Supporting Documents for USA F-1 and M-1 Student Visas

Core Documents Required for an F-1 or M-1 Student Visa Interview

Prepare the documents required by the U.S. Department of State and any additional documents requested by the U.S. embassy or consulate handling the application.

• Passport valid for travel to the United States and generally valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay, unless an applicable country-specific agreement provides otherwise.
• DS-160 confirmation page from the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application.
• Visa application fee receipt where payment is required before the interview.
• Visa photograph meeting current requirements if the DS-160 online photo upload fails.
• Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, issued by the SEVP-certified school.
• I-901 SEVIS fee receipt or other proof of payment where required.

Each person who needs a visa must submit a separate application, including qualifying dependents.

Form I-20 and SEVIS Requirements

After a student is accepted by an SEVP-certified school, the school enters the student's information into SEVIS and issues Form I-20. F-1 academic/language students and M-1 vocational students use the applicable version of Form I-20 when applying for a visa and seeking admission.

The student should check that the name, SEVIS ID, school, program, financial information and program dates are accurate. Follow the school's instructions for signing the form and paying the I-901 SEVIS fee.

Financial Supporting Documents

A consular officer may ask for evidence showing how the student will pay educational, living and travel expenses. The appropriate evidence depends on the school's Form I-20, the source of funding and the student's circumstances.

Useful financial evidence may include:

• Recent bank statements or other reliable proof of liquid funds.
• Scholarship, assistantship, grant or sponsorship letters.
• Education-loan sanction or approval documents.
• Fixed-deposit or investment evidence where readily available for educational expenses.
• Income or tax records of the student or financial sponsor where relevant.
• Proof of relationship to a parent or other individual sponsor where relevant.

Academic and Educational Documents

The consular officer may request evidence of academic preparation for the proposed course. Depending on the student and program, useful documents can include:

• school or university transcripts and mark sheets;
• degrees, diplomas and completion certificates;
• public examination certificates;
• standardized or language-test results, where relevant to admission; and
• admission, enrollment or program information from the U.S. school.

Applicants should also be prepared to explain why they selected the school and course, how the program relates to their academic or career plans, and their plans after completion of studies.

Evidence of Intent to Depart After Study

F and M visas are nonimmigrant classifications. A consular officer may ask for evidence or explanations showing the student's intention to depart the United States after completing the authorized course and any permitted practical training.

Relevant circumstances may include family, educational, professional, economic or social ties outside the United States. No single document guarantees approval; the application is assessed individually.

Supporting Documents for F-2 and M-2 Dependents

A spouse and unmarried children under 21 may qualify for derivative F-2 or M-2 visas to accompany or later join the principal F-1 or M-1 student. There is no derivative F-2 or M-2 classification for the student's parents.

• Separate Form I-20 issued by the school for each dependent.
• Separate DS-160 confirmation page for each dependent who needs a visa.
• Valid passport for each dependent.
• Marriage certificate for the spouse.
• Birth certificate for each qualifying child.
• Copy of the principal student's visa, passport and Form I-20 where the dependent applies separately.

Current F-1/M-1 Visa Fee and SEVIS Fee

A visa issuance or reciprocity fee may also apply after approval depending on nationality. F-2 and M-2 dependents do not pay an additional I-901 SEVIS fee.

Current Student Visa Interview Rules

Under Department of State policy effective October 1, 2025, most nonimmigrant visa applicants generally require an in-person interview. F-1 and M-1 student visas are not listed among the routine interview-waiver categories under that policy. A consular officer may require an interview in any individual case.

Where to apply in 2026

Under Department of State instructions updated July 15, 2026, nonimmigrant visa applicants should generally schedule an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their country of nationality or residence. Applicants applying based on residence should be prepared to demonstrate residence in that country.

Applying outside the country of nationality or residence may make it more difficult to establish eligibility, and application fees are generally non-refundable and non-transferable.

Online-Presence Review for F and M Visa Applicants

F and M student visa applicants are subject to Department of State online-presence review as part of current visa screening and vetting procedures.

Applicants should ensure that the information in the DS-160, school documents, online presence and interview answers is truthful and consistent.

How Early Can an F-1 or M-1 Visa Be Issued?

A new F or M student visa may be issued up to 365 days before the program start date shown on Form I-20. However, a new student generally cannot enter the United States more than 30 days before that start date.

Continuing students may be issued a visa at any time if they are currently enrolled at an SEVP-approved school and are maintaining an active SEVIS record. Admission at the port of entry remains subject to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Eligible F-1 students may apply for Optional Practical Training that is directly related to their major field of study. Post-completion OPT may generally be authorized for up to 12 months.

Eligible F-1 students with qualifying science, technology, engineering or mathematics degrees may apply for a further 24-month STEM OPT extension, subject to the applicable requirements, including timely Form I-765 filing, a qualifying STEM degree and participation by the employer in E-Verify.

A student traveling or applying for an F visa during OPT should carry an appropriately endorsed Form I-20 and relevant evidence of authorized or pending employment authorization as applicable. The student should consult the designated school official before international travel.

M-1 Practical Training

M-1 vocational students are subject to different employment rules from F-1 students. Practical training is generally available only after completion of the vocational program and requires authorization. Current USCIS instructions provide that an M-1 student may request one month of practical training for every four months of full-time study, subject to the applicable limits and filing requirements.

Travel Abroad and the Five-Month Rule

Continuing F-1 and M-1 students should consult their designated school official before international travel. For ordinary temporary travel, students should generally carry a current passport, valid visa where required and a properly endorsed Form I-20.

SEVP guidance distinguishes travel outside the United States for five months or fewer from longer absences. A student who is absent for more than five months may need a new SEVIS record, a new Form I-20, payment of a new I-901 fee and, where required, a new student visa before resuming study, unless the absence falls within an applicable course-of-study or other permitted situation.

Document Accuracy and Fraud Warning

The DS-160, Form I-20, financial evidence, academic documents and interview answers should be complete, truthful and mutually consistent. Applicants should follow the embassy or consulate's instructions for any additional documentation.

F-1/M-1 Student Visa Document Checklist

• Valid passport.
• DS-160 confirmation page.
• Visa application fee receipt where required.
• Visa photograph if the DS-160 upload fails.
• Form I-20 issued by the SEVP-certified school.
• I-901 SEVIS fee receipt.
• Financial evidence appropriate to the Form I-20 and funding source.
• Academic transcripts, diplomas or test results where relevant.
• Evidence or explanation of plans after completing study.
• Separate I-20 and relationship documents for F-2/M-2 dependents.

Official U.S. Government Links

Related USA Student Visa Pages

• USA F-1 and M-1 Student Visa: eligibility, qualifications and conditions
• How to apply for a USA F-1 or M-1 Student Visa
• Supporting documents for USA F-1 and M-1 Student Visas

Important Note

Student visa requirements depend on the school, program, nationality, funding arrangements and individual circumstances. Applicants should verify current Department of State, SEVP, USCIS, school and U.S. embassy or consulate instructions before applying, paying fees, attending an interview or traveling.