Student visa · Senegal to United States of America

F-1 Student Visa

Embassy required

Processing time
Varies by embassy, typically 3-5 weeks
Fee
$785 USD
Validity
Duration of academic program plus 60-day grace period
Entry
Multiple entry

Eligibility

  • Purpose of visit

    Must be enrolled full-time in academic program at SEVP-approved school, college, university, language training program, or other academic institution.

    Includes
    • Full-time academic study
  • Financial

    Must prove ability to pay all educational, living, and travel costs for entire duration of study. Typically requires proof of $35,000-$60,000 for first year depending on institution.

    Minimum funds: $35,000-$60,000 USD for first year

Documents you need

  • Passport

    Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6

  • Photo

    Count: 1; Specifications: 2x2 inches (51x51mm), color, white background, taken within 6 months. Head must be 50-69% of image height. Digital: 600-1200 pixels square, JPEG, under 240KB. No glasses, no AI editing.

  • Bank statement

    Minimum balance: Varies by school; typically $35,000-$60,000 for first year; Months required: 6

  • Proof of funds

    Accepted forms: Bank statements (3-6 months), sponsor affidavit, scholarship letters, loan approval letters; Minimum amount: Sufficient to cover first year tuition and living expenses, typically $35,000-$60,000 USD

  • Admission letter

    Must be notarized: No; Must be original: Yes; Must show program dates: Yes

  • Application form

    Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

    Form name: DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application; Form url: https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/

  • Academic transcript

    Provide academic records for the course, qualification or training route.

    Must be notarized: No; Must be translated: Yes

  • Language proficiency

    Accepted tests: TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo English Test, or institution's proof of English proficiency; Minimum score: Varies by institution

  • Study acceptance confirmation

    Confirmation number: SEVIS ID (N000xxxxxxx) from Form I-20; Issuing institution: SEVP-approved school, college, or university

  • Program registration fee

    Fee amount: $350 USD; Payment url: https://www.fmjfee.com/; Registration system: SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System)

How to apply

  1. Document gathering

    Receive Form I-20 Certificate of Eligibility from SEVP-approved school. School will register you in SEVIS system.

  2. Fee payment

    Pay SEVIS I-901 fee of $350 online at fmjfee.com at least 3 days before applying for visa. Keep payment receipt.

  3. Online application

    Complete Form DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application. Print confirmation page with barcode.

  4. Biometrics

    Provide fingerprints and photo at visa application center or embassy.

  5. Interview

    Attend visa interview. Be prepared to explain your study plans, financial resources, and intent to return home after studies.

  6. Processing wait

    Processing typically takes 3-5 weeks but varies by location. Some cases require additional administrative processing.

  7. Visa collection

    If approved, collect passport with visa. Can enter US up to 30 days before program start date on I-20.

Sign in to apply
This information is general guidance only and can change frequently. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for help.

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