Form I-20, SEVIS fee, DS-160, embassy interview: the student visa process, step by step.
Whether you are heading to a private high school, a prep school, a junior college or a university, you will need an F-1 student visa. The process is straightforward and goes smoothly when you start early. Here are the steps, in order.
1. Admission and Form I-20
It all starts with the school. Once you are admitted to a school authorised to host international students, it sends you Form I-20. To issue it, the school asks for proof that your studies will be funded: bank statements from your parents, a scholarship letter, or both.
Check right away that your name and date of birth are written exactly as they appear on your passport. A single typo can hold up everything that follows.
2. The SEVIS fee
With the SEVIS number printed on your I-20, you pay the SEVIS fee online (Form I-901). Keep the receipt safe: you will be asked for it at the interview.
3. The DS-160 form and the appointment
The DS-160 is the online visa application. You fill in your background, your school and your travel history, with a compliant photo. Once the form is submitted, you pay the visa fee and book an appointment.
In summer, waiting times can get longer: that is when every student applies. Do not leave it late.
4. The embassy interview
In France, the interview takes place at the US Embassy in Paris. It lasts a few minutes. You will be asked simple questions: why this school, who is paying for your studies, what you plan to do next. Answer clearly and honestly, in English if you can.
What to bring:
- your valid passport;
- your signed Form I-20;
- your DS-160 confirmation;
- the SEVIS and visa fee receipts;
- proof of funding (bank statements, scholarship letter);
- your latest school reports.
Good to know
- Fee amounts change regularly: always check them on the official embassy and SEVIS websites before paying.
- You can enter the United States no earlier than 30 days before the start date on your I-20.
- At a public high school, the F-1 visa is limited to 12 months and the fees must be reimbursed. That is why most players go to a private high school or a prep school.
- Work is tightly restricted on an F-1 visa: it is limited, and only on campus during the school year.
- Check your passport expiry date well before you start the process.
You are not doing this alone
The visa file is part of our support: we explain every step, check the documents with you and prepare you for the interview. To talk about it, book your free call.
