F-1 student visa in the USA — School selection + I-20 + preparation
F-1 student visa: choosing a school or university, Form I-20 and preparation for the interview. For those going to study in the USA.
- You have been enrolled on a full-time programme at an institution with SEVP certification, and it has issued Form I-20
Who it suits
- You have been enrolled on a full-time programme at an institution with SEVP certification, and it has issued Form I-20
- Applicants and students enrolling on a full-time programme in the USA
- Those who need help choosing an accredited school and arranging the I-20
Without an I-20 you can neither pay the SEVIS fee nor book a visa interview
The terms the expert works on
Prepares the documents and evidence file personally
Assembles and formats the whole package — from forms to achievement evidence for the petition — so it does not come back for rework.
Checks the case against USCIS requirements
Matches the documents to the specific visa category's criteria before filing, not after a denial.
Handles a Request for Evidence at no extra charge
If USCIS sends an RFE on the petition, prepares the response without an additional fee for the case itself.
A US immigration attorney runs the case
The petition is prepared and filed by a lawyer practising US immigration law, not an unlicensed consultant.
Names the price at the consultation, before work starts
The cost is quoted right after the case review — before the petition is drafted — and is not revised upward later, whatever happens along the way.
Matches the category to your profile
If the facts do not support one visa category, proposes the one the case actually fits, rather than forcing the filing into the category you asked for.
Deals with USCIS and the consulate directly
Responds to the agency's requests and prepares you for the interview personally, with no chain of intermediaries.
Residence permit in the US: comparing the options
The difference is not the price — it is who each option suits. The “Best for” column is the business profile the option is built around.
| Option | Best for | Timeline | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| F-1 student visa in the USA — School selection + I-20 + preparationyou are here | Applicants and students enrolling on a full-time programme in the USA, those who need help choosing an accredited school and arranging the I-20 | 1–4 months | from $1,190 |
| E-2 visa in the USA — Investor visa | Entrepreneurs who are citizens of countries with a treaty with the USA and are ready to run the business themselves, investors who have already invested, or are ready to invest, capital in an operating enterprise in the USA | 1–4 months | from $8,000 |
| L-1 visa in the USA — Manager transfer | Managers and key employees of companies opening an office or a branch in the USA, businesses with an existing related structure abroad and in the USA | 1–4 months | from $12,000 |
| O-1 talent visa in the USA | Academics, artists, athletes and entrepreneurs recognised in their field, those who already have a US employer or agent ready to file the petition | 1–4 months | from $12,500 |
| EB-1A green card in the USA — Extraordinary abilities | Academics, entrepreneurs and professionals with international recognition, those who can evidence extraordinary achievements without a sponsoring employer | 4–6 months | from $12,500 |
What the service includes
| Choosing a school or university to match your goals and budget | |
| Arranging enrolment and Form I-20 through the institution | |
| Payment and registration of the SEVIS I-901 fee | |
| Preparation for the consular interview for the F-1 visa | |
| Tuition fees at the chosen institution— billed separately | |
| The SEVIS I-901 fee (USD 350) and the consular visa fee (USD 185, not refunded if the visa is refused)— billed separately | |
| Flights, accommodation and medical insurance for the period of study— billed separately |
Official terms
Financial requirement
The SEVIS I-901 fee is $350. The consular fee for a category F visa is $185, and it is not refunded even if the visa is refused. Separately, you evidence the money for tuition and living costs.
Timelines and rights
Review time
You are admitted to the USA no earlier than 30 days before the programme start date on Form I-20. How long it takes to book an interview depends on the consulate.
Right to work
The spouse and children register in SEVIS, receive their own Forms I-20 and visas, and do not pay the SEVIS fee
Residence conditions
The status requires no minimum period of residence and does not in itself lead to residence rights. After graduation you have 60 days to pack up or change status. The DHS rule postponed by the court would cut this to 30.
Documents and programme requirements
- 1Enrolment at an institution accredited under SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program)
- 2Proof of financial means — funds for tuition and living costs for the whole period stated
- 3An international passport valid for the whole period of study
What comes next: permanent residence and citizenship
Route to permanent residence
There is no direct route from F-1 to permanent status. It is obtained separately: through an employer (EB-2, EB-3), on extraordinary ability (EB-1, NIW), through family, or through the DV lottery.
Route to citizenship
Years of study do not count towards citizenship. The 5-year count begins on the day you receive the green card.
Frequently asked questions
When can you enter the USA on an F-1 student visa?
How much does an F-1 visa cost, excluding the tuition itself?
How long can a stay on an F-1 last?
Can a spouse or child come with an F-1 student?
Does the F-1 lead to permanent status in the USA?
Related breakdowns
Language courses in the US on an F-1: 2026 rules
When a language school qualifies for an F-1 visa: 18 class hours a week, the $185 and $350 fees, where Russians interview and why language courses give no OPT.
US degree evaluation: how work experience counts
What a credential evaluation is, which US visas need it and how 3 years' experience replace 1 year of study. When a bachelor's plus 5 years equals a master's.
EB-1A or O-1: which US talent visa to choose
The O-1 is a work visa for up to 3 years through an employer or agent; the EB-1A is a green card with no employer. Criteria, 2026 fees and how to combine them.
We'll check your case before you pay
Send an enquiry — we will check your case and help you arrange “F-1 student visa in the USA — School selection + I-20 + preparation” in US. No markup on top.
We'll cover: whether you qualify, the full cost with fees, realistic timelines, the document list. If it's not for you, we'll say so.