🇺🇸 United States F-1 Student Visa
Also known as: F-1, F1 visa
Last verified: October 1, 2026
What is the United States F-1 Student Visa?
For full-time study at a SEVP-certified school. Requires a Form I-20 from the school, the $350 SEVIS I-901 fee, the $185 DS-160 application fee, and proof of funds covering the amount stated on your I-20 (typically first-year tuition plus living costs). You may enter the US up to 30 days before your program starts. Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can accompany you as F-2 dependants, each on their own Form I-20; F-2 dependants are not allowed to work.
This overview is written for Indians. Fees and paperwork differ by nationality; see the comparison below.
United States F-1 Student Visa requirements, cost, and processing time
| Government fee | $350–$535 |
| Processing time | 4–16 weeks |
| Minimum annual income | No fixed threshold on record |
| Minimum savings | No fixed threshold on record |
| Job offer | Not required |
| Degree | Not required |
| Family can join | Yes |
| Path to permanent residency | No |
Amounts are approximate US dollar equivalents of figures set in local currency, verified against official sources for Canadians and Indians.
United States F-1 Student Visa cost and processing time by nationality
| Applicants | Gov. fee | Processing | Min. income | Min. savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇦 Canadians | $350 | varies | — | — |
| 🇮🇳 Indians | $535 | 4–16 weeks | — | — |
Each row links to the full guide for that nationality, with the document checklist.
Documents needed for the United States F-1 Student Visa
- Get admission from a SEVP-certified school
- Receive your Form I-20
- Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee ($350)
- Complete DS-160 and pay the $185 MRV fee
- Prepare proof of funds matching the I-20 amount
- Book VAC biometrics + visa interview
- Attend the interview
- Collect your stamped passport & book travel
- Report to your DSO and maintain status
This list is the checklist for Indians. Other nationalities have their own steps, linked in the table above. The full ordered checklist, with timing, dependencies, and personalized due dates, is part of the plan.
Is the F-1 Student Visa right for you?
Answer 6 questions and see every United States visa you qualify for — free.
Check my eligibilityFrequently asked questions
- How much does the United States F-1 Student Visa cost?
- The government fee is about $350 for Canadians and $535 for Indians (USD equivalent). Translations, apostilles, insurance, and courier costs come on top.
- What is the United States F-1 Student Visa processing time?
- Typical processing takes 4–16 weeks after applying, plus the time needed to gather documents.
- Do I need a job offer for the United States F-1 Student Visa?
- No. The United States F-1 Student Visa does not require a job offer from an employer in United States.
- Can family members join on the United States F-1 Student Visa?
- Yes. Accompanying family members are allowed, with additional documentation.
- Does the United States F-1 Student Visa lead to permanent residency?
- No. On its own it does not lead to permanent residency.
- Is the F-1 the same as the United States F-1 Student Visa?
- Yes. F-1 and F1 visa are other names people use for the United States F-1 Student Visa.
United States F-1 Student Visa guides by nationality
Other United States visas
Always confirm requirements with the official government sources: ice.gov, travel.state.gov. This guide is general information, not legal advice.