Obtaining a U.S. Visa: How to Apply for an F-1 Visa a U.S. Embassy/Consulate Abroad

Visa and Status: An Important Distinction

An F-1 visa is granted by a U.S. Embassy/Consulate abroad (i.e., located outside the United States). It is important to distinguish between an F-1 visa and F-1 status. The visa is the stamped page in your passport placed there by a U.S. Consular Officer for entry purposes only. Issuance of visas is regulated by the U.S. Department of State. F-1 status is granted once you enter the United States and is regulated by the U.S. Immigration & Naturalization Service (INS). Once you have entered the United States, the visa has no function. If it expires, it will have no effect on your legal F-1 status as long as you remain in the United States with a valid Form I-20 and a valid passport. If you plan to travel outside the United States with an expired visa and want to return to resume your F-1 program, you will need to apply for a new F-1 visa at a U.S. Embassy/Consulate abroad. Please be aware that there is no guarantee whatsoever that you will be granted a new visa. If you are denied, you will not be able to re-enter the United States.

Applying for an F-1 Visa

When applying for an F-1 visa at a U.S. Embassy/Consulate, you will need to present the following documents:

• Form I-20 signed by a Designated School Official at the educational institution you plan to attend.
• Evidence of financial support.
• Proof of residence abroad to which you intend to return after completion of studies. According to federal regulations at [22 CFR 41.11], "an applicant for a non-immigrant visa shall be presumed to be an immigrant until the consular officer is satisfied that the applicant is entitled to a non-immigrant status [...]. The burden of proof is upon the applicant to establish entitlement for non-immigrant visa status and the type of non-immigrant visa for which application is made." A common reason for denial of a visa application is simply that the consular officer is not convinced that you intend to return home. The consular officer has the discretion to require whatever evidence he/she deems necessary. You should, therefore, be prepared to provide evidence to the consular officer that there is both a need and a reason for you to return to your home country. This may be done by providing:
  1. evidence of a job offer in your home country or evidence of a job to which you plan to return
  2. proof of ownership of property
  3. proof of various other assets in your home country
  4. evidence of family ties and responsibilities

  Please be aware that following these suggestions/options does not guarantee that a visa application will be approved. The final decision rests with the consular officer.

• A valid passport
• Other documentation which may be required includes:
1. evidence of competence in English
2. evidence of education achievements (i.e., transcripts or diplomas)
3. police certificates
4. photographs
5. an application fee