The F1 visa is that door that opens for thousands of international students who dream of becoming study in the United States. But behind the books and the classrooms, there is a path full of complications that may catch you by surprise if it is the first time you do a procedure like this. There is a lot of paperwork to be done, so you may bureaucracy will be your greatest enemy in this case.
That is why in this article we will tell you all the details to be able to building your international academic path thanks to the F1 visa, because going to another country to study is not only a courageous step, but also an important one, because going to another country to study is not only a courageous step, but also an important one. act that looks to and bets on your future and that of your loved ones.
Imagine move to the United States, arrive at one of their campuses, with classrooms full of people who will become your friends in the future. A lot of new things to learn and an experience that you will surely remember for a lifetime.
Sounds good doesn't it? Well, don't worry about the paperwork, here we will explore everything you need to know, including some practical tips to make your adventure in the United States unforgettable.
What is the F1 visa and what exactly is it for?
The F1 visa is the main visa category for non-immigrants who allows foreign nationals to pursue academic studies on a full time basis in accredited institutions in the United States.
With this F1 visa you will be able to study at exclusive sites such as the Ivy League universities, community colleges, and even seminaries or community colleges. languages. A non-negotiable requirement is that the program must require at least 18 hours of study per week to be considered full-time.
You have to take into account that it is not simply a temporary study permit.. The F1 visa grants you the legal right to remain on U.S. soil for the exact duration of your academic program., as indicated by your Form I-20.
In addition, it offers a crucial benefit: a 60-day grace period at the end of your studies. This time is vital to prepare for your departure from the country, apply for a change of immigration status or enroll in a new level of education.
In the context of the year 2026, the statistics of the USCIS (U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) reflect that more than 1.1 million students have currently applied for this visa.
Its popularity lies in its flexibility, as it allows for the company of dependents (F2 visa) and opens doors to future supervised internships.
It is essential to not to be confused with the J1 visa, The visa is usually linked to cultural exchanges and, in many cases, obliges the student to return to his or her country of origin for two years before reapplying for another visa.
But not everything is allowed. has significant limitations. The F1 visa does not cover studies purely online ni programs of part-time. If your academic load falls below the minimum required, you automatically lose your legal status, so you must have that very well calculated.
Although it is a visa that is classified as non-immigrant, functions as the perfect bridge for those who subsequently aspire to OPT (Optional Practical Training) or the coveted H-1B work visa.
The Academic Spectrum: Types of Programs Covered
The versatility of the F1 visa is one of its greatest benefits, as it allows to cover a wide range of educational paths, thus adapting to the different stages in a student's life:
- Secondary education (High School): It is available to young people, usually from the age of 14. If it is a public school, the student must pay the full cost of instruction and the limit of stay is 12 months. In private schools, the duration can be longer if there is adequate financial backing.
- Bachelor's Degrees (Undergraduate): This is something different from Spain, since they are 4-year programs that are the basis of professional training in the United States. That is, it is what gives you a solid foundation to work in any profession in the United States. Think of them as the first big step after high school.
- Postgraduate and Doctorate Degrees (Graduate & PhD): These are 1 to 6-year programs focused on specialization and research. Programs in the following areas STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) are especially attractive due to the job opportunities they offer.
- Intensive Languages (ESL): If your goal is English proficiency, you can obtain an F1 as long as the course exceeds 18 hours per week.
- Professional Certificates: Ideal for those who already have a degree, but are seeking accreditation in specific fields such as business, arts or data analysis.
One very important thing is that to ensure that your choice is valid, you should always you must verify that the institution is accredited through the official platform Study in the States.
Admission requirements and talent testing
Before you go to the embassy, you must be admitted by a school certified by the SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program).
In fact, you should start the process by obtaining the Form I-20a legal document where the institution certifies your name, the program you will attend and the estimated cost.
Academic profile
U.S. universities, especially the most competitive ones, they are not only looking for students with excellent grades, but also for well-rounded profiles. that stand out for their balance between academic excellence, extracurricular leadership and social impact. For this you will need:
- Proof of your level of English: TOEFL and IELTS exams are mandatory, with scores varying according to the prestige of the institution you are entering.
- Standardized tests: The SAT or ACT is required for undergraduate studies, and the GRE or GMAT for high-level graduate studies.
- Academic history: A GPA above 3.0 is the ideal standard for securing admission.
- Personal documentation: Letters of recommendation, a resume updated and, the most important thinga Personal Statement where you explain your purpose and how you will contribute to the university community.
The financial pillar: The solvency test
This is the point where many applications are denied. To obtain the F1 visa, you must demonstrate that you have immediate access to funds that cover, at a minimum, the total cost of the first year of studies (i.e., tuition plus living expenses).
What documents are considered valid?
Obviously, it is not enough to say that you have the money; you must prove it with documents such as, for example, your bank statements for the last 6 months, showing that you have stability.
You can count on endorsements or sponsors such as your parents or a close relative. If your family is not able to help you, you can also choose to scholarships granted by national or international organizations, and even to education loans that are already pre-approved.
It is vital demonstrate ties to your home. This is because the consular officer must be convinced that you have reasons to return to your country, either because you own some property, have a future job offer, or have strong family ties.
Detailed steps for F1 Visa application in 2026
The process has a series of steps that you must follow step by step, do not skip any of them if you want everything to go smoothly:
- Admission: Apply to the university and wait for your I-20 to be operational (this process can take 1 to 3 months).
- SEVIS I-901 rate: Access the official website and pays the $350 USD. This payment records your information in the U.S. national security system.
- Form DS-160: It is the visa application non-immigrant that you have to do online. It requires a 2×2 inch digital photo and absolute accuracy in every answer.
- MRV rate: Pays the $185 USD from consular fees and then schedule your appointment. Depending on your location, the wait can be weeks or even months.
- Consular interview: The moment of truth. You must bring all original documents. The key is honesty and clarity. If the officer asks you, for example, who pays for your studies, the answer must be direct and backed up by the papers you have in hand. Do not improvise and bring prepared answers.
Once approved, the visa is affixed to your passport. With all steps completed and everything approved, you can enter the United States until 30 days before of the start of your classes.
Remember that your first obligation upon arrival is report your physical address to your school's international student office within 10 days to avoid any problems.
Breakdown of the costs you may incur in your academic journey
If there is one thing you have to be clear about, it is that studying in the United States is a significant investment. Here is an approximate overview of the costs you can expect to incur while living there:
- Processing costs: $535 USD fixed (SEVIS + MRV).
- Tuition: In public universities, the fees for foreigners usually range between $10,000 and $30,000 USD annual fees. However, in private institutions such as NYU or Columbia, they can exceed $60,000 USD.
- Cost of living: In cities such as New York or San Francisco, it takes about $25,000 USD per year for room and board, while in cities such as Austin or Atlanta they can be reduced to $15,000 USD. It is not an expense for all budgets, but you should do a little research on which city is right for you according to your budget.
- Medical insurance: It is mandatory and costs about $2,000 USD yearly. Do not underestimate this expense; health care in the U.S. is extremely expensive. because there are no public services, and if you have an accident or illness it can literally save your life.
- Extras: International flights (from $1,000), books and supplies ($1,500) and document translation expenses.
Adding it all up, the first year's budget can be in the range of $40,000 and $100,000 USD, You will need to have a good savings.
Work and internships: How to generate income legally?
The F1 visa is quite restrictive with respect to work, but it offers some legal avenues that are contemplated without any problems:
- Campus work: You can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and full time during the vacation period. These jobs are usually in libraries, cafeterias or in the center's own laboratories.
- CPT (Curricular Practical Training): They are internships that are part of your resume. Now, they require authorization from your DSO, that is, the designated official at your U.S. university or college who helps you maintain your legal status with the F1 visa. Another thing to keep in mind is that the internship must be related to your career.
- OPT (Optional Practical Training): This is perhaps the biggest benefit. It allows you to work 12 months in your field of study after graduation. If your career is STEM, i.e., from branches related to the science, technology, engineering or mathematics, you can extend this permit for an additional 24 months. With this option you can add up to a total of 3 years of legal work experience in the US.
It is it is important to avoid any type of illegal work or «freelance» without a permit, as this will lead to immediate deportation, and you will even be banned from entering the United States for years.
In short, remember that embarking on an academic journey abroad is one of the most profitable missions for your future.. That is why in Curiara We want to make it easier for you; we know that every dollar sent through a secure transfer is a message of love and support, so we make it easy for you.
Don't let bureaucracy tarnish your academic excellence. With the proper planning, strict adherence to the rules of your F1 visa and a reliable financial partner, success at U.S. universities is within your reach.