Short answer: it depends on your passport, not your course. Most nationalities common in the UAE get up to 60 months with multiple entries, and UAE citizens get 48 months with a USD 1,100 reciprocity fee.
Quick answer: typical F-1 validity
| Nationality | Typical validity |
|---|---|
| India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Philippines, Egypt, Sri Lanka, Nepal | 60 months, multiple entry |
| Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Morocco, Tunisia, Indonesia, Kenya, China, United Kingdom | 60 months, multiple entry (some pay a reciprocity fee) |
| United Arab Emirates | 48 months, USD 1,100 reciprocity fee |
| South Africa, Ukraine | 36 months |
| Algeria | 24 months |
| Russia, Iraq | 12 months |
Always check the official reciprocity page for your own passport before you plan, because schedules can change.
Visa validity versus permission to stay
The visa is a travel document that lets you ask for entry. The officer at the border decides how long you may stay, and under the rule that took effect on 15 September 2026 that is now a fixed period tied to your I-20, up to four years. A visa that is valid for five years does not mean you can stay five years.
What if my nationality is restricted?
Presidential Proclamation 10998, effective 1 January 2026, suspends visa issuance for nationals of a list of countries, and some categories including F, M and J are named. If you hold one of those passports, check the proclamation and the State Department page before paying any fees.
Frequently asked questions
Is the reciprocity fee part of the AED package?
No. Reciprocity fees are charged by the US when the visa is issued and are paid by the applicant.
Can I travel in and out on a single visa?
If your visa is multiple entry, yes, as long as your I-20 is signed for travel and you remain in status.
Why do some nationalities pay a reciprocity fee?
Reciprocity schedules reflect how each country treats US visa applicants, so the fee and validity differ by passport. The amount is charged by the US when the visa is issued.
Can an F-1 visa be issued for less than the maximum?
Yes. The exact validity is printed on the visa, so check it when your passport returns. See also our step by step F-1 guide and the guide to the fixed admission period.
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: Visa reciprocity by country (checked 10 October 2026)
- US Department of State: Student Visa (checked 10 October 2026)
- US Mission to the UAE: Visas (checked 10 October 2026)
