Information about U.S. Student Visas

Before your visa interview, pay the SEVIS I-901 fee (currently $350) online at www.fmjfee.com.

Use the SEVIS ID and school code on your I-20.

Print and keep the receipt for your visa appointment.

This is a mandatory U.S. government fee for all F-1 students.

Fill out the DS-160 online application and print the confirmation page.

Then pay the visa application fee.

Use these to book your visa appointment at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Interview slots fill quickly, so don’t delay. Be professional during your interview: wear formal attire, and present yourself confidently. You are expected to speak for yourself. Be respectful and positive.

Social media disclosure on the DS-160

As of 2025, all visa applicants must provide a list of social media handles used in the past five years on the DS-160 form.

Consular officers may review your public posts for consistency with your stated purpose of travel and to ensure no security or immigration concerns.

Only public content is reviewed; however, limited access to or visibility of online presence may be viewed as hiding activity. You are not required to share passwords or private messages.

• Be mindful of what you post: avoid content that could be misinterpreted, including jokes or political commentary
• Do not delete social media accounts shortly before applying, as it may raise suspicion.
• Make sure your social media presence aligns with your stated plans to study and return home.

Bring all essential and supporting documentation:

• Valid passport (at least 6 months beyond your intended stay)
• I-20 form signed by you and your school official
• DS-160 confirmation page and visa fee receipt
• Visa appointment confirmation
• SEVIS I-901 payment receipt
• Passport-style photo (if not uploaded online)
• Academic transcripts, diplomas, and test scores
• Financial documents: bank statements, sponsor affidavits, scholarship letters
• Proof of relationship to sponsor (e.g., birth certificate)
• Sponsor employment verification or income proof
• Evidence of ties to your home country (e.g., family relationships, property ownership, business investments, employment in home country)

If dependents (spouse/children) are applying with you, be prepared to explain how they’ll be financially supported. They will need to apply separately with their own DS-160 and supporting documents.

Visa interviews are brief—often under 3 minutes—so keep your answers focused, honest, and concise. Be prepared to answer clearly in English without memorizing.

Do not discuss working in the U.S. Your purpose is study, not employment. Avoid emphasizing relatives living in the U.S., and focus on your strong ties to your home country. Supporting documents help, but your ability to communicate clearly and sincerely matters most.

Typical visa interview questions and how to answer

Practice answering these common visa interview questions in English. Keep your answers clear and brief:

Study plans

• Why do you want to study in the United States?
• What degree will you pursue and why?

University choice

• Why did you choose this particular university or program?
• What do you know about the school or program?

Financials

• How will you pay for your education?
• Who is sponsoring you? What do they do?
• Can you show proof of sufficient funding?

Post-graduation plans

• What will you do after graduating?
• Do you plan to return home?
• How will this degree help your career in your home country?

The interview will be in English. Practice with a friend or counselor, especially if you’ve never had a visa interview before.

You must show that your primary goal is to study.

Do not suggest you plan to work or stay in the U.S. after graduation.

Make sure:

• Your name matches your passport
• The visa says F-1 If something is wrong, ask for it to be corrected immediately

Final tips from U.S. visa experts

• The F-1 visa is a **non-immigrant** visa. You must demonstrate your intent to return home
• Be honest, focused, and avoid memorizing answers word-for-word
• Visa interviews are typically very short—be brief and confident
• Only answer what is asked. Don’t offer extra or unrelated details
• Avoid discussing any intent to stay in the U.S. long-term or to work after graduation
• If you are denied, ask for the reason and prepare stronger evidence before reapplying

When you arrive in the U.S., you will go through Customs and Border Protection (CBP) at your first airport or land entry point.

Even with an approved visa, entry is not guaranteed. You must still satisfy the officer that you’re entering as a student.

What to expect at the port of entry

• CBP officers will ask questions about your travel plans, studies, and stay in the U.S.
• They may inspect your documents and luggage
• Your fingerprints and photo will be taken as part of routine screening

Documents to Have Ready

Keep these items in your carry-on bag (not checked luggage):

• Passport (with F-1 visa)
• Form I-20 (signed by you and your school official)
• SEVIS I-901 fee receipt
• Admission letter
• Financial support documents (bank statements, sponsor letters)
• Address of your U.S. residence (e.g., dorm or apartment)

Typical Questions You May Be Asked

• Why are you entering the U.S.?
• Which school are you attending?
• Where will you live?
• How are you funding your studies?
• When do your classes start?

Tips for Success

• Stay calm, polite, and answer clearly in English
• Be consistent: your answers must match your visa application and I-20 information
• Do not volunteer extra information unless asked
• If asked about family or friends in the U.S., keep responses factual and minimal
• Avoid discussing plans to work off-campus or stay after studies

Secondary Inspection

You may be referred to Secondary Inspection if CBP officers need more information. It’s a routine step for verifying documents.

What Happens in Secondary Inspection?

• You’ll be taken to a separate area for further questioning.
• Officers will verify your documents and may ask questions about your program, finances, or travel plans.
• This is standard and doesn’t mean you’ve done something wrong. Many students experience this if:
  • There’s a mismatch in your records
  • You arrive very early (more than 30 days before program start)
  • You forgot required documents.

Tips for Secondary Inspection

• Remain calm and cooperative
• Provide clear, consistent answers
• Be patient—it may take extra time
• Keep your school’s contact information handy in case CBP wants to verify your enrollment
• If officers confiscate your phone or devices, you are not obligated to provide passwords, but they may inspect public data