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

USA

Application specifics

This article covers the process of obtaining an F-1 student visa, as well as 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 applying, you must obtain official admission to an institution certified under SEVP, along with the I-20 form, which confirms the purpose of your trip.

Study restrictions

According to the requirements 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. Confirm that you have sufficient financial means for tuition and living expenses

4. Prove the absence of immigration intent (the intention 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:

• clearly explain the purpose of your studies

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

Types of study visas

• F-1 — academic study

• M-1 — vocational or non-academic study

If the studies are short-term (for example, up to 18 hours per week), the following visa may be used:

• B1/B2 (tourist)

Working while studying

Students on an F-1 visa:

• are required to study full-time

• may work on campus only (with restrictions)

• must have financial means without needing to work off campus

Submitting the application

Citizens of Kyrgyzstan apply through:

• the online DS-160 form

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

The application is submitted in person, including biometrics and an interview

After the visa is approved

After a successful interview:

• the passport with the visa is returned to the applicant

• delivery is handled by the courier services selected at the time of booking

Additional conditions

If the applicant has a valid visa in an old passport:

• you may travel with two passports

• the details must match

• the purpose of the trip must correspond to the type of visa