Study New York VNStudy New York Guide for Vietnamese Students
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F-1 Student Visa

Visa Guide

A general overview of the F-1 student visa journey, from your offer letter to arrival in New York. Requirements and processing times can change, so always confirm current details with our representative and the U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

How the process works

  1. 1

    Share your student profile

    Send your academic background, English test scores (if any), and budget to our representative in Vietnam.

  2. 2

    Receive matching advice

    Get guidance on the best-fit school, program, and scholarship based on your profile.

  3. 3

    Offer letter and I-20

    Once admitted, the school issues an official offer letter and a Form I-20, the core document for your F-1 visa application.

  4. 4

    Confirm your scholarship

    Scholarship is confirmed and you'll receive guidance on any tuition deposit required to secure your place.

  5. 5

    SEVIS fee and DS-160

    Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee tied to your I-20, then complete the DS-160 online nonimmigrant visa application form.

  6. 6

    Book and prepare for your visa interview

    Schedule your F-1 interview at the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi or the U.S. Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City, and prepare with mock-interview coaching.

  7. 7

    Pre-departure

    Attend a pre-departure briefing covering housing, orientation dates, and what to pack, then travel and enroll.

Documents to prepare

  • Valid passport (valid at least 6 months beyond your intended stay)
  • Form I-20 issued by your school
  • DS-160 confirmation page
  • SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt
  • Visa application fee (MRV) payment receipt
  • Passport-style photo meeting U.S. visa requirements
  • Proof of financial support (bank statements, sponsor letters, scholarship confirmation)
  • Academic records: transcripts, diplomas, English test scores
  • Evidence of ties to Vietnam (family, property, plans to return) to support visa intent

Frequently asked questions

When should I apply for my F-1 visa?

As soon as you receive your I-20. Interview wait times vary, so it's best to apply at least 2–3 months before your program start date — but not more than 120 days before, per U.S. Department of State rules.

What is SEVIS and the I-901 fee?

SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) tracks F-1 students throughout their studies. The I-901 fee funds this system and must be paid before your visa interview, using the SEVIS ID printed on your I-20.

Can I start on an English pathway without a test score yet?

Yes. Fulton-Montgomery Community College offers a full ESL pathway with no test required to start, and University at Albany and SUNY Oswego offer EAP/IELP conditional pathways for students below the direct-entry score. All of these still issue an I-20 for the F-1 visa.

What happens after I arrive in the US?

You'll complete an international student check-in with your school's International Student Services office, which confirms your SEVIS record is active and reviews your F-1 responsibilities (full-time enrollment, work authorization rules, address updates).

Need help with your visa application?

Our representative in Vietnam provides F-1 document guidance and interview preparation.

Contact our representative