海角社区

Applying for Your F-1 Visa

You can apply for a visa up to one year before the start date listed on your I-20. We recommend applying as soon as possible after you decide to accept your admission.

Step 1: Pay the $350 SEVIS I-901 Fee After Receiving Your I-20

• Print your payment receipt (required for your visa appointment)
• Pay online using a credit card: visit .
• Pay by Western Union: follow the instructions at .
• Students born in or citizens of Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria or Gambia must pay by Western Union Quick Pay, money order, or a certified check drawn from a U.S. bank. Visit to download the form to pay by money order or certified check.

Step 2: Learn Your Consulate鈥檚 Requirements

1. Go to .
2. Select your country, then choose the U.S. Consulate closest to your home.
3. Click on 鈥淰isas鈥�, then read the information on 鈥淪tudent Visas鈥� or 鈥淣on-immigrant Visas鈥�.

You may need a fingerprint appointment or be required to provide additional documents before your visa interview. Visit for information and videos in your language.

Step 3: Complete the Online Visa Application  (DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa)

1. Apply online at and complete the online application (required to schedule an interview).
2. If you are not going to live with friends or relatives, use Foothill鈥檚 information as your US contact.
3. Print and keep the DS-160 barcode confirmation page for your records.

Step 4: Schedule the Visa Appointment and Pay the Visa Application Fee

• Follow the instructions specified by your US Consulate.

Step 5: Collect Your Documents

• Passport (must be valid for 6+ months beyond your intended stay in the U.S.)
• I-20 from 海角社区
• SEVIS I-901 Fee receipt
• DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa barcode confirmation page
• Visa Application Fee receipt
• Additional Documents: your US embassy or consulate may require additional documents, such as proof of financial support, TOEFL scores, or transcripts.

Step 6: Prepare for Your Visa Interview

Your visa interview may be brief or you may be asked many questions! Be prepared to adress the following topics during your interview:

• Why you want to study in the United States
• Why you chose 海角社区
• Your financial support while in school
• Your plans after completing your studies
• Connections or ties to your home country (family friends, etc.)

For more information and helpful videos, search for 鈥�10 Points to Remember When Applying for a Student Visa鈥� from NAFSA.

US Government Websites with Helpful Information about Applying For Your F-1 Visa

• - Click on 鈥淵our 5 Steps to US Study鈥�
• - Click on 鈥淪tudy and Exchange鈥�, then 鈥淪tudent Visas鈥�
• - Official guidance on F-1 visas and maintaining status