United States F-1 Student Visa for Canadians
Last verified: October 1, 2026
Overview
For full-time study at a US school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. Canadian citizens do not need a student visa: you are admitted in F-1 status at the port of entry. You still need everything else — acceptance at a certified school, a Form I-20 issued in your name, the US$350 I-901 SEVIS fee paid before you arrive at the border, and documentary evidence of funds covering the amount shown on the I-20. You can enter up to 30 days before the program start date. Under a DHS rule in effect from 15 September 2026, new F-1 students are admitted for a fixed period — the length of the program on the I-20, up to four years, plus 30 days — rather than for the duration of their studies, and must apply to USCIS for an extension to stay longer. A spouse and children can come in F-2 status with their own I-20s. Students who live in Canada and commute to a school within 75 miles of the border can use the border commuter rules.
This page covers Canadians. For every nationality we track, see the United States F-1 Student Visa overview.
Requirements for Canadians
| Minimum annual income | No requirement |
| Minimum savings | No requirement |
| Job offer required | No |
| Degree required | No |
| Family can join | Yes |
| Path to permanent residency | No |
Processing time & costs
Processing time varies by case; we have no verified figure on record. The government fee is approximately $350. Difficulty: 2/5.
Documents you'll need
- Get admitted to an SEVP-certified school
- Receive and check your Form I-20
- Pay the US$350 I-901 SEVIS fee
- Prepare evidence of funds for the amount on the I-20
- Skip the visa application and carry your Canadian passport
- Arrange I-20s for a spouse and children
- Enter no earlier than 30 days before your program starts
- Check the admit-until date on your I-94
- Report to your Designated School Official and enrol full time
- Apply to extend before your I-94 expires if you need more time
The full ordered checklist — with timing, dependencies, apostille and translation flags, and personalized due dates — is part of the paid plan.
Is the F-1 Student Visa right for you?
Answer 6 questions and see every visa you qualify for — free.
Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- How long does the United States F-1 Student Visa take for Canadians?
- We do not have a verified processing time on record for the F-1 Student Visa. Timing depends on your case, so check the official source before fixing dates.
- What does the F-1 Student Visa cost?
- The government fee is approximately $350. Additional costs (translations, apostilles, insurance) vary by case.
- Do Canadians need a job offer for the F-1 Student Visa?
- No. The F-1 Student Visa does not require a job offer from a United States employer.
- Can I bring my family on the F-1 Student Visa?
- Yes — this visa allows accompanying family members, with additional documentation.
Other United States visas for Canadians
United States visas for other nationalities
Always confirm requirements with the official government source. This guide is general information, not legal advice.