Independent advisory firm — not a law firm or government agency. US student visas are issued only by the US government.
The F-1 is the US nonimmigrant visa for international students studying full-time at a school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Eligible institutions include universities, colleges, language programmes, conservatories and approved private schools.
Because the US system tracks every student through SEVIS, the process starts with the school: you are admitted, the school issues your Form I-20, and only then do you pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160 form and attend an interview at a US embassy or consulate. Decisions rest entirely with the consular officer.
Please note that F-1 students cannot attend US public elementary or middle schools, and public high school attendance is limited to 12 months. Full-time enrolment is required throughout.
Confirm the effective date and any changes with your school or on uscis.gov and Study in the States before you rely on them.
We discuss your academic background, budget, goals and timeline.
We help you compare SEVP-certified institutions and intakes.
We guide your applications and the documents your school will ask for.
We help you organise financial and academic evidence clearly and consistently.
We explain each government fee and review your form details before you submit.
Practice sessions on your study plan, funding and ties to home.
Accommodation, insurance, travel and arrival checklists.
| Item | Amount | Paid to / when |
|---|---|---|
| SEVIS I-901 fee | US$350 | US government, online, before the interview. F-2 dependants exempt. |
| Visa application (MRV) fee | US$185 | Paid through the local embassy payment system before booking the interview. |
| Visa Integrity Fee | US$250 | Collected at visa issuance where applied; status has varied by post. Check the embassy page. |
| Tuition and living costs | Varies | Set by each school; the I-20 shows its estimate for one year. |
Fees are set by the US government and change without notice. Always confirm current amounts on travel.state.gov and studyinthestates.dhs.gov.
Answers to the questions applicants ask most.
The F-1 is the US nonimmigrant visa for full-time academic study at a school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) — for example a university, college, language programme or eligible private school. It is issued only by the US government.
Yes. UAE residents normally apply through the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the US Consulate General in Dubai. Since 2025 the State Department has generally expected applicants to apply in their country of nationality or residence, so confirm which post handles your nationality before booking.
Government charges are the SEVIS I-901 fee (US$350), the visa application or MRV fee (US$185) and, where collected, the US$250 Visa Integrity Fee created by 2025 legislation. Collection of the Integrity Fee has varied by post, so check the embassy's fee page. School application fees, tuition and living costs are separate.
It is a one-time fee that funds the system tracking international students. You pay it online using the SEVIS ID printed on your Form I-20, and you must bring the receipt to your visa interview. F-2 dependants are exempt.
There is no single national amount. Your school's Form I-20 lists its estimate of one year of tuition and living costs, and you must show access to those funds and a realistic plan to cover later years. Acceptable sources include family savings, a sponsor, a loan or a scholarship.
The visa itself has no required test. Each school sets its own admission tests and English-language standards, and many accept several tests. At your interview the officer will also judge whether you can communicate well enough to study in English.
Most students begin 9–12 months before their intake: shortlist schools, apply, receive the I-20, then pay fees and book the interview. A visa can be issued up to 365 days before your programme starts, but you may enter the US only up to 30 days before the start date. Interview wait times vary by post.
It is a short in-person interview with a consular officer about your study plan, how you will pay and why you will return home after your studies. Bring your passport, Form I-20, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipts and financial and academic documents. Interview waivers have been narrowed since September 2025, so most applicants attend in person.
The most common reason is failing to satisfy the officer of nonimmigrant intent under Section 214(b) — in other words, ties to your home country. Unclear study plans, unconvincing funding and inconsistent answers also lead to refusals. Preparation focuses on presenting an honest, consistent and well-documented case.
Possibly. The State Department has expanded online-presence screening for F, M and J applicants, and you may be asked to list your accounts and make them viewable for review. Leaving an account out can be treated as a misrepresentation, so answer fully and consistently.
DHS published a final rule on 17 July 2026 replacing 'duration of status' with a fixed admission period. Your I-94 end date follows the programme end date on your I-20, up to four years, and students needing longer must file an extension of stay with USCIS. The rule was scheduled to take effect on 15 September 2026 — confirm its current status with your school.
On campus, you can generally work up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during official breaks. Off-campus work is not allowed unless it is authorised, for example through CPT or OPT. Working without authorisation can end your status.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is work that is an integral part of your curriculum, usually available after one academic year and approved by your school. Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows up to 12 months of work in your field, before or after completion, with an employment authorisation document from USCIS.
Graduates with an eligible STEM degree may apply for a further 24-month OPT extension with an employer enrolled in E-Verify. DHS has signalled that it may propose further changes to OPT, so check the latest rules before building a post-graduation plan around them.
Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can apply for F-2 status. F-2 dependants cannot work, and their study options are limited, although children may attend school. Plan your household budget on a single income stream.
You can transfer between SEVP-certified schools through the SEVIS transfer process, coordinated by the Designated School Officials (DSOs) at both schools. Changing your level or programme also requires an updated I-20, and you must stay enrolled full-time throughout.
Under the new rule the post-completion grace period is reduced from 60 days to 30 days, and the same 30 days applies after OPT or STEM OPT ends. Use that time to depart, change status or transfer — employment is generally not permitted during the grace period.
F-1 status requires full-time enrolment. F-1 students cannot attend public elementary or middle schools, and public high school attendance is limited to 12 months with tuition reimbursed to the district. Private schools that are SEVP-certified are an option.
They can. A presidential proclamation in force since 1 January 2026 restricts entry for nationals of a longer list of countries, with exceptions that vary by visa category. Check the State Department's current list for your nationality before paying fees or applications.
Ask the officer for the reason, which you will usually be given in writing under the relevant section of law. Reapply only when you can present new, material information, and remember that you must disclose the refusal on future applications. An advisor can help you review what to strengthen.
No. Visatrix Global is an independent advisory firm. Only US consular officers decide whether to issue a visa, and no consultant can guarantee approval or processing times. We help you prepare an accurate, well-organised application.
Speak with our Dubai-based advisors about schools, intakes, funds and what the 2026 changes mean for your plan. Free initial consultation, no obligation.
Disclaimer: Visatrix Global Services – FZCO is an independent advisory firm based in the UAE. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice. We are not a government agency, embassy or consulate, and we are not affiliated with the US Department of State, DHS, USCIS, any US embassy or consulate, or any school or university. Student visas and permits are issued only by the relevant government authority, and consular officers make all decisions. We do not guarantee admission, visa approval, interview outcomes, processing times or outcomes. Entry requirements, funds thresholds, work rights and fees change frequently; always confirm them with the official source before applying.
