Everything about F1 visa.

F1 visa is issued for international students who are interested in going to the USA to complete their studies. It’s a temporary visa; students can stay in the USA by using this visa until the end of their studying time. All students get a one-year work permit after completing their studies. Among them, those who complete their study in a STEM subject then get this permission for 3 years. F1 students must maintain the minimum course load for full-time student status. F1 students are expected to complete their studies by the expiration date on their I-20 form (Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status) which is provided by the US college or university that the student has been accepted to and will attend. To know more about the I-20 form, click here.

Process the F1 visa by following the given instructions.

1. Check Application Requirements: To begin, find out several universities where you wish to seek admission. Make a note of the admission requirements for each university and prepare accordingly. Primarily, it’s essential to be aware of the deadlines, English proficiency requirements, and CGPA.
2. Collect all required documents:
   Now that you’re aware of their requirements, it’s time to begin preparations. Start by taking an English proficiency test such as IELTS, Duolingo, PTE, or TOEFL. While I typically recommend IELTS, if you’re pressed for time, consider the Duolingo exam, which is comparatively easier. Alongside preparing for the English proficiency test, gather your academic documents, prepare your CV, statement of purpose (SOP), and bank statement. Most universities usually require a minimum of a 4-month bank statement, but I suggest having at least 6 months’ worth prepared. For a general idea, you can refer to this checklist.
3. Apply for a SEVP-approved school l or University: After completing the previous tasks, you are ready to begin applying to universities. In my opinion, you should apply to 3 to 5 universities. Choose one that best fits your profile, one that is mid-tier, and the remaining universities should be ones where you are confident you will receive an I-20 form. Within 2-5 weeks, universities will issue an I-20 form for you if you are eligible. Sometimes, this process can be expedited and take as little as 7 days, while in other cases, it may take longer. The duration varies from university to university.
4. Complete the DS-160 form: The DS-160 form is an online non-immigrant visa application form used by individuals applying for a non-immigrant visa to the United States. Complete the DS-160 form and schedule an embassy appointment for your visa interview. The DS-160 form is very important because visa officers will use it during your interview. So, make sure to fill it out carefully with accurate information.
5. Gather required documents: After scheduling your embassy appointment, gather all necessary documents and begin preparing for your visa interview. You may find it helpful to watch demonstration interview videos on YouTube for guidance.
6. Attend visa interview: On the scheduled date, attend your interview with a professional appearance that reflects your personality. If you can effectively demonstrate your qualifications during this interview, obtaining the visa should be straightforward.