F1 Student Visa Guide — From Acceptance to Departure

Studying in the United States is one of the most popular pathways for young people seeking international education and future opportunities. This guide walks through the general process of obtaining an F1 student visa.

Step 1: Get Accepted by a SEVP-Approved School

Before applying for an F1 visa, you must first be accepted by a U.S. school that is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). This includes most accredited universities, colleges, and certain vocational schools.

Step 2: Receive Your Form I-20

Once accepted, the school’s international student office issues a Form I-20, which is the official document certifying your eligibility for F1 status. You will need this document for nearly every subsequent step.

Step 3: Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee

Before your visa interview, you must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, which funds the system that tracks international students throughout their studies.

Step 4: Complete the DS-160 Form

Like other non-immigrant visas, F1 applicants must complete the online DS-160 application and print the confirmation page for their interview.

Step 5: Schedule and Attend Your Visa Interview

Since Iran does not have a U.S. embassy, applicants generally attend their interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in a third country. Be prepared to answer questions about:

Your chosen program of study and school
How you plan to fund your education
Your ties to your home country and post-graduation plans

Step 6: Prepare Financial and Academic Documents

Common documents requested during the interview include:

Form I-20
SEVIS fee payment receipt
Proof of financial support (bank statements, sponsor letters, scholarship documentation)
Academic transcripts and standardized test scores (if applicable)
Acceptance letter from the school

Step 7: Arrival in the United States

F1 visa holders are generally permitted to enter the U.S. up to 30 days before their program start date listed on the I-20. Upon arrival, you must check in with your school’s international student office to activate your SEVIS record.

Maintaining F1 Status

Once you begin your studies, maintaining valid F1 status requires:

Enrolling as a full-time student
Making normal academic progress
Limiting on-campus work to authorized hours
Reporting any changes (address, program, school transfer) to your school’s international office

How Mitra Global Can Help

We can provide general guidance on the F1 process, help you understand what documentation you may need, and connect you with licensed immigration attorneys and education consultants for personalized support.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional legal advice.