If you are requesting an F-1 student visa from your home country, you must first decide which school you want to attend in the United States and submit an application there. At this time, you might also want to start researching housing options. If your application is approved, the DSO (Designated School Official) will provide you a Form I-20 and ask you to pay the I-901 SEVIS receipt. Your unique ID number will be added to the SEVIS database.

You will obtain Form I-20 and schedule the “Initial Entry Visa Interview” with your regional U.S. Embassy or Consulate after the school enters your data into the SEVIS database. Please inquire about the policies and processes at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your area. You can look for visa information on the U.S. Department of State website by choosing your city and then clicking the link. Wait times for student visa appointments at embassies and consulates world-wide can be found at Travel.State.Gov.