If you’re planning to study in the United States, securing your F-1 visa appointment is a crucial step in your journey. This guide breaks down the entire F-1 visa process — from filling out forms to booking your embassy appointment — with simple, step-by-step instructions.

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What Is the F-1 Student Visa?

The F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued to international students who are accepted into a U.S. college or university for full-time academic study. Once approved, it allows you to live and study in the U.S. for the duration of your program.

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Steps to Apply for an F-1 Student Visa

Here is a quick overview of how to apply for your F-1 student visa:

1. Get your I-20 form from your university
2. Pay the SEVIS fee
3. Fill out the DS-160 online application
4. Pay the visa application fee
5. Book your US Embassy appointment
6. Attend your visa interview

Let’s walk through each of these in detail.

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Step 1: Receive and Fill the I-20 Form

• Your Form I-20 is issued by the university once you’ve been admitted.
• It includes your SEVIS ID and outlines your academic program.
• This form is required to begin your visa application.

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Step 2: Pay the SEVIS Fee

• Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee ($350) at fmjfee.com.
• Save your payment confirmation — you’ll need it for your visa interview.

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Step 3: Complete the DS-160 Online Form

• Go to ceac.state.gov/DS-160 and fill in the DS-160 form.
• This is your official U.S. visa application form.
• Once submitted, print the DS-160 confirmation page (with the barcode).

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Step 4: Pay the Visa Application Fee

• The F-1 visa fee is approximately $160 USD (~₹11,200 INR).
• Pay at authorized Axis or Citibank branches. You’ll receive a visa fee receipt with a 10-digit barcode.
• Wait 2 business days for your barcode to activate before booking your appointment.

Note: The visa fee is non-refundable. You must appear for your visa interview within 1 year of payment.

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Step 5: Book Your Visa Appointment

• Go to the U.S. Visa Appointment System for your region.
• Use the 10-digit barcode from your visa fee receipt to book:
  1. Your VAC (Visa Application Center) appointment for biometrics (photo + fingerprint)
  2. Your U.S. Embassy/Consulate appointment for the visa interview

Make sure the VAC appointment is at least one day before your interview.

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Step 6: Attend the Visa Interview

• You will be interviewed by a U.S. consular officer about:
  • Your academic background
  • Financial situation
  • Intent to return to your home country after graduation

Stay confident and honest. The officer wants to ensure you’re a genuine student with a clear purpose.

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Required Documents for the F-1 Visa Process

To Book VAC Appointment

• Valid passport number
• Visa application fee payment date
• DS-160 confirmation page (with barcode)

For VAC (Biometrics) Appointment

• Valid passport (at least 6 months beyond your intended stay)
• DS-160 confirmation page
• VAC appointment confirmation

For Visa Interview

• Printed visa interview appointment letter
• DS-160 confirmation page with barcode
• Recent passport-size photo (as per U.S. visa specs)
• Current and old passports
• Original visa fee receipt
• Form I-20 signed by both student and DSO

Note: If you were previously denied a visa, complete a new DS-160 form before reapplying.

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Bonus Tips for a Successful Visa Interview

• Dress professionally and arrive early
• Be clear and concise in your answers
• Carry original and organized documents
• Know your university details, course curriculum, and funding source
• Avoid scripted or over-prepared answers

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🧾 F-1 Visa Cost Breakdown (Approximate)

Item	Cost (USD)
SEVIS Fee (I-901)	$350
Visa Application Fee	$160
VFS + Bank Charges	Varies (~₹400–₹800)
Optional: Counseling	Varies

Final Thoughts: Plan Ahead, Be Confident

Securing your F-1 visa is a critical part of your study abroad journey. Start early, keep all your documents ready, and approach your visa interview with confidence and clarity.