How to Book Your F-1 Visa Interview: A Simple, Step-by-Step Guide

If you have been accepted to a university in the U.S., congratulations! You’re on your way to an exciting new chapter. But before you can start packing, there’s an important process ahead—applying for your F-1 student visa. It might sound daunting at first, but once you understand the key forms and how they fit together, it becomes much easier to manage. Let’s break it down in plain language. Here’s everything you need to know about the forms, fees, and steps involved—so you can book your visa interview with confidence and avoid common mistakes along the way.
Krish Bajaj

I-20 Form: Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status#

The first thing you need is your Form I-20, which is essentially your ticket into the visa process. This form, officially called the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, is issued by the U.S. school that accepted you. It confirms that you’ve been admitted and are eligible to apply for an F-1 visa.

To get your I-20, you’ll need to send your university a few key documents: a valid passport, proof that you can afford your studies (usually in the form of bank statements or a sponsor letter), and your admission letter. Some universities also ask you to fill out a short I-20 request form with personal details like your date of birth and intended program of study. Once your school has everything it needs, a Designated School Official (DSO) will issue your I-20—often as a digital PDF. We recommend asking for the PDF version because it’s faster and just as valid as a paper copy.

As soon as you receive your I-20, review it carefully. Make sure your name and date of birth match your passport exactly, and double-check the program dates, declared major, and your unique SEVIS ID number. If anything is incorrect, contact your DSO to get it fixed. If you decide to defer your start date, you’ll also need to request an updated version.

Your school may take a few weeks after the form to share your i20. In recent years, schools have been issuing digital I-20’s instead of paper copies. Since it is a very important document, as soon as you receive it, be sure to review the following:

  • Personal Information: Ensure your name, date of birth, and other personal details are correct and match your passport.
  • Program Information: Verify that the details about your program of study, including start and end dates, are accurate.
  • Financial Information: Check that the financial section reflects the correct amount of funding required and available to support your studies.
  • Sign and Date: After reviewing all information, sign and date the I-20 form. Your DSO will also sign it.
  • Age: If you are under the age of 18, a parent or guardian will also need to sign and date your i20 for it to be approved.

What to Look Out For:#

  • SEVIS Number: Your I-20 will include your unique SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) ID number, which is essential for paying the SEVIS fee and completing your visa application.
  • Contact Information: Ensure your contact details are up-to-date, including your email address and phone number.
  • Financial Documentation: Keep copies of the financial documents you provided to the school, as you may need them for your visa interview.

Once you have your I-20 in hand, you’ll need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. This fee funds the system that tracks international students during their stay in the U.S. and is a required step before you can schedule your visa interview.

Paying the SEVIS 1-901 Fee – Activating Your Record#

Once you have your I-20, you’re entered into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which tracks international students throughout their studies in the U.S. Before you can move on, you’ll need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, which helps fund this system.

To pay, visit FMJfee.com, the official website for SEVIS payments. The fee for F-1 students is $350. You’ll need your SEVIS ID number and school code (both found on your I-20), along with your personal information and a valid payment method. After paying, make sure to print and save your receipt—it’s one of the documents you’ll need for your visa interview. It’s a good idea to pay the fee at least three days before you book your interview to allow enough time for processing.

How to Complete the SEVIS I-901 Form:#

  1. Access the Form: Visit the FMJfee.com website to begin the process.
  2. Enter SEVIS ID: Enter your SEVIS ID number from your I-20 form.
  3. Personal Information: Provide your personal details, including your name, date of birth, and address.
  4. School Information: Enter your school code, which is also found on your I-20 form.
  5. Payment: Pay the SEVIS fee using a credit card or other accepted payment methods.
  6. Print the Receipt: After payment, print the confirmation receipt. You will need this for your visa interview and for entering the US.

What to Look Out For:#

  • Timing: Pay the SEVIS fee at least three days before your visa interview.
  • Receipt: Always keep a copy of your receipt as proof of payment. You may need to present it multiple times during your visa process.

DS-160: Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application#

What is the DS-160?#

The next form in the process is the DS-160, which is your official visa application. It’s an online form that collects information about your background, travel plans, education, and more. You’ll complete it through the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website. This form doesn’t cost anything to fill out, but after submitting it, you’ll need to pay a separate visa application fee—usually around $185—when you book your appointment.

The DS-160 will ask for detailed personal information, including your passport details, U.S. contact information (typically your university), and intended travel plans. You’ll also be asked about your education history, work experience, and social media accounts from the past five years. One important note: the form times out after 20 minutes of inactivity, so save your work frequently. At the end, you’ll upload a passport-style photo and submit the form. Make sure to print the confirmation page—it’s required for the next step.

How to Fill Out the DS-160:#

  1. Access the Form: Visit the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website to begin your DS-160 application.
  2. Personal Information: Provide personal details such as your full name, date of birth, nationality, and passport information. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months while applying.
  3. Travel Information: Indicate your intended date of arrival in the US, the address where you will stay, and details about your US point of contact (usually your university). You also need to list out any prior travel history to the US accurately.
  4. Social Media Handles: You will be asked to provide details of your social media accounts used in the last five years. Include handles for platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and others.
  5. Education and Work History: List your educational background, previous and current employment, and any other professional qualifications.
  6. Security and Background Questions: Answer a series of security-related questions truthfully. These cover areas such as criminal history, immigration violations, and health issues.
  7. Upload Photo: Upload a recent passport-sized photograph that meets the US visa photo requirements.
  8. Review and Submit: Carefully review all the information before submitting the form. Errors can delay your application process.

What to Look Out For:#

  • Accuracy: Ensure all information is accurate and matches your supporting documents.
  • Save Regularly: The form times out after 20 minutes of inactivity. Save your progress frequently to avoid losing information.
  • Application ID: Save your DS-160 application ID for future reference and for scheduling your visa interview.

Booking Your Visa Interview#

Now that your DS-160 is submitted and your SEVIS fee is paid, you can book your F-1 visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate near you. This is done through the U.S. Visa Appointment Portal for your country. During the booking process, you’ll pay the visa application fee, select a date and time, and confirm your appointment.

You’ll need your DS-160 confirmation number and SEVIS ID to book. It’s best to schedule your interview as early as possible, especially if your program starts in August or September, since appointment slots can fill up quickly. The F-1 visa interview booking fee in India is not a separate fee from the DS-160 application fee. The $185 MRV (Visa Application Fee) covers the cost of both the DS-160 application and the visa interview. Additionally, there's a separate $350 SEVIS fee. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

  • MRV Fee: This fee, which is $185, covers the cost of your DS-160 application and includes the cost of the visa interview. 
  • SEVIS Fee: This fee is $350 and is paid separately from the MRV fee. This fee is required for all students who are eligible for an F-1 visa. 
  • Interview: The interview itself is included in the MRV fee. 

In essence, the total cost for an F-1 visa application in India is approximately $535, which includes the MRV fee and the SEVIS fee. 

Where do you book?#

Head to the official U.S. Visa Appointment Portal for your country. This is where you:

  • Pay the visa fee (approx. $185, varies by location)
  • Choose your embassy or consulate
  • Pick an available appointment date
  • Get your visa interview confirmation

What info do you need to book?#

  • Your DS-160 confirmation number
  • SEVIS ID number
  • Visa fee payment receipt

What to Bring to Your Visa Interview:#

Make sure you bring all these documents to your interview:

  • Valid passport
  • DS-160 confirmation page
  • Signed I-20 form
  • SEVIS I-901 fee receipt
  • Visa appointment confirmation
  • One 2x2 inch passport photo
  • Proof of finances (bank statements, sponsor letters)
  • Admission letter and academic transcripts
  • Ties to your home country (e.g., family letters, property documents)

The visa officer will ask about your study plans, finances, and your intentions after graduation. Stay calm, answer honestly, and keep your documents organized.

Extra Support: Practice Your Interview with Sonia#

Want to get a feel for the interview? Try Sonia, Roam’s free AI-powered visa bot. Upload your I-20 (optional) and Sonia will simulate common interview questions based on your details. It’s a great way to practice and build confidence before your real appointment.

FAQ Section#

Q: What's the difference between the I-20 and SEVIS?

A: The I-20 form is issued by your US school and certifies your eligibility for F-1 student status. SEVIS is the system that tracks your status as an international student in the US. Your SEVIS ID number is included on your I-20 form.

Q: Can I apply for an F-1 visa while on another US visa?

A: Yes, but you must demonstrate a clear intent to study and show how your previous visa's purpose differs from your new intent. It might involve leaving the US to reapply from your home country.

Q: What do I do if there is an error on my I-20 form?

A: Contact your Designated School Official (DSO) immediately to correct any errors. Ensure all information matches your passport and other documents.

Q: How long does the SEVIS fee payment take to process?

A: The SEVIS fee payment usually processes immediately, but it is recommended to pay at least three days before your visa interview to ensure everything is recorded in the system.

Q: What if my social media information changes after submitting the DS-160?

A: If there are significant changes to your social media accounts after submitting your DS-160, inform the consular officer during your visa interview.

Q: Should I include private social media accounts in the DS-160?

A: Yes, include all social media accounts you have used in the past five years, regardless of their privacy settings. Failing to disclose this information can lead to complications or denial of your visa application.

Q: Can I edit my DS-160 after submitting it?

A: If you need to correct information after submitting your DS-160, you cannot edit the submitted form. Instead, you must fill out a new DS-160 form and bring the new confirmation page to your visa interview. Inform the consulate of the updated form to ensure they use the correct one.

Q: What if I want to change schools? What happens to my I-20 and SEVIS?

A: If you want to change schools, you will need a new I-20 form from your new institution. Your new school will help you transfer your SEVIS record. You must notify your current school's Designated School Official (DSO) and follow the transfer process to ensure your SEVIS record is correctly transferred and you remain in status.

Q: I don't have an acceptance and I-20 from the school I want to attend but I have it from another school. Can I apply for the F-1 and change it to the school I want to attend after I get my visa?

A: You must attend the school listed on the I-20 form you used to obtain your F-1 visa. If you get accepted to a different school after obtaining your visa, you will need to update your visa with the new I-20 by contacting the consulate or embassy that issued your visa. This process can vary, so it’s important to seek guidance from both schools' DSOs and the issuing consulate.

Wrapping It Up#

Applying for an F-1 visa involves several crucial forms and steps. Understanding the DS-160, I-20, SEVIS I-901, and other necessary documents is essential for a successful application. By following this guide and paying attention to details, you can navigate the F-1 visa process with confidence and ease, ensuring a smooth transition to your studies in the United States.

Let’s recap what you need to do:

  1. Request and review your I-20 from your university.
  2. Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee at FMJfee.com.
  3. Fill out the DS-160 at the CEAC website.
  4. Book your visa interview and pay the visa fee.
  5. Prepare your documents and attend your interview.

It might feel like a lot, but each form is a step closer to starting your life in the U.S. Stay organized, double-check everything, and you’ll be ready in no time.

Got questions? Your university’s DSO is always there to help—or you can come back to this guide whenever you need a refresher.

Visa
Legal