Which visa do I need?
To study English full-time in the United States you typically need an F-1 academic visa. Short vocational programs use the M-1 visa. Language courses of 18 hours per week or more are considered full-time and require F-1.
Step 1 — Choose a SEVP-certified school
Only schools certified by the U.S. Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) can issue the Form I-20 required for the visa. All Top Study partners in the USA are SEVP-certified; we confirm certification before booking.
Step 2 — Receive your I-20
After payment of the tuition deposit and submission of proof of financial resources (bank statement, sponsor letter, or scholarship document), the school issues your I-20 form and sends it by courier.
Step 3 — Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee
The SEVIS I-901 fee (USD 350 for F-1 as of 2026) is paid online at fmjfee.com using the SEVIS ID on your I-20. Keep the receipt; you'll bring it to the interview.
Step 4 — Complete the DS-160
Fill in the DS-160 Online Non-Immigrant Visa Application at ceac.state.gov/genniv, upload a 5×5 cm photo per U.S. State Department specifications, print the barcode confirmation page.
Step 5 — Pay the MRV fee and schedule the interview
The consular application fee (MRV) is USD 185 and is paid in your local currency through the U.S. embassy's visa appointment portal. Schedule both the biometric (CGI) and in-person interview appointments at the embassy.
Documents to bring to the interview
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months after intended return).
- DS-160 barcode confirmation page.
- MRV payment receipt.
- SEVIS I-901 payment receipt.
- Original I-20 signed in blue ink by you (and a parent if you are under 18).
- Bank statements covering tuition + living costs for at least the first year.
- School admission confirmation and program details.
- Evidence of ties to home country (employment, property, family).
- Optional: accommodation booking, flight itinerary (do not buy tickets before visa is issued).
Typical interview questions
- Why are you studying English in the United States?
- Why did you choose this school and city?
- Who is paying for your studies?
- What are your plans after finishing the course?
Answer briefly and truthfully. The consular officer is looking for a credible study plan and proof you intend to return home after the course.
Processing time
Interview slots vary from 1–60 days depending on the embassy. After approval, your passport is returned with the visa within 3–10 business days. We recommend starting the visa process at least 3 months before course start.
How Top Study helps
We book the SEVP-certified course, arrange your I-20, prepare your financial document checklist, review your DS-160 before submission and rehearse interview questions with you. This support is included at no extra cost when you book through us.
Useful links
This page is a general guide and does not constitute legal immigration advice. Consult a licensed immigration attorney or the U.S. embassy in your country for case-specific questions.