F-1 Student Visa Complete Walkthrough
Everything you need to know about obtaining your F-1 student visa for the United States — from acceptance letter to visa stamp in your passport.
What Is the F-1 Visa?
The F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to study full-time at an accredited US university, college, language training program, or other academic institution. It does not give you the right to work off-campus (with limited exceptions) and requires you to maintain full-time enrollment throughout your studies.
The F-1 visa itself is the stamp in your passport. Once you enter the US, what actually matters for your legal status is your I-20 document and your SEVIS record — not the visa expiry date on your passport.
Step-by-Step Process
Receive Your I-20 from Your University
After you accept an offer, your university's International Students Office (ISO) will issue your I-20 form — the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. Review it carefully: your name must match your passport exactly, and the program start date, financial support figures, and English proficiency info must all be accurate.
Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee
Before your visa interview, you must pay the SEVIS fee of $350 USD at FMJfee.com using your SEVIS ID number (begins with "N," found on your I-20). Print the SEVIS payment confirmation — you'll need it for your interview. This fee is separate from the visa application fee.
Complete the DS-160 Online Application
Fill out the DS-160 non-immigrant visa application form at ceac.state.gov. This takes 60–90 minutes. Answer all questions honestly. At the end, print the DS-160 confirmation page with the barcode — this is required for your interview. Save your application ID in case you need to return to the form.
Pay the MRV Visa Application Fee
Pay the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee of $185 USD through the US Embassy Jordan payment portal. Keep the receipt — you need it to schedule your interview appointment.
Schedule Your Visa Interview
Book your interview appointment at the US Embassy in Amman via the US Visa Appointment Service (ustraveldocs.com/jo). F-1 visa appointments can have waiting times of 2–8 weeks depending on the season. Apply as early as possible — you can apply up to 365 days before your program start date, but not before you have your I-20.
Attend Your Visa Interview
Arrive 15 minutes early. Be concise and confident. The consular officer wants to confirm two things: (1) you have genuine intent to study, and (2) you intend to return to Jordan after your studies. Present your documents clearly. The interview itself is usually 3–5 minutes.
Receive Your Passport with Visa
If approved, your passport is returned (usually within 3–5 business days) with the F-1 visa stamp. Check all details immediately. Your visa may be valid for 5 years even if your program is only 2 years — this is normal. The visa validity is the window during which you can enter the US, not how long you can stay.
Required Documents for Your Interview
- Valid passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay)
- DS-160 confirmation page (printed, with barcode)
- MRV fee payment receipt
- Visa interview appointment confirmation
- I-20 form (signed by you and your university DSO)
- SEVIS I-901 fee payment confirmation
- One passport-sized photo (5×5 cm, white background, recent)
- University acceptance letter
- Financial evidence — bank statements, scholarship letters, or sponsor letters showing you can cover tuition + living expenses
- Transcripts and diplomas from previous universities
- GRE/TOEFL/IELTS score reports (if applicable)
- Evidence of ties to Jordan — property ownership, family, employment offer upon return (helps demonstrate non-immigrant intent)
Fees Summary
| Fee | Amount | Paid To |
|---|---|---|
| SEVIS I-901 Fee | $350 USD | FMJfee.com |
| MRV Visa Application Fee | $185 USD | US Embassy Jordan portal |
| Total | $535 USD | — |
Common Interview Questions
- Why did you choose this university / this program?
- Who is paying for your studies?
- Do you have family in the United States?
- What will you do after you graduate?
- Why do you want to study in the US rather than Jordan?
- Have you been to the US before?
- What do your parents do for work?
After You Arrive: Maintaining F-1 Status
- Report to your university's International Students Office within the first week to complete your SEVIS check-in
- Enroll full-time every semester (typically ≥12 credits for undergrad, ≥9 for grad)
- Do not work off-campus without prior authorization (OPT, CPT, or economic hardship)
- Notify your DSO if you change your address, major, or program level
- Keep your I-20 valid — apply for an extension before it expires if your program takes longer