F1 Student Visa FAQ

F1 STUDENT VISA FAQ

Q: How do I prove that I can afford to attend school in the United States?
A: Part 7 on the I-20 shows the amount of funding you must have available to cover the first year's expenses. The total amount includes tuition and fees, living expenses, expenses of dependents (if applicable), and other expenses (as applicable). You must prove that you have immediate funds available to cover this amount.

Q: What documents should I show to prove that I can pay for my education in the U.S.?
A: There are no specific documents that prove a student is able to pay for his/her education. Bank account statements, chartered accountant statements, employment letters, and property documents are the most common documents used to show proof of funds. You must prove that funds are immediately available to cover the first year's costs, and show evidence that funds will be available for all subsequent years. Any financial documentation you provide should be in support of this. This applies to ALL student visa applicants.

Q: I have received my F1 visa, when should I travel?
A: It is recommended that the spouse and dependent children go for their visa interviews along with the principal applicant.

Q: What is the SEVIS system and how does it affect me?
A: The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) requires schools and exchange programs report the enrollment status and program status and any changes of all continuing and new students and exchange visitors.

Q: What is the SEVIS fee and how do I pay it?
A: The SEVIS I-901 fee is a mandatory fee charged to all students and exchange visitors applying for a visa using an I-20 or DS-2019 immigration document issued after September 1, 2004 which indicates initial attendance. The SEVIS fee is paid to the U.S. government to cover the costs of the SEVIS system. To pay the fee and obtain more detail about the fee refer to https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/.

Q: How early should I apply for my Student (F1) visa?
A: You are encouraged to apply early for your Student non-immigrant visa to ensure that you can get on your way in a timely fashion. You may apply up to 120 days prior to your start date.

Q: What if I receive an I-20 to a better school?
A: In that case, you will need to change the name of the university annotated on your visa. To do so, you will have to go through the complete process once again by scheduling a new appointment after paying the Application Fee, Service Charge and SEVIS Fee.

Q: Does my I-20 need to be sealed in an envelope?
A: No, your I-20 does not need to be sealed in an envelope. However, you have to make sure that you carry the I-20 when you travel, as you have to show it to the immigration officer at the port of entry in order to be admitted in to the U.S.