Accredited by:
Luiggi Caldas • July 24, 2026
How to Get a Student Visa to Study English in the USA: Step-by-Step Guide
If you want to study English full-time in the United States — meaning 18 or more hours of instruction per week — you need an F-1 student visa. There is no way around this requirement. It applies to students of all nationalities, all ages, and all English levels, whether you're enrolling in a three-month intensive course or a two-year academic program.
The process can seem complicated from the outside, but it follows a clear, predictable sequence. Millions of students complete it successfully every year — including students enrolling in English language programs exactly like the one you're considering.
This guide walks you through every step, in order, with the specific details that apply to English language programs. It's based on current requirements from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (ICE/SEVP), the U.S. Department of State, and the official Study in the States website.
This is part of our complete guide to studying English in the USA. For an overview of program types, costs, and cities, start with the main guide.
Note: This guide is informational and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration policies can change at any time. Always verify current requirements at ice.gov/sevis and travel.state.gov. For questions about your specific situation, consult a qualified immigration attorney or your school's Designated School Official (DSO).
Do You Actually Need an F-1 Visa?
Not everyone does. The answer depends on how many hours per week you'll study:
18 or more hours per week (full-time): Yes, you need an F-1 visa. This is a legal requirement under U.S. immigration law. Full-time English language programs — known as Intensive English Programs (IEP) — require F-1 status.
Fewer than 18 hours per week (part-time): You may be able to study on a B-1/B-2 tourist visa or, if your country participates, under the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA). Part-time study must be recreational and non-credit. You cannot receive a certificate or academic credit on a tourist visa.
If you're unsure which category your program falls into, ask the school directly. They will tell you whether their program requires F-1 enrollment or can be taken on a tourist visa.
This guide focuses on the F-1 visa process. If you're studying part-time on a tourist visa, the F-1 steps below do not apply to you.
What Is an F-1 Visa?
The F-1 is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to enter the United States for the purpose of full-time study at an institution certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). This includes universities, colleges, and — importantly — accredited English language programs.
Two key concepts to understand:
The visa stamp is your entry ticket. It goes in your passport and allows you to travel to a U.S. port of entry. The visa stamp can expire while you're still legally in the U.S. — what matters is your status, not the stamp.
Your status is controlled by your I-20 and your enrollment. As long as you're enrolled full-time at your school, attending classes, and following the rules, you're in valid F-1 status — even if the visa stamp in your passport has expired. You only need a valid stamp to re-enter the country after traveling abroad.
This distinction confuses many students. Think of it this way: the visa gets you in the door. The I-20 and your enrollment keep you legally inside.
The 7 Steps: From Decision to First Day of Class
Step 1 — Choose a SEVP-Certified School and Apply
Before anything else happens, you need to be accepted by a school that is legally authorized to enroll international students.
What is SEVP certification? SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) is a unit within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). It certifies schools that meet government standards for enrolling international students.
Only SEVP-certified schools can create student records in SEVIS and issue the Form I-20 that you need for your visa application.
How to verify: Use the official SEVP School Search tool at studyinthestates.dhs.gov/school-search. If the school is not listed, it cannot enroll F-1 students — regardless of what it claims on its website.
What to submit when applying: Requirements vary by school, but most English language programs ask for a copy of your passport (biographical page), a completed application form, proof that you can pay for the program and living expenses (bank statement or sponsor letter), and sometimes previous academic records. Most English language programs do not require TOEFL or IELTS scores for admission — your level will be assessed with a placement test when you arrive.
Beyond SEVP certification: Also check whether the school is accredited by ACCET or CEA. Accreditation is separate from SEVP certification — it's an additional quality verification that means the school has been independently evaluated for educational standards.
When the school accepts you, you move to Step 2.
Step 2 — Receive Your Form I-20
After accepting you, the school's Designated School Official (DSO) will create your student record in SEVIS and issue your Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status."
What is the I-20? It's the most important document in your entire visa process. Every subsequent step depends on it. The I-20 contains your name, passport information, school name and address, program name, program start and end dates, estimated costs (tuition + living expenses), and your SEVIS ID number.
Your SEVIS ID number starts with the letter N followed by 10 digits (example: N0012345678). This number appears in the upper right corner of your I-20 and links all your immigration records together. It must match across every document: your I-20, your SEVIS fee receipt, your visa application, and your arrival record.
What to do when you receive it:
Review every field. Make sure your name is spelled exactly as it appears in your passport — character by character. Check the program dates. Check the financial figures. If anything is wrong, contact your school's DSO immediately to request a correction. Do not proceed with errors on this form.
Sign the form. There is a student signature line on the I-20. You must sign it before your interview.
Keep it safe. You will bring this physical document to your visa interview and carry it with you when you travel to the United States.
Step 3 — Pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee
Before you can apply for your visa, you must pay the SEVIS fee. This fee funds the government system that tracks international students.
How much: $350 for F-1 students.
Where to pay: Online at fmjfee.com — the only official payment website. Do not pay this fee on any other website.
What you need to pay: Your SEVIS ID number (from your I-20) and your passport information.
Payment methods: Credit card, debit card, or Western Union Quick Pay.
When to pay: After receiving your I-20 but before your visa interview. SEVP recommends paying at least three days before your interview to allow the payment to process.
After payment: Print your payment confirmation receipt (Form I-797). You will bring this to your visa interview. The SEVIS ID on the receipt must match the SEVIS ID on your I-20.
Important: The SEVIS fee is separate from the visa application fee (Step 5). They are two different fees paid to two different agencies at two different times.
Step 4 — Complete the DS-160 Online Visa Application
The DS-160 is the standard non-immigrant visa application form used by the U.S. Department of State. You must complete it online before scheduling your embassy interview.
Where to file: ceac.state.gov/genniv
What it asks: Personal information, travel information, education and work history, security and background questions, social media account information (usernames for all active accounts on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok, and others), and a digital passport-quality photograph.
How to complete it well:
The form times out after 20 minutes of inactivity. Save frequently. Write down your application ID number in case the session times out.
Answer every question honestly and completely. If a question doesn't apply to you, select "Does Not Apply."
The social media section requires your username for every platform you actively use. If you have inactive accounts you haven't deleted, it's safer to disclose them.
Upload a clear, recent photograph: white background, no glasses, face centered, taken within the last six months.
After submitting: You'll receive a confirmation page with a barcode. Print it. Your DS-160 confirmation number is how the embassy identifies your application.
Step 5 — Pay the Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee)
How much: $185. This is called the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee.
Where to pay: Payment methods vary by country. Check the website of your specific U.S. embassy or consulate.
After payment: Keep the receipt. Some embassies require the receipt number to schedule your interview.
Step 6 — Schedule and Attend Your Visa Interview
Where to schedule: Through your embassy's appointment system, usually at ustraveldocs.com or a country-specific system.
How far in advance: Check estimated wait times at travel.state.gov and schedule as early as possible. Wait times vary from days to months depending on location and season.
Where to interview: At the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country of nationality or residence. As of September 2025, in-person interviews are required for most F-1 applicants.
What to Bring (Complete Checklist)
Required documents: valid passport (valid 6+ months beyond program end), Form I-20 (signed by DSO and by you), SEVIS fee receipt, DS-160 confirmation page, MRV fee receipt, passport photo.
Financial documents: 3-6 months of bank statements showing consistent balances. If sponsored: sponsor's letter of support plus sponsor's financial records. Scholarship or aid letters if applicable.
Proof of ties to home country: family documentation, property records, employment letter, university admission conditional on English, any concrete evidence of plans to return.
Academic documents: school acceptance letter, previous transcripts if applicable.
What Happens at the Interview
The interview typically lasts 2-5 minutes. The officer asks about three things:
Your program: What will you study? Where? For how long? Why this school?
Your finances: How will you pay? Who is sponsoring you?
Your plans after: What will you do when the program ends? Will you return home?
Be specific. Be concise. Be honest. Don't memorize a script — speak naturally. If you don't understand a question, ask the officer to repeat it.
After the Interview
Approved: Your passport with the F-1 visa stamp will be returned. Processing times vary.
Refused (Section 214b): The officer wasn't convinced you'll return home. This is the most common denial reason. You can reapply with stronger documentation. There is no mandatory waiting period.
Administrative processing: Additional review is needed. The embassy will contact you. This can take weeks or months.
Step 7 — Enter the United States
When you can enter: Up to 30 days before the program start date on your I-20. Do not arrive after your start date.
What to have accessible (not in checked luggage): Passport with visa, I-20, SEVIS fee receipt, financial documents, school acceptance letter, proof of housing.
At the airport: CBP inspection, document review, brief questions. If everything is in order, you're admitted. Your I-94 record is created electronically (accessible later at i94.cbp.dhs.gov).
After arrival: Report to your school by your program start date. Complete orientation. Your DSO activates your SEVIS record.
Common Reasons for Visa Denial (And How to Avoid Them)
Weak ties to home country: Bring concrete evidence — employment letter, property documents, family documentation, future plans in your country.
Financial documents that don't add up: Show 3-6 months of consistent history. Avoid large unexplained deposits right before the interview. If sponsored, document the relationship and the sponsor's ability to pay.
Not knowing your program: Review your I-20. Know the school name, city, program name, dates, and weekly hours. Explain why you chose this specific school.
Vague post-program plans: Have a specific, credible answer about what you'll do after completing the program.
Inconsistent information: Make sure your DS-160, I-20, financial documents, and spoken answers all tell the same story.
Maintaining Your F-1 Status After Arrival
Getting the visa is the beginning, not the end. To stay in valid F-1 status:
Attend your school full-time (18+ hours/week for English programs). Make normal progress. Do not work off-campus without authorization. Keep your passport valid. Report address changes to your DSO. Do not stay beyond your authorized period. Do not transfer schools without following proper SEVIS procedures.
Your DSO is your most important resource after arrival. Consult them before making any decision that could affect your status.
How Much Does the Visa Process Cost?
SEVIS I-901 fee: $350 (paid at fmjfee.com) Visa application fee (MRV): $185 (paid through your embassy) Total government fees: $535
Additional possible costs: document shipping, translation/notarization, transportation to embassy, passport renewal.
Note: Fee amounts can change. Verify current fees before paying.
How Long Does the Process Take?
Applying and receiving I-20: 1-4 weeks Paying fees and completing DS-160: 1-3 days Scheduling and attending interview: Same week to several months Receiving passport with visa: Same day to 4+ weeks Travel to the USA: Up to 30 days before program start
Total: 2-6 months. Start at least 4-6 months before your intended start date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need TOEFL or IELTS to enroll in an English program? No. English language programs do not require standardized test scores. Your level is assessed with a placement test when you arrive.
Can I bring my family? Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 may apply for F-2 dependent visas. Each needs their own I-20.
Can I work on an F-1 visa? Limited on-campus employment may be available (up to 20 hours/week). Off-campus work is generally not permitted during the first year. Never work without authorization. Consult your DSO.
Can I travel outside the USA during my program? Yes, with a valid visa stamp, a current travel signature on your I-20, and an active SEVIS record. Consult your DSO before traveling.
How early can I arrive? Up to 30 days before your program start date on the I-20.
What happens after I finish? You have a 60-day grace period to depart, transfer to another school, or apply for a change of status. Plan before your program ends.
Can I extend my program? Yes. Your school can extend your I-20 if you need more time. You remain in valid F-1 status as long as you're enrolled full-time.
References
- ICE/SEVP — Students page. https://www.ice.gov/sevis/students
- ICE/SEVP — Governing Regulations. https://www.ice.gov/sevis/schools/reg
- Study in the States — SEVP School Search. https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/school-search
- FMJfee.com — Official SEVIS fee payment. https://www.fmjfee.com
- U.S. Department of State — Visa Information. https://travel.state.gov
- U.S. Department of State — DS-160 Application. https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/
- U.S. Department of State — Interview Wait Times. https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/wait-times.html
- CBP — I-94 Retrieval. https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov
- Shorelight. "F-1 Visa for International Students in 2026." https://shorelight.com/student-stories/student-visa-usa-f1
This guide was published by Lingua Language Center — ACCET-accredited and SEVP-certified English language school in South Florida, teaching English and foreign languages since 1998. For more information, visit lingua.edu.
