Getting Your F-1 Visa

You must apply at the US embassy or consulate office in your country. While the application process varies from country to country, a few things are always the same:

First you must have an I-20 to apply for an F-1 visa. The I-20 indicates that you have been accepted for study at the school, and the start date of your program among other information.

Second, you will need various forms from the embassy. You can usually obtain these forms on-line at the embassy's website, or by visiting the embassy directly. Most embassies make the forms available in your country's language; however, the answers must usually be written in English.

Third, you will need proof of your financial resources. If you are an MLI student, when you apply for the I-20 our online application form will tell you the MINIMUM amount of resources you need to show. Of course, the more you can show the better. Your proof can take the form of a statement from your bank or your parents' bank that is less than 30 days old. If you are using bank statements from someone outside of your immediate family you should also obtain an affidavit of support from that person and be ready to answer why that person is willing to support you.

In some countries you can simply mail your forms in and wait for your visa. In other countries you may have to go to an interview with an embassy official. If you are going to an interview contact us for some helpful tips and information.

Expiration Date

Your F-1 visa will have both an Issue Date and Expiration Date. But, the most important dates are on your I-20. The report date on your I-20 determines when you may enter the US and the expiration date on your I-20 determines when you must leave.

The expiration date on your F-1 visa is NOT the date you must return to your country. Think of your F-1 visa as a ticket into the US. Once you are in, the expiration date does not matter, as long as you hold a valid I-20 and I-94.

The only problem you will have with an expired F-1 visa is if you leave the US. You will not be able to re-enter the US on an expired F-1, even if your I-20 is up-to-date. Of course you can always apply for a new F-1 visa in your country.