps required by your institution.
• Check that your I-94 and admission documents are correct.

While studying in the United States

• Maintain the required course load unless a reduced course load has been properly authorized.
• Speak with your DSO before dropping a class, interrupting your studies, or making significant changes to your program.
• If you need additional time to complete your studies, discuss an I-20 extension with your DSO before the applicable deadline.
• Do not begin any employment until you know exactly what authorization is required for that type of work.
• Before international travel, confirm that the documents required for your return remain valid.

What documents do I need to apply for an F-1 student visa?

For the application and interview, you will generally need to gather the following basic documents:

• Valid passport: It must meet the applicable validity requirements for your nationality and travel.
• Form DS-160 confirmation page.
• Visa application fee receipt, when the instructions for the embassy or consulate require you to bring it.
• Photograph: Follow the instructions for the DS-160 and the U.S. embassy or consulate.
• Form I-20 issued by the institution.
• I-901 SEVIS fee receipt.

Additional documentation

The consulate may also request additional documentation to evaluate your eligibility, such as:

• Transcripts and diplomas from previous educational institutions.
• Standardized test scores required by the institution.
• Evidence of funds to cover tuition, living expenses, and travel.
• Documents supporting your temporary plans and ties outside the United States.

The number of documents you submit does not replace the need for a consistent case. Your financial, academic, and personal information should be consistent with the DS-160, I-20, and your answers during the interview.

Can I work in the United States with an F-1 student visa?

F-1 status does not provide general authorization to work. Specific types of employment or practical training are available, and each has different rules.

On-campus employment

Employment that actually qualifies as on-campus employment may begin without waiting one academic year. While school is in session, the general limit is 20 hours per week. During certain breaks and annual vacations, you may work full time.

Before beginning work, coordinate with your DSO to confirm that the position qualifies under the on-campus employment rules. A job that is physically located on campus does not always automatically qualify.

CPT, OPT, and STEM OPT

• Curricular Practical Training (CPT): It must be an integral part of the curriculum and requires authorization from the DSO before you begin.
• Optional Practical Training (OPT): This allows temporary practical training related to your major area of study. The regular period may last up to 12 months, subject to the applicable rules and authorizations.
• STEM OPT: Certain eligible graduates in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics may apply for an additional extension of up to 24 months if they meet the requirements.

Off-campus employment due to severe economic hardship

There is also a limited option for certain students experiencing severe economic hardship caused by unforeseen circumstances. It generally requires maintaining F-1 status for at least one academic year, remaining in good academic standing, receiving a recommendation from the DSO, and obtaining authorization from USCIS before beginning employment.

Working without the required authorization can affect your status. To learn more about the differences among employment authorization options, see our guide on how to get employment authorization in the U.S..

Can I transfer schools if I have an F-1 visa?

In general, a student in F-1 status may transfer between SEVP-certified schools. You must coordinate the transfer of your SEVIS record and comply with the applicable deadlines. Speak with your DSO before leaving your current institution or beginning studies at the new school.

Assistance with F-1 visa cases in New Jersey

Although the F-1 visa is governed by federal immigration law, certain issues may require an individualized analysis, especially after a consular refusal, a potential status violation, problems with financial documentation, or an important decision before or after graduation.

If you are looking for an F-1 visa lawyer in New Jersey, attorney Carolina T. Curbelo and the Curbelo Law team can review the student’s specific circumstances, identify potential immigration or documentation risks, and explain the available options.

Curbelo Law serves clients in English and Spanish from its office in Ridgewood, New Jersey. If you need assistance with a complicated F-1 application or an issue involving your student status, you can contact the firm to request a consultation.

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