F-1 Visa Appointment Coming Up? Here’s How to Nail It

Hey there!

You've received an admission offer from a U.S. university—congratulations!

Next up? Your F-1 visa interview. And let’s be real—it can feel intimidating.

But don’t worry. We break down everything you need to know in this email to make it easy and stress-free.

Here’s What You Need (and Where to Find It)

1. Form I-20
This is a very important document issued by your university once you accept admission. It lists your major, program start/end dates, and funding sources. It needs to be signed by you and your Designated School Official (DSO), who issued the I-20 from the international services office at your university.

You will receive an email from your university with your I-20 form and/or find it in their admitted student portal.

2. SEVIS I-901 Fee Receipt
This confirms you've paid the $350 SEVIS fee, activating your I-20 in the U.S. immigration system. All of your U.S. immigration information will be tied to your SEVIS record.

Make an account and pay here.

Not an incoming international student? Fill out this quick survey so we can send you tailored content based on where you’re at in your international student journey.

3. DS-160 Confirmation Page
This is your visa application form that you must complete before scheduling your visa interview. It includes questions about your education, travel history, and plans in the U.S. Fill it out here.

Once submitted, print the confirmation page with the barcode. You'll need this for your appointment.

4. Schedule Your Visa Interview and Pay the MRV Fee
Book your interview by paying the $185 MRV fee. Schedule your appointment via your country’s U.S. consulate website. Don’t forget to print the appointment confirmation page—you'll need this at the interview.

Additional Required Documents:

• Financial Documents: Visa officers may ask how you'll fund your education and living expenses. Be prepared with copies of:

  • Family bank statements (last 3-6 months)

  • Scholarship letters (if applicable)

  • Loan approval letters (if applicable)

• Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended U.S. entry date.

• Passport-style Photo: One 5 x 5 cm (2 x 2 inches) color photo taken within the last six months. For guidelines, visit U.S. Department of State Photo Guidelines.

Optional Documents:
These might not be necessary, but it's good to have your admission letter, standardized test scores, and school/university transcripts handy.

Practice with Sonia — AI F-1 Visa Interview Chatbot (It’s Free!)

Your confidence matters during your interview. That’s why we built Sonia, an AI-powered F-1 visa interview chatbot that simulates a visa officer. You’ll get instant feedback on your answers—and you can practice as many times as you want, completely free.

👉 Practice with Sonia

You’ve got this! We’re here every step of the way.

If you need help with anything specific, please reply to this email and let us know.

Best,
The Roam Growth Team 🧡