How To Apply For An F-1 Visa

All applicants for an F-1 student visa must provide the following at a US embassy/consulate:

  1. A Form I-20 obtained from House of Tutors. Upon receipt, the form must be signed by the student.
  2. A Letter of Acceptance from House of Tutors.
  3. A completed non-immigrant visa application form (DS-156) with a photograph. The photograph must be 1 ½ inches square (37x37mm) and must show the student’s full face (without head covering) against a lighted background. The DS-156 form can be completed and printed online at http://evisaforms.state.gov/.
  4. A passport valid for travel to the US and with a validity date at least 6 months longer than your intended period of stay in the US.
  5. A receipt showing payment of the US $200 SEVIS fee to the Department of Homeland Security. This processing fee can be paid online at http://www.fmjfee.com/.
  6. Financial evidence that shows the student (or the student’s sponsor) has sufficient funds to pay for tuition and living expenses during the student’s period of study. For example, financial evidence might include an original bank statement, income tax documents, or business registration/licenses. A total minimum guarantee of $6000 must be shown before an I-20 can be issued. The Initial I-20 will be issued for one year.
  7. Evidence of the student’s intent to depart the US after completion of studies (ties to family or property/land ownership in student’s home country, letter of current enrollment from student’s home university/school, etc.)
  8. Transcripts and diplomas from previous institutions that the student has attended, including any English language schools.
  9. Completed Form DS-157 and Form DS-158, if required.

Please remember that USCIS law requires F-1 students to report to House of Tutors within 10 business days after arriving in the United States.