When should I apply for an F-1 visa for my U.S. residency?

Once you register for a residency, receive your I-20 and pay the SEVIS fee, you can apply for an F-1 student visa. The application process for an F-1 student visa may take several months to complete and processing time varies based on your home location. You should contact the appropriate US consulate to determine the timeline for obtaining a student F-1 visa.

WARNING: If you start the process too close to your residency start date, there is a risk you may not finish the process in enough time to attend the residency. Visit the US Department of State Travel website, Visa Wait Times - for Interview Appointments and Processing, http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/wait/wait_4638.html for more details.

Please see the attached file for complete information about the process for international students attending residencies in the U.S.