Living in an English speaking country is the best way to learn the language, and the United States is a unique and dynamic place to do so. There is a robust ESL/EFL industry in the urban areas of the country, which offer the best overall experience as a tourist and student. Studying English as a full time student in a language school or college/university (minimum 18 hours per week of study) requires an F-1 student visa, and the application process itself can seem daunting. Applying for an F-1 student visa to study English in the United States might seem difficult, but can be made much easier with some careful planning and patience.
 
First, make sure to give yourself plenty of time to go through the entire F-1 student visa application process. Planning ahead and being very organized are the best ways to proceed. This means researching the policies and procedures of the embassy or consulate where you are applying. Each embassy and consulate sets its own policies and procedures, so it is recommended that you contact your site for specific application instructions. This especially applies to visa appointments, where schedules can vary between different embassies and consulates, so once again, it is best to plan ahead and to be prepared with all requisite documents. You should also make a budget, as there are multiple fees to pay at different stages of the process.
 
Once you have done your research and prepared yourself for the application process, you need to choose an educational institution and apply for a course of study. In your overall effort to get an F-1 student visa, also make sure to factor in the application process to the school itself, as admissions requirements vary for different schools, colleges and universities. Once accepted, the school’s DSO (Designated School Official) will issue you an I-20 form and register you with SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System), both of which you will need before ever beginning the F-1 visa application at your local embassy/consulate.
 
When you have received the I-20 from your school in the United States, you will need to pay the $200 SEVIS I-901 fee, from which you will get a receipt that you will also need to apply for your F-1 visa.
 
From here you are ready to visit your local embassy or consulate to begin the application process for the F-1 visa. This is best done at the embassy or consulate that has jurisdiction over your place of permanent residence, normally in your home country. Once again, plan ahead! Appointments may be required, and you can be held up in the process for not having all of the required documents. Submit all forms, documents and fees according to the policies of your embassy or consulate. An interview will be necessary with a representative of the embassy, but you will also need the following documents in addition to the interview:
  • Form I-20A-B, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status-For Academic and Language Students. Called simply an I-20, this is the document issued by the DSO of your language school or college/university in the US. Should be signed by you and the DSO of your institution.

  • Nonimmigrant Visa Applicant Forms DS-156 and DS-158. Both can be downloaded from the US Department of State website.

    • For the DS-156, you will need to provide one (1) 2” x 2” photograph of yourself. More specific photograph requirements available here.

  • A valid passport. You passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States.

  • A receipt proving payment of visa application fee. $200 fee, follow payment instructions from your local embassy/consulate.

  • A receipt proving payment of SEVIS I-901 fee. Another $200 fee also mentioned above and can be paid via this website.

  • Transcripts and diplomas from previous academic institutions attended.

  • Standardized test scores. For example, if you have already taken a test such as the TOEFL, TOEIC, SAT, GRE, GMAT, etc. you should bring your results with you.

  • Documentation of financial support. You most likely provided something similar to the institution you applied to for your I-20. You must prove you (or your parents or other sponsors) have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period of your intended study. Examples include income tax documents and original bank books and/or statements.

Once you have had an interview, and submitted all of the materials above according to the policies of the embassy, you are in for a wait. Waiting periods vary greatly between embassies, but can be examined at Visa Wait Times. Keep in mind that no assurance of visa issuance is given, so wait to make final travel plans until the visa has been issued!
 
To enter the United States, you will need your approved I-20 document and valid passport with F-1 student visa at Immigration. Having both documents however does not guarantee entry! Keep in mind that you may only enter the United States 30 days prior to the first day of your academic program.
 
Going through the F-1 student visa application process requires a lot of attention to detail, but it is certainly not impossible. The best advice is to thoroughly research the policies and procedures of your individual embassy or consulate you will be working with. Also, make sure to schedule plenty of time to collect all of the required documents, and to allow time for each segment of the process. The best way to navigate this process is to be organized and aware of deadlines and requirements.
 
To summarize, these are the steps that you should expect to go through in obtaining your F-1 visa:
  1. Research your embassy or consulate’s policies and procedures for applying for an F-1 visa
  2. Apply for the school or educational institution and the course of study you are interested in and provide all of the documents they require (e.g. application form, application fee, financial support, school of college transcripts).
  3. Once you have been accepted, make sure to obtain a form I-20 from your school’s DSO and make sure they register you with SEVIS
  4. Once you receive your I-20 form, go online to pay the $200 SEVIS I-901 fee
  5. Make an appointment (if necessary) and visit your local embassy or consulate, making sure to bring your I-20, Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form (DS-156 and DS-158), your valid passport, your receipt of payment for the visa application form ($200), your receipt of payment for your SEVIS I-901 fee, transcripts or diplomas from past schools you attend, standardized test scores, and documentation of financial support.