What is a F1 Visa?
The F1 visa is a U.S. nonimmigrant student visa used by students who plan to study full-time at a U.S. school that is approved to enroll international students. The U.S. government issues the visa through a U.S. embassy/consulate.
Key point:
An F1 visa is an entry document placed in your passport. It allows you to travel to the U.S. and request entry as a student.
Who Needs a F1 Visa?
You typically need an F-1 visa if:
You will study full-time in the U.S.
Your school is SEVP-approved (authorized for international students)
You received a Form I-20 from the school
F1 Visa vs I-20 (Most Important Difference)
Students often confuse these:
I-20 = issued by the school (your eligibility certificate)
F1 visa = issued by U.S. embassy/consulate (your travel/entry visa)
What is Form I-20?
Form I-20 is the “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.”
It confirms:
You are admitted to an SEVP-certified school
Your program details and start date
Estimated costs
Your funding details (as reported to the school)
You need the I-20 to:
Pay the SEVIS fee
Apply for the F-1 visa
Enter the U.S. as a student
What is SEVIS?
SEVIS stands for Student and Exchange Visitor Information System.
It is the U.S. government system used to manage records for international students and exchange visitors. Schools use SEVIS to create and maintain your student record.
Why SEVIS matters
Your I-20 is created using SEVIS.
Your SEVIS ID is linked to your student record.
You must pay a required SEVIS fee (I-901) for most students before the visa interview.
What is the SEVIS I-901 Fee?
The I-901 SEVIS fee is a fee paid to support the SEVIS system. It’s paid online using the official platform fmjfee.com.
Important:
This is not the same as the visa application fee. It’s separate.
What is DS-160?
DS-160 is the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application.
It is submitted electronically to the U.S. Department of State, and consular officers use it to process your visa application.
DS-160 is required for:
Creating your visa application record
Scheduling the interview (depending on country process)
Printing the confirmation page for your interview