FAQ
Common questions.
What do I need for the US student visa?
The official page asks for: form I-20 from an SEVP-certified school, i-901 SEVIS fee paid, proof you can pay tuition and living costs and visa interview at a US embassy or consulate, as well as the money to live on.
How much money do I need for the US student visa?
No set figure on the official pages. You must prove you can pay tuition and living costs, for example with bank statements.
Do I need to pay tuition before I apply?
You must prove you can pay your tuition as well as living costs.
Can I work while I study in the US?
On-campus work up to 20 hours a week while school is in session. Off-campus work needs a full academic year of study, economic hardship and approval from USCIS.
Can I stay in the US after I graduate?
Up to 12 months of work linked to your major, before or after you finish; graduates in some STEM fields can add 24 months.
Can I get a US student visa for a language course?
Yes. English language training programmes are limited to 24 months of admission.
How long can I stay on the US student visa?
From 15 September 2026 you are admitted for the length of your programme on the I-20, up to 4 years, plus 30 days to arrive and 30 days to leave. To stay longer, you apply to USCIS for an extension of stay, or leave and get a new period of admission when you come back.
How much does the US student visa cost?
The I-901 SEVIS fee is USD 350. The visa application fee is set by the State Department on travel.state.gov.
Who can apply for the US student visa?
Open to citizens of any other country. For people accepted by a school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to study full time. The school gives you a Form I-20.
Can I bring my family?
Your spouse and children can come on F-2 visas with their own I-20; they may not work, and they may study part time.
How do I apply?
After you get your I-20 and pay the SEVIS fee, you apply at a US embassy or consulate.
Sources
- United States: F-1 student visa (academic and language students) (studyinthestates.dhs.gov)
- United States: how to apply (studyinthestates.dhs.gov)
- United States: F-1 student visa (academic and language students) (studyinthestates.dhs.gov)
- United States: F-1 student visa (academic and language students) (studyinthestates.dhs.gov)
- United States: F-1 student visa (academic and language students) (studyinthestates.dhs.gov)
- United States: F-1 student visa (academic and language students) (uscis.gov)
- United States: F-1 student visa (academic and language students) (ice.gov)
- United States: F-1 student visa (academic and language students) (studyinthestates.dhs.gov)
- United States: Fixed time period of admission: quick facts (studyinthestates.dhs.gov)
- United States: Paying the I-901 SEVIS fee (studyinthestates.dhs.gov)
- United States: Student visas (State Department) (travel.state.gov)
General information, not legal advice. Last checked 11 Oct 2026.