Academic Students

What is an F-1 visa?

An F-1 visa is for applicants whose primary purpose of travel to the United States is to study in an academic program. If you are planning to travel to the United States primarily for tourism but would also like to study, you may be able to do so using a B-1/B-2 visa. However, if your primary purpose of travel is to study, you generally will need a student visa.

For a more complete explanation of the F visa, please see 9 FAM 41.61.

Spouse and Children of an F Principal Alien

Spouses and children under the age of 21, regardless of nationality, can apply for and receive F-2 visas to accompany or follow-to-join the principal alien in the United States. Derivatives receive the same visa classification as the principal alien.

How do I apply for an F-1 visa?

Please see our How to Apply for a Visa page.

Which documents are required to apply for an F-1 visa?

Please see our Documents Required for Visa Application page.