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Summer is passing by quickly and many international students may be revisiting the possibility of completing their college education in the United States. The coming semester could be an opportune time to study abroad. The draw to study in the U.S. remains strong, and the timely vaccine rollout means many colleges and universities are reopening in Fall 2021 for the full on-campus experience.
Students who wish to complete a degree in the USA, need to apply for and obtain the proper visa.
An F-1 visa is a student visa that allows international students to live and study in the U.S. temporarily. This is the correct visa type for any student who is college- or university-bound, whether they will be coming alone or bringing a spouse and dependent children with them. F-1 visa students can work on campus while in the U.S. but hours are limited and working off-campus requires planning and authorization.
Once a student confirms studying at an American university is the right choice, they will need to complete 5 steps to obtain an F-1 visa. These visas can be issued up to 120 days in advance of a program’s start date, and it is highly recommended to begin the process early.
Before applying for an F-1 visa, students will need to prove they have been accepted by an institution approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). International students can find approved institutions by using the school search webpage.
Once an approved institution has been selected, international students will need to follow the school’s admissions process, which will be handled by the school’s own admissions personnel.
When an international student is accepted by a U.S. college or university, a Designated School Official (DSO) will enter their information into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Students will need to pay a fee—$350 for most students—which directly supports the SEVP. They will then be issued a Form I-20, which is their Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. This form is a student’s ticket to apply for the F-1 visa.
With Form I-20 in hand, an international student can then locate their nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and begin the F-1 visa application. The process can differ slightly between embassies, but every student will be required to fill out a Form DS-160.
Form DS-160 is the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application. This is a detailed form that requires photo identification, so students should set aside plenty of time to ensure it is filled out completely and correctly. The U.S. Department of State provides abundant resources for students filling out a Form DS-160, including a Frequently Asked Questions webpage and a webpage detailing photo requirements. Students who have additional questions can also reach out to their DSO for help.
When a student’s Form DS-160 is complete, they are ready to schedule an interview. Students should interview at an embassy or consulate in their country of residence to avoid complications. Interview wait times can vary, but students can stay informed by using the Visa Appointment Wait Time webpage. Prior to interviewing, students will need to pay a $160 application processing fee. Some students may also need to pay an issuance fee, but only after their F-1 visa application is accepted.
Covid-19 vaccines are quieting a lot of fears, but health insurance for F-1 students is still a necessary precaution. From routine doctors’ appointments and prescription medication to unexpected hospital visits and emergency coverage, a plan from LewerMark will keep students safe and healthy during their time in the States. Take time to understand what health insurance plans are offered at your school and feel free to ask many questions about how it works.
Getting the full U.S. college experience is a real possibility for international students again, and those looking to enroll in Fall 2021 should follow these five steps to keep their F-1 application moving. But an F-1 visa isn’t all they’ll need. Students can continue to prioritize their health by finding a quality health insurance plan built just for them.