F-1 student visa for the USA: requirements (2026)

USA

How the process works

This article covers how to obtain an F-1 student visa, along with a brief look at the B1/B2 tourist visa.

The F-1 student visa allows foreign nationals to study at:

• schools

• colleges

• universities

• language programmes

Before you apply, you must gain official admission to an institution certified under SEVP, along with the I-20 form, which confirms the purpose of your trip.

Study restrictions

Under the rules of the U.S. Department of State:

• The F-1 visa is not issued for study at public elementary schools

• Study at a public secondary school (grades 9–12) is allowed for no more than 12 months

• In this case, an I-20 form is required confirming payment of the full cost of tuition

Main requirements for the F-1 visa

To obtain the visa you need to:

1. Be admitted to an educational institution (I-20 form)

2. Pay the SEVIS fee

3. Show that you have sufficient funds for tuition and living costs

4. Prove the absence of immigration intent (that you intend to return to Kyrgyzstan after your studies)

5. Attend the visa interview

Immigration officers treat every applicant as a potential immigrant, so it is important to:

• explain the purpose of your studies clearly

• confirm your ties to home (family, work, property)

Types of study visa

• F-1 — academic study

• M-1 — vocational or non-academic study

For short-term study (for example, up to 18 hours per week), you may use:

• B1/B2 (tourist)

Working while studying

Students on an F-1 visa:

• must study full-time

• may work on campus only (with restrictions)

• must have funds enough to live on without working off campus

Submitting the application

Citizens of Kyrgyzstan apply through:

• the online DS-160 form

• booking an interview at the U.S. Embassy in the Kyrgyz Republic

You apply in person, including biometrics and an interview

After the visa is approved

After a successful interview:

• your passport with the visa is returned to you

• delivery is handled by the courier service chosen at the time of booking

Additional conditions

If you hold a valid visa in an old passport:

• you may travel with two passports

• the details must match

• the purpose of the trip must match the type of visa