F-1 Student Visa
The I-20 form and the Acceptance Letter
In order to apply for a US student visa the student needs specific documentation provided by the school. The visa application form is called an I-20 form and is issued by the school once the placement has been confirmed. This is normally upon receipt of final payment of the student. The student needs to bring the I-20 form together with the official Acceptance Letter when applying for the visa. The Acceptance Letter is also issued by the school and passed on to the student.
The US Embassy or US Consulate
The I-20 form and Acceptance Letter are submitted to the local US embassy or US consulate in the home country of the student in order to apply for a visa. Please note that each student must apply for the visa him-/herself in person to the local embassy or consulate. The local embassy/consulate will in turn process each application separately and be in direct contact with the student during the visa application process.
Proof of Sufficient Financial Funds
In most countries the US embassy/consulate will also ask the student's family to issue a bank statement showing sufficient funds in US when applying for the visa. The embassy/consulate will notify each applicant about the required amount for acceptance.
Personal Interview at the US Embassy or Consulate
As part of the application process the US embassy/consulate will ask the student to come for a personal interview at the US embassy/consulate. During this interview, either entirely or in part held in English, the student will be asked questions about expectations, goals and ambitions for the coming school year abroad. The student will also be asked about his or her family situation, and in particular about relatives or family friends that may be living in the USA.
The student is normally awarded or rejected a visa in connection with the interview or shortly thereafter. The process of obtaining a visa may differ from country to country depending on the number of applicants, current policy of US authorities and size of the embassy/consulate. All students are encouraged to not wait and apply as soon as possible.