F1 Visa – A Guide to Obtaining Your F1 Visa

Dreaming of pursuing your academic aspirations in the landscape of the United States?

Make your American academic adventure possible with the key that unlocks your American educational journey. This equipped guide, includes knowledge of requirements for securing your student visa.

Remember, visa issuance isn’t guaranteed. Hold off on finalizing travel plans until your visa is approved.

Finding Your Perfect Visa Path: The student planning to study in undergraduate or graduate program should apply for a F-1 visa.

How To Apply For F1 Visa?

Here is the step-by-step guide to help you understand:

Apply to a SEVP-certified Institution for Admission and Receive an Acceptance Letter

• The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is a program run by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in the United States, and manages the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) to track and monitor schools as well as non-immigrants while they visit the US for education purposes. Essentially, SEVP approves and monitors institutions that are allowed to enroll nonimmigrant students with F-1 visas
• After your research and selection of the potential university, submit it along with the required application material to the university. All the submitted application materials are reviewed and acceptance are granted to the qualified applicants.

Prepare for F1 VISA Application

• Obtain an I-20: Upon admission to the university, applicants can obtain their I-20 by submitting required financial documents and a valid passport. The F-1 visa interview can be taken up to 365 days before the academic course start date, but even after securing the visa, entry to the U.S. is allowed only within 30 days of the program start date. You also have to make sure the passport is valid for at least six months beyond the intended academic program start date.
• SEVIS FEE (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System): Students must pay a $350 fee to apply for student and exchange visitor visas. To make the payment, you need an active I-20 or DS-2019. The SEVIS fee payment is valid for one year from the payment date. 
• DS-160 Form: Students need to fill the DS-160 form which is an online application form and an essential part of your online visa evaluation. The DS-160 form collects information about the visa applicant, including personal details, travel plans, and background information. 
• Schedule Your Interview: You will have to pay $185 for the appointment fee after you fill out the DS-160 form. You can then book your appointment through the designated online portal at an appropriate date based on the availability and gather all necessary documents. 
• Visa Interview Day: Understand the visa interview process, be prepared to confidently express your academic goals and provide assurance of strong financial preparations, and ties to your home country. In Nepal, biometrics are finished immediately prior to the interview. So, there isn’t a waiting period like in other nations. You will need to take a payment receipt for the DS-160 form, a SEVIS fee payment receipt, your I-20, your transcripts, and your passport with you. 

How can Edwise Foundation help with the F1 visa applications? 

Established in 2005 Edwise Foundation is a pioneer in helping students for studying in USA. We are here to guide you through the entire process. Our assistance includes providing detailed information on the latest visa requirements and conditions. Additionally, we’ll support you in university and program selection, guiding and ensuring a smooth and well-informed visa application process and preparing you to ace the visa interview.

How can Edwise Foundation help with F1 visa interview? 

We don’t provide visa answers for visa interview but guide you on what Visa Officers seek. We polish your communication, interpersonal skills, and confidence. The F-1 visa reflects your clarity on your goals, funding, and reasons for going to the U.S. So, you will have to treat the interview as a conversation and not an academic response.

With careful planning, meticulous preparation, and a dash of academic enthusiasm, you’ll be well-equipped to embark on your American educational adventure. Bon voyage!

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