Country guide
🇺🇸 United States
North America · Washington, D.C.HDI 0.938GDP per capita (PPP) 85810
Student decision
Student work20 h/weekOfficielSource · 2026-06-30
Post-study workOptional Practical Training (OPT) for up to 12 months, with a 24-month extension for STEM fields.OfficielSource · 2026-06-30
Admission languageA recognised English test (TOEFL or IELTS) is required for non-native speakers; the minimum score is set by each university.OfficielSource · 2026-06-30
Cost of livingBeing qualified
Student visaF-1 student visa required for full-time study at a SEVP-certified US institution; issued after the school delivers Form I-20 and the student is registered in SEVIS.Source · 2026-07-01T00:00:00.000Z
Preparation & steps
Required documentsDocuments required for the F-1 visa application and consular interview, according to the US Department of State and DHS Study in the States.Source · 2026-07-01T00:00:00.000Z
Application documents
- Valid passport (at least 6 months beyond the planned stay)
- DS-160 form confirmation page
- Visa fee (MRV) payment receipt
- One visa-compliant photo
- Form I-20 issued by the SEVP-certified institution
- SEVIS fee (I-901) payment receipt
- Academic documents: transcripts, diplomas and standardised test scores
- Proof of financial ability (bank statements, sponsorship, scholarship)