International Student Services

Applying for an F-1 Visa

Note: Citizens of Canada and Bermuda do not require visas to enter the United States as students. You will only require your Form I-20.

Official information can be found on travel.state.gov.

Basic steps

  • After receiving your I-20 and paying the I-901 SEVIS Fee, you can complete the online DS-160 (Nonimmigrant Visa Application).
  • Receive an appointment with the US embassy or consulate.
  • Follow the instructions from the US embassy or consulate.

Be careful when using third party services that help with the visa process. They will sometimes charge large fees and not provide faster service than if you were to apply yourself.

Global visa appointment wait times are publicly available here. You should also visit the embassy website where you are applying for your visa. They will often have extra information for nonimmigrant applications.

Transfer students

  • If you already have a valid F-1 visa and are in the US, you will not need a new one.
  • If your current visa has expired, you can use your UW Bothell I-20 to apply for a new F-1 visa if outside of the US.

Visa interview tips

  • Be honest. Students have been denied visas for presenting false information.
  • Ties to your home country. You’re applying for a non-immigrant status. You must be able to show that you have a reason to leave the US. It is important to show ties to your home country that bind you to your home town, homeland, or current place of residence. Examples are a job, family obligations, continuing education, financial prospects, investments, or life markers such as bank accounts, or continuing bills (mobile phone, utilities, rent, mortgages).
  • Financial support. Make sure you bring sufficient proof that you have enough money to support yourself in the US. This should be the same financial proof that you provided ISS for your I-20.
  • English. Your admission to UWB is based on your English proficiency. Anticipate that the interview will be conducted in English and not in your native language.
  • Know your program and how it fits your future goals. You should be able to explain how studying in the US relates to your future professional career. Remember that you’re applying as an F-1 student and your goal is to earn a degree on a non-immigrant status.
  • Employment. An F-1 student’s main purpose is to study and earn a degree. While many F-1 students take advantage of available training benefits, your goal should not be to search for work and displace US workers.