F1 Visa USA 2025-26: Requirements, New Rules, Validity, Cost

Pursue your American higher education dream with an F1 Visa. Open doors to universities, colleges, and language programs. The F1 Visa grants temporary stay for dedicated students like you. Secure yours with strong ties to home, financial proof, and academic records. Start early, follow the steps, and ace your interview. Welcome to the exciting world of US education.

Broaden your horizon, and make your dream of studying at an American university a reality through an F1 Visa. This visa will provide opportunities to study in the USA at its academically renowned universities, including Ivy League schools, colleges, and language programs. A study abroad aspirant receives temporary permission in the form of an F-1 visa to study and stay in the United States for more than six months to complete their studies. You can obtain an F1 Visa by providing your financial statements and writing a strong Statement of Purpose (SOP) for the USA, which should include your educational qualifications and a compelling reason for returning to your home country.

Let's review the F1 visa guidelines for non-American candidates so that you are aware of all the necessary details, understand the F1 visa requirements, and can begin your application. Check How Temporary US Student Visa Interview Freeze Affecting Indian Students?

What is F1 Student Visa in the USA?

Now, we will understand what an F1 visa is and its implications for international students. An F1 Visa means that a student will be considered a non-immigrant and receive a visa allowing him/her to study in the USA. This visa is primarily issued to international students from around the world who come to the United States to attend universities, colleges, and other educational institutions. This can be for secondary, higher secondary, and university-level education. Once you receive an acceptance letter from your educational institute, you can request an F1 Visa after you have your I-20 form. An F1 Visa is for a student visa in the USA.

What can you do with an F1 Visa?

Non-American candidates who receive admission letters from US universities for their dream educational program must secure an F1 Visa. This visa remains valid for five years, and after its expiration, you can reapply for the same visa, requesting an extension. The entire process is conducted online, and once a candidate is selected, they must attend a visa interview with a visa officer to have their statements and claims validated to receive the F1 Visa.

• Change of visa status: If students find a job that requires a different type of visa, they can change their visa status. In this scenario, you must follow the instructions of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), your employer, or your sponsor/reviewer.
• Extend the period of stay: Generally, the validity of an F-1 visa is for the period specified in the I-20 form or according to the course duration. However, if your visa does not allow you to stay for the complete course duration, you must apply for an extension of your student visa. The visa extension is granted to F1 Visa holders on the condition that they will complete their course in the US and return to their home country upon completion of the course.
• Access to US healthcare: As an F1 Visa holder, you can access healthcare facilities in the US. As medical assistance and facilities are very expensive, the students are advised to take proper health insurance as required by their educational institution.

These rules apply to international students who pursue associate degrees at community colleges in the USA or a typical four-year private or public university in the USA. 

Advantages of F1 Visa in USA

There are several advantages to studying on an F1 visa in USA, and they are as follows:

• There are no restrictions or limits to an F1 visa, unlike the H1-B visa (see Alternatives to H1B Visa in USA). If you successfully apply for your F1 Visa and meet all the requisite criteria, you will receive it.
• Candidates with F1 visas are also allowed to engage in other activities, apart from staying in the USA for educational purposes, such as travelling in and out of the USA without restriction, opening a bank account, or applying for a driver’s license.
• You can transfer to another school, university, or college if you receive a better opportunity while holding an F1 visa.
• You can work professionally, following the guidelines and rules under an F1 visa and find sponsorship from potential employers. Later, get visas through the H1B Lottery. 

F1 Visa Requirements for Indian Students

All the candidates are required to fulfil all the requisite criteria while appearing for an F1 Visa Interview, which will increase their chances of receiving acceptance for the same:

Criteria	Criteria Fulfilment for getting an F1 Visa in the USA
Foreign Residence	The candidate must have residence in a foreign country and intend to return there upon completing the course.
Enrol in a Full-Time Course	Applicants must be enrolled in a full-time course or a course that is 18 months long to get an F1 visa for USA. Obtain an I-20 from an SEVP-recognised university.
Financial Support	The candidate must demonstrate that they have sufficient financial resources to support their studies and stay in the US.
Sponsoring Education Institution	The candidate is expected to study at an SEVP-recognised institution through which the visa was granted.
Strong relation to the home country	The candidate must demonstrate a strong connection to their home country, including family, assets (such as a house), and bank accounts located there.
English Language Proficiency Tests	English language proficiency tests like IELTS, TOEFL, PTE or Duolingo can be accepted as part of the F1 visa process.
No Hostility Towards USA Through Social Media Vetting	Under the latest policy launch of Social Media Vetting for Student Visa Applicants in USA is also an essential requirement to avoid visa rejection.

How to Get an F1 Visa?

The process of getting an F1 visa to study in USA is complex. Before getting on to the application process, applicants must note that they will have to:

1. Enrol at a SEVP-recognised US institution for admission.
2. Receive their I-20 forms.
3. Fulfil all eligibility criteria.
4. Have standardised scores and English language proficiency scores in hand.

F1 visa processing times may be longer than expected due to the recent temporary halt in student visa interviews. After that, you can go ahead with your F1 Visa application. A key distinction is that the application process differs for a U.S. Embassy and a U.S. Consulate. Kindly be aware of this before applying. Once you have your I-20 in hand, you can begin your F1 visa application process. 

How to Apply for an F1 Visa?

Be aware of the procedure outlined below before submitting your F1 visa application. After receiving the acceptance letter from your university, you will be sent an I-20 form, at which point you can proceed with your F-1 visa application. Candidates can apply for a student visa in the USA a year before the program’s start date. Ensure you begin early, as the F1 Visa processing time is lengthy. Do not delay till the eleventh hour. Begin on Day 1 of your 120-day period and complete your F1 Visa application. Please note that you will not be permitted to be in the USA with your student visa for 30 days before the start of your academic course.

• The document of prime importance for your F1 Visa interview is your I-20 form. You will be receiving two forms from your institution. Candidates applying for F-1 and M-1 visas receive an I-20 form. Candidates applying for a J-1 visa get the DS-2019 Form. After receiving the required form, please submit your application to the American Embassy or Consulate. The embassy or consulate must be located within the jurisdiction of your residence, as stated in your identification documents. Moreover, you will find a SEVIS ID, your SEVP-approved educational institute, and other details about your course on your form.
• Once you have made the SEVIS fee payment of USD 350 (approximately INR 28,990), you can proceed to apply for the DS-160 visa form online, using the payment receipt as proof.
• Obtain confirmation of your application and bring it to your F-1 visa interview. Before that, book an OFC appointment to submit biometrics and appear for the F1 visa USA interview.
• Make the payment for your F1 student visa. This payment can be made through an NEFT transaction and at authorised branches of Axis Bank/Citibank.
• Schedule your biometric appointment and Interview.
• You must be physically present for a mandatory photograph and fingerprint scan during your biometric appointment.
• The Visa Officer will inquire about your reason for choosing the particular course, your university, your financial situation, and your plan to return to your home country. The Visa Officer will stamp the visa on your passport after the interview if he/she find enough evidence regarding your statements. Your visa has been approved if the officer keeps your passport after the interview. Please find the guide that you can use as a reference for your F1 Visa Interview.

As you appear for your F1 Visa interview, you need to get the following documents as evidence to your application:

• Proof of the Transcripts, degrees, certificates, or diplomas from schools you attended.
• Standardised test scores are as requested by your educational institution.
• Evidence of ties back home and funding proofs for the financial assistance for your studies in the US.

F1 Visa Documents Checklist India

One of the primary requirements for the F1 Visa is the documentation. Students must provide documents that prove their personal details, educational qualifications, work experiences, and financial stability. The documents required for F1 visa application are as follows:

• Passport (current and valid)

• The photo is the same as for a student visa application 

• Printed copy of DS-160 and I-901 SEVIS payment receipt

• I-20

• School transcripts

• Official test scores same as the university application:

  • SAT or ACT for UG admissions,
  • GRE or GMAT for PG admissions &
  • IELTS or TOEFL scores for both UG and PG admissions
• Bank statements or other financial documentation

F1 Visa Fee

The F1 visa fee is USD 185, equivalent to INR 16,329, and is a one-time, non-refundable fee. The F1 fee applies to applicants who are not from the US territory. Additionally, the F1 visa fee is accompanied by a separate SEVIS fee, which costs approximately USD 350. These are two different fees, but the SEVIS fee for F1 visa applicants is the same as for other US student visa types - J1 or M1. 

F1 Visa Processing Times

The F1 Visa processing time is much less than that of other visas. In most cases, candidates learn about the fate of their visa immediately after the interview. If the visa is rejected, the visa officer will return the documents, stating the reason for denial. In certain cases, processing and obtaining the visa result can take time; in such cases, you must be patient and wait for the result. Check out for more details at the US Student Visa Appointment in India.

Working on F1 Visa after Graduation

Students cannot work off-campus during the first year of their program with their F1 visa. They are permitted to work up to 20 hours per week. However, they can work up to 40 hours per week during holidays and breaks. Students can work for a commercial firm that provides services to the university or college, such as a cafeteria or bookstore. Those who want to work outside the campus have two options:

• Curriculum Practical Training (CPT)
• Optional Practical Training (OPT)

So what is the difference between OPT and CPT? Check out the following sections:

Feature	Curriculum Practical Training (CPT)	Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Timing	Before graduation	After graduation
Purpose	Gain practical experience related to academic studies	Gain practical experience in the field of study
Requirement	Mandatory for degree completion	Optional
Duration	Up to 364 days per semester	Up to 12 months (extendable to 24 months for STEM fields)
Job Eligibility	Must be related to the field of study and approved by the university	Must be in the field of study
Visa Status	F-1 visa	F-1 visa
Employment Authorization Document (EAD)	Not required	Required
Visa Sponsorship	Not directly tied to CPT	Potential for H-1B visa sponsorship after OPT

Curriculum Practical Training (CPT): CPT enables students to work or intern as part of their academic curriculum, which is a mandatory requirement for completing their degree. Moreover, the internship must be related to their area of study and approved by their university or educational institution.

Optional Practical Training (OPT): The OPT is designed to allow international students to work in the US for 12 months. The student can only work in their field of study and must get a job within 90 days after graduation. Those studying STEM subjects can get an OPT extension for another 24 months. One can only start working under OPT if the candidate and his/her university’s dedicated official have filed for the Employment Authorization Document (EAD). You have to fill out form I-765. Additionally, if you are fortunate, your employer may sponsor your H-1 B visa, after which you can also apply for a Green Card. 

Dependents of F1 Visa Holders in the USA

Spouses and children under 21 years, who wish to accompany the aspirant in the US, for the duration of the aspirant’s stay, require F2 or M2 visas. A spouse on F2 status cannot enroll in a full course of study but can take vocational or recreational classes like pursuing a hobby or interest, such as cooking or tennis. Children on F2 status are allowed to attend elementary, middle, or high school as full-time students. They may not enrol in a full-time course at a college or university. The spouses and children of students cannot accept employment at any time during the stay period on the F2 Visa.

F1 Visa Health Insurance Requirements

The US Department of State sets no specific requirements for a medical health insurance for F1 Visa. Generally, the educational institutions themselves decide what kind of insurance students need to take. In case, the school has not asked for any specific requirements for health insurance, then the applicants decide what kind of insurance they are required to take. Check out about Medical Health Insurance in USA here.

F1 Visa Rejection

If your F1 Visa application is rejected, the visa officer will provide the section under which the visa was denied. You will know the reason for rejection immediately after completing the interview.

Reapply for F1 Visa

You can reapply for the F1 visa if you are rejected. If the visa is rejected under 221(g), the candidate needs to resubmit the visa application, along with the visa fee, again. Those who are denied visas under Section 214(b) of the INA can present evidence of significant changes in their application since the last submission.

Recent Changes to F1 Visa in USA for International Students

With stricter US student visa rules, there are multiple changes that have been introduced since 2025 began. Read the following rules to understand them and where not to go wrong:

Feature	Current Rules for F1 Visa as per DHS	Proposed New Rules for F1 Visa Holders
Duration of Stay	“Duration of Status” allows F-1 students to stay as long as they are enrolled and in status.	Replaces D/S with a fixed admission period tied to the program end date (max 4 years), requiring extension via USCIS
Post-Completion Grace Period	60 days of grace after program completion.	Grace reduced to 30 days
English Language (ESL) Programs	No specific time cap beyond usual program length.	ESL programs capped at 24 months, plus a 30-day grace period
Changing Study Programs or Majors	Flexible; students can transfer or change programs/majors (with SEVIS update).	Transfers restricted: undergrads must complete 1 year before switching; grads may be barred entirely; program changes limited.
Interview Waiver	Applicants under 14 or over 79 may sometimes be waived; others may qualify for the drop-box.	In-person interviews are required for nearly all non-immigrant visas (including F-1) starting September 2, 2025.
Visa Reciprocity (Validity & Entries)	Generally, standards depend on nationality; official reciprocity data applies.	As of July 29, 2025, new reciprocity rules have been implemented, and some countries now face shorter validity periods (e.g., 3 months) and limited entry options.
Social Media Screening	Not systematically required.	All applicants (F, M, J) must make their social media accounts public for vetting purposes; failure to do so may cause denial.

How to Maintain F1 Visa Status Upon Arrival in US?

To stay in the US, applicants must maintain their F1 visa status. Now, how do I maintain my F1 visa status? The answer is simple: check out the pointers below and follow the advice with utmost care:

• Have a valid passport, before coming to the US, ensure that your passport is valid throughout your student visa US study period and does not expire in between. In case it does, renew it.
• Maintain regular attendance and avoid missing your classes. This will also help you keep your I-20 in place and updated and maintain your F1 visa status.
• Continue pursuing your full-time course and try to pass each semester and year to maintain your F1 visa status.
• Avoid taking up any off-campus part-time jobs in USA. If necessary, get authorisation from the USCIS and/or your school's DSO.
• If there is a change of address for accommodation, try to update the details at the university within 10 days.
• If you feel you have a backlog and are unable to complete your course within the stipulated timeline, request an extension of your F1 visa. This way, your I-20 will be updated, and you will be able to maintain your F1 visa status without being deported. 

These expert tips will help international applicants maintain their F1 visa status. In case applicants get a SEVIS termination while being on an F1 visa, check How to Fight Back & Study in USA After SEVIS Termination.

Regaining F1 Visa Status

Applicants whose F1 visa will expire and need to re-apply for it to get an extension to continue studying in the US, will have to file Form I-539. The Form I-539 is primarily used to extend the F1 visa duration; applicants are required to pay a fee. The fee for regaining F1 visa status through Form I-539 is as follows:

F1 Visa - Form I-539 Payment Mode	Application Fee in USD	Application Fee in INR
Submission via Paper Application	USD 470	INR 41,488
Submission via Online Application	USD 420	INR 37,080

This is all about the F1 visa in the USA. Applicants applying for admission to US universities can get assistance with the admission and application process by signing up for our free expert counselling services.