Before you receive your F-1 Student Visa:

In order to study in the United States, you must first receive an F-1 Student Visa. If you have not first registered for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), you must complete that prior to applying for your F-1 Visa. Once you have done that and paid your SEVIS fee, you are ready to apply for your Student Visa. You will need the following:

U.S. embassies or consulates in certain countries may have additional document requirements.  After you have the required documents, present them to a U.S. embassy or consulate to receive your F-1 student visa.

To receive a student visa, you will also need to show:

  1. Your plan is to study at Avila University.
  2. You are connected to your home country and will return there after completing your degree.

The steps…

U.S. embassies or consulates in certain countries may have additional document requirements.  After you have the required documents, present them to a U.S. embassy or consulate to receive your F-1 student visa.

To receive a student visa, you will also need to show:

  1. Your plan is to study at Avila University.
  2. You are connected to your home country and will return there after completing your degree.

After you receive your F-1 Student Visa:

  • Notify Avila University so we can prepare for your arrival.
  • Complete Avila’s Housing form and housing preference questionnaire to reserve a place in a dormitory or residence hall.
  • Remember that you can only enter the U.S. 30 days or less before the start date on your I-20.

The Basics of an F-1 Student Visa

Are you thinking about studying in the United States? If so, you’ll need to apply for an F-1 student visa. The F-1 student visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows foreign students to study at an approved college, university, or other academic institution in the United States.

What is an F-1 Student Visa?

An F-1 student visa is issued by the US Department of State and allows foreign citizens to enter and stay in the United States as long as they remain enrolled in their educational program. It also grants permission for part-time work related to your field of study. An F-1 student visa does not allow for permanent residence or employment outside your field of study.

Applicants must show that they have enough financial resources available to cover their tuition and living expenses while attending school in the United States and must maintain good academic standing throughout their studies. Additionally, applicants must prove that they are planning on returning to their home country upon completing their studies.

Why Do You Need One?


The purpose of an F-1 student visa is twofold: First, it allows foreign students to gain knowledge and skills from accredited US schools; second, it ensures that students respect US immigration laws and regulations during their stay by only engaging in activities allowed under the terms of their visas. Without this visa, you will not be able to attend classes at your school or participate in any other activities related to your educational program. Furthermore, without an F-1 visa, it is unlikely that you will be allowed into the country in the first place; many airlines do not allow passengers without proper documentation to board their flights. Without proof of a valid student visa, potential students will not be able to obtain admission into a US-accredited institution, nor will they be able to legally work or reside within the country while enrolled as a student.


The bottom line is that if you want to pursue higher education at a US university or college, you’ll need an F-1 student visa—no exceptions! It’s important that prospective international students understand all aspects of applying for and obtaining an F-1 student visa before beginning their journey toward higher education in the United States. With proper preparation and understanding, obtaining your F-1 student visa should be relatively straightforward!

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