Short answer: you need an I-20 from a US school, then you pay the USD 350 SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160, pay the USD 185 visa fee and attend an in-person interview in Abu Dhabi or Dubai. Start with the I-20, because nothing else can happen before it.
Quick answer: the seven steps
- Get admitted and receive your Form I-20 from the school.
- Pay the USD 350 SEVIS I-901 fee.
- Complete the DS-160 online application and keep the confirmation page.
- Pay the USD 185 visa application fee.
- Book your interview in Abu Dhabi or Dubai.
- Prepare your documents and attend the interview.
- Wait for your passport to come back with the visa, then plan your travel.
Step 1: What is the I-20 and why does everything depend on it?
The Form I-20 is the document a SEVP certified school issues once you are admitted and have shown you can pay for your studies. It carries your SEVIS number, which you need for the SEVIS fee, the DS-160 and the interview. Check that your name, date of birth and programme dates match your passport exactly. A mistake here is slow to fix, because only the school can correct it.
Step 2: How do I pay the SEVIS I-901 fee?
The SEVIS I-901 fee for F-1 students is USD 350, paid online using your SEVIS number and the school code from the I-20. Print the payment confirmation. Allow at least three business days for it to be verified. You may be able to book the interview before paying, but you cannot attend it without proof of payment.
Step 3: What do I put on the DS-160?
The DS-160 is the online nonimmigrant visa application. Answer every question truthfully and consistently with your I-20, passport and bank documents. Upload a photo that meets the US photo rules. Save the confirmation page with the barcode, because the interview cannot go ahead without it.
Steps 4 and 5: How do I pay and book the appointment?
The visa application fee for F visas is USD 185. After paying, you book the interview through the official appointment system for the US Embassy in Abu Dhabi or the Consulate General in Dubai. The US Mission says appointments for F, M and J student visas are made available as needed so students can travel before their programme starts, but wait times change, so check the official wait time page before you plan. A visa may be issued up to 365 days before the start date, so you can book early.
Step 6: What happens at the interview?
Expect a short interview with a consular officer. They want to understand why you chose this school and course, how you will pay, and whether you plan to return home after you finish. Bring your passport, I-20, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipts, admission letter, and financial evidence such as bank statements or a sponsor letter. Answer in your own words and keep answers short and specific.
How much does an F-1 visa cost in total?
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| SEVIS I-901 fee (F-1) | USD 350 |
| Visa application fee | USD 185 |
| Reciprocity fee, if your nationality has one | Varies by country |
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for an F-1 visa without an I-20?
No. The school issues the I-20 after creating your SEVIS record, and every later step depends on it.
Do I need an interview?
Yes. Since 1 October 2025 almost all nonimmigrant applicants need an in-person interview, and F-1 applicants are not exempt.
When can I travel to the US?
You can enter no more than 30 days before your programme start date, even if the visa was issued earlier.
How long does the F-1 visa process take?
There is no fixed time. It depends on how quickly the school issues your I-20, the three business days the SEVIS payment needs to be verified, and the appointment wait at the time you book. Starting early helps, because a visa can be issued up to 365 days before your programme begins.
Can I work on an F-1 visa?
On campus, up to 20 hours a week while classes are in session. Off campus work needs authorisation, such as Curricular Practical Training after one full academic year or Optional Practical Training after your studies, normally 12 months, with a 24 month extension for approved STEM degrees. Ask your school’s designated school official before you take any job.
What happens if my F-1 visa is refused?
You can apply again, but you pay the visa fee again, and a repeat application should address the reason for the refusal rather than repeat the same file. No agency can guarantee approval.
Can my spouse and children come with me?
Yes, on F-2 visas. See our guide to F-2 dependant visas. Also read about the new fixed admission period and how long the visa is valid.
Want us to handle the student visa file?
FastUSTravel prepares the DS-160, the student file and your interview preparation for AED 2,500 + VAT per applicant, with the US government visa application fee included. The SEVIS I-901 fee is paid separately by the student, and we cannot promise approval, because that decision is always the consular officer’s. See the F-1 and F-2 student visa service or message us on WhatsApp for a free consultation.
Sources and official references
- US Department of State: Student Visa (checked 10 October 2026)
- Study in the States: Paying the I-901 SEVIS fee (checked 10 October 2026)
- US Mission to the UAE: Visas (checked 10 October 2026)
