F Visa (Academic Study)

Frequently Asked Questions For Student Visas

1. Is it required that I pay the first year tuition expenses in advance and show a receipt from the university?

No - paying the tuition expenses in advance is a good way to show proof of funds, but it is NOT a requirement to pay in advance.

2. What documents should I show to prove that I can pay for my education in the U.S.?

There are no specific documents that prove a student is able to pay for his/her education. Bank account statements, chartered accountant statements, employment letters, and property documents are the most common documents used to show proof of funds.

3. How do I prove that I can afford to attend school in the United States?

Part 7 on the I-20 shows the amount of funding you must have available to cover the first year's expenses. The total amount includes tuition and fees, living expenses, expenses of dependents (if applicable), and other expenses (as applicable). You must prove that you have immediate funds available to cover this amount. If you are going to a two-years Master's program, then you must also show that funds are or will likely be available to cover the same amount for the second year. For example, if you are a prospective Master's student for a two-year program, and the total amount in Part 7 of the I-20 includes $5,000 for tuition and fees, $5,000 for living expenses, and $500 for other expenses (books and supplies, for instance), then you must prove that $10,500 is immediately available to you. Additionally, you must show that another $10,500 is or will likely be available to cover the second year.

4. What if my university does not require that I take the TOEFL or GRE?

Students whose prospective university does not require that they take the TOEFL or GRE should provide a letter from the university stating the same. However, the Embassy strongly recommends that all student visa applicants provide standardized test scores.

5. What if I have not yet received my degree certificate? May I still apply?

Yes - you may still apply, but please be sure to include your mark sheets and provisional certificate if available.

6. I have taken a loan from a bank to cover my tuition. Do I still need to show other financial documents?

You must prove that funds are immediately available to cover the first year's costs, and show evidence that funds will be available for all subsequent years. Any financial documentation you provide should be in support of this. This applies to ALL student visa applicants.

7. Can a person on a visitor visa, if he gets admission to a school and gets an I-20, be able to change his status to student?

No. Previously, U.S. law permitted persons entering on tourist, B-2 visas to change status to F-1 visas. That is no longer the case. A non-immigrant wishing to study in the U.S. must apply from their country of origin or residence if they wish to study in the U.S. on an F-1 visa.