U.S. Student Visa Requirements Explained

If you’re planning to study in the United States, you’ll need more than just an acceptance letter. Securing a United States student visa means proving to the U.S. government that you’re academically qualified, financially prepared and planning to follow the law while in the country.

Understanding the full list of U.S. student visa requirements is essential before you begin the application process. Missing a single form, fee or eligibility detail can delay your approval or lead to a denial. This article offers a deeper look at what international students need to apply successfully for an F-1 visa – the most common student visa for full-time academic study.

Who needs a U.S. student visa?

Any non-U.S. citizen or permanent resident who plans to study overseas full time at an academic institution in the U.S. will need a student visa. For most students, that means applying for an F-1 visa. If you’re studying a non-academic or vocational program, the M-1 visa may apply instead.

You must obtain the correct visa before entering the U.S., and your student visa must remain valid throughout your academic program. It’s also important to understand that a visa is not the same as entry permission. When you arrive in the U.S., a Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer will determine your official admission and duration of stay.

Explore Immigration Tips

Have questions about the visa process? MPOWER's immigration resources are for students like you.

Learn More

Core F-1 visa eligibility criteria

To qualify for an F-1 visa, you must meet specific F-1 visa requirements set by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). These criteria ensure that only qualified and well-prepared students enter the U.S. for academic study.

Here’s what you must have:

Acceptance to a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school

The institution must be part of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). This includes most universities, colleges and English language training programs.

Proof of full-time enrollment

Your I-20 form must indicate that you’re pursuing a full course of study. Part-time students are not eligible for F-1 visas.

Strong ties to your home country

You must show that you intend to return home after your studies, which can be demonstrated through family, job prospects or future plans.

Sufficient financial resources

You need to prove that you can pay for tuition, housing and personal expenses for at least your first year. This is also required as proof of funds for student visa interviews.

Clear intent to study

You must demonstrate that your primary reason for entering the U.S. is to pursue education, not to immigrate or seek unauthorized employment.

Health and background checks

Most F-1 applicants are not required to complete a medical examination for student visa approval. However, exceptions apply. If you have prior health issues flagged by border authorities, plan to enter health care fields or are switching from another visa type, you may be asked to complete a medical exam with a panel physician.

Some U.S. universities may also request immunization records or general health clearance before allowing enrollment. These health-related requests are separate from visa approval but still affect your ability to begin studies on time.

Background checks are standard. Answer truthfully if asked about prior travel, overstays or visa denials. Inconsistencies between your visa forms and your interview responses may result in rejection.

Required documents for your student visa application

Once you receive your acceptance letter and I-20 from your university, you can begin the official visa application process. Here are the core documents and steps you’ll need to complete:

1. Form I-20

Issued by your university, this form confirms your admission and outlines estimated costs. You’ll need it for your visa interview and to pay the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee.

2. DS-160 application

The DS-160 U.S. visa form is your online visa application. It collects personal, academic and travel information. Once submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation page with a barcode – bring this to your interview.

3. Valid passport

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the U.S.

4. SEVIS I-901 fee receipt

Before attending your interview, you must pay the SEVIS fee and bring the receipt to show proof of payment.

5. Financial documents

Bring recent bank statements, loan approvals, sponsor letters or scholarship notices to demonstrate financial readiness. These documents help fulfill proof of funds for student visa requirements.

6. Passport-size photo

Your photo must meet U.S. visa guidelines. Some embassies also require a printed version even if uploaded digitally with your DS-160.

7. Visa appointment confirmation

After submitting your DS-160, schedule your interview and bring the appointment confirmation page to the embassy or consulate.

MPOWER Financing helps international students meet U.S. visa requirements

A key part of qualifying for a U.S. student visa is proving that you can pay for your education. MPOWER Financing supports international students with no-cosigner private loans that are accepted as official financial proof by embassies and universities.

Here’s how MPOWER helps you meet critical U.S. student visa requirements:

Free visa support letter for use during your interview
Tools to help you understand your I-20 and estimated cost of attendance
Study abroad scholarship opportunities that reduce your total financial burden

Whether you’re struggling to show funding, worried about document timelines or just need help understanding the U.S. system, MPOWER offers practical support that can make the difference between approval and delay.

MPOWER Financing student loan

A loan based on your future earnings

Check Eligibility

FAQs

What are the main requirements for a U.S. student visa?

You must be accepted to an SEVP-approved school, prove financial support, complete your DS-160 form and attend an embassy interview.

Do I need to show funds for all years of study?

You typically need to show funding for the first year, but you may be asked how you’ll pay for the rest. Bring a realistic plan.

Is a medical exam required for the F-1 visa?

Usually not, unless you fall under a special category or are changing visa types. Some schools may require immunization records.

What is the I-20 and why is it important?

The I-20 is issued by your school and proves your student status. You need it for the SEVIS fee, visa interview and U.S. entry.

Can MPOWER loans help with visa approval?

Yes. An MPOWER international student loan can serve as financial proof during your interview and helps meet embassy documentation standards.

DISCLAIMER – Subject to credit approval, loans are made by Bank of Lake Mills or MPOWER Financing, PBC. Bank of Lake Mills does not have an ownership interest in MPOWER Financing. Neither MPOWER Financing nor Bank of Lake Mills is affiliated with the school you attended or are attending. Bank of Lake Mills is Member FDIC. None of the information contained in this website constitutes a recommendation, solicitation or offer by MPOWER Financing or its affiliates to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments or other assets or provide any investment advice or service.

U.S. office	India office
1101 Connecticut Ave. NW Suite 900, Washington, DC 20036	The Cube at Karle Town Center, 9th Floor, 100 Ft, Nada Prabhu Kempe Gowda Main Road, Next to Nagavara, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560045, India

U.S. student visa requirements: What you need before applying