F-1 Student Visa (USA)
State Department fee page (USD): non-petition-based nonimmigrant visa application fee USD 185 (includes F, M and J). The SEVIS I-901 fee also applies and is paid at FMJfee.com (the amount is not shown on the Study in the States page). An issuance fee depends on your nationality.≈ $185
State Department global visa wait times (updated 17 Sep 2026): next available interview appointment for student and exchange visas (F, M, J) is 2 months at New Delhi and 2.5 months at Mumbai. This is the appointment wait, not the decision time. A student visa can be issued up to 365 days before the course start, and you may enter no more than 30 days before it.
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Source-backed requirements
Eligibility
(1)English proficiency
DocumentConditionalProvide the English or other admission evidence required by your school and programme; IELTS/TOEFL is not a universal F-1 visa requirement.
Verified official
Qualification
(2)Financial proof
MandatoryProof of funds to cover tuition, living expenses, and return travel for the duration of the program.
Verified officialAcceptance by SEVP school
MandatoryAcceptance by a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school, with a Form I-20 issued.
Verified official
Preparation
(2)Nonimmigrant intent
DocumentMandatoryMust demonstrate nonimmigrant intent — ties to your home country and intent to return after studies.
Verified officialSEVIS fee
DocumentConditionalPay the $350 I-901 SEVIS fee when required; an existing valid payment or statutory exception may remove the need to pay again.
Verified official
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Immigration Documents & Forms
Source citations
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/student-visa.html
U.S. Department of State
Re-reviewed substantive current StateDept F/M page. School admission/I20, school-required tests, intent to depart and educational/living/travel funding. No universal IELTS or English interview assertion.
8 CFR 214.13 — SEVIS fees
U.S. federal legislation/regulations
F1$350;initialvisaissuance/admission/change timing;nonewfee circumstances andcontinuation/reapplication.
Official links
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