F1 Visa Interview Documents - The Complete Checklist

An F1 visa is the right gateway to you studying your dream course in the US. The F1 visa is given to students by US Embassies and Consulates so that they can attend educational institutions in the US. For a quick and simple visa application process, many documents are required. You can simplify your study abroad trip using the F1 visa interview documents checklist in the following sections.

To visit the United States, you would need this student visa, which is good for the whole length of the course. You must contact an authorised visa extension company if you want to prolong your stay in case you wish to work in the country after completing your studies.

Getting a US student visa might seem tricky, but it is quite easy if you pay attention to the detail. It all starts with the acceptance letter. Upon receiving your offer letter, you get registered to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). After that, you pay SEVIS fees of $350 and will be required to show sufficient funds and might have to pay a deposit to attain the I-20 form if required by the university.

Let's review the application process for the F1 visa before talking about the paperwork needed for the interview.

Simply put, anyone travelling to the US intending to further their studies is granted an F1 visa.

You will receive the I-20 form to begin the F1 visa application process as soon as you obtain your acceptance letter from your college or university. You will be questioned about the motivations behind your decision to study in the US because the F1 student Visa interview is private. You will also be questioned about your educational background, extracurricular activities, financial background, etc.

You'll have an easy advantage when you meet with the visa officer if you have these F1 Visa interview documents in hand.

The whole process of the visa application takes time. Hence, it is best to start the process as soon as possible so that you have a sufficient amount of time on your hands. The best time to apply for the F1 visa is right after you receive the offer letter from the university you wish to study at in the USA.

For any formal proceeding or filing in order to gain a student visa, there are a set of documents that must be submitted from the student’s end. Sometimes when you go for the visa interview, the interviewer might not be satisfied with your answers alone. In such cases, it is best to provide documents as proof. This gives the interviewer an impression that you came prepared and how much this opportunity to study in USA means to you. Being prepared beforehand is the quality of great minds and reflects well on your personality and application in this case. 

Let us take a look at the list of documents required for an F1 visa interview and kickstart your academic journey in the USA.  

• Copy of interview appointment letter

• DS-160 Confirmation Barcode printout

• Original, valid VISA fee receipt (Your Copy)

• Original I-20, approved and signed by you and the University authority

• SEVIS Fee Receipt

• Passport

• Birth Certificate

• Original degree certificates (Bachelor/Master)

• Provisional Degree Certificates

• Original mark sheets (10th and 12th standard, first-year bachelor to date)

• Provisional mark sheet for any pending results

• Original extracurricular/curricular activity certificates

• Original scholarship certificates/awards (if any)

• Original Certificates showing professional courses/examinations done along with mark sheets

• Copies of your research work/project

• Relevant test scores, e.g., TOEFL and SAT, GRE, GMAT, or LSAT

• Bona fide certificate from college (if your degree is not received )

• Resume

Let’s take a closer look at the important F1 visa interview documents. 

1. Form DS-160 Confirmation Page: The DS-160 is the online application form for a nonimmigrant visa, including the F1 visa. After completing the form, you will receive a confirmation page with a barcode, which you must print and bring to the interview.
    

2. SEVIS Fee Receipt: Pay the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee and bring the receipt as proof of payment.
    

3. Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States.
    

4. Visa Application Fee Receipt: Pay the required visa application fee and bring the receipt as proof of payment.
    

5. I-20 Form: This is possibly the most significant document your university will provide regarding the financial criteria for a US student visa. This form's Section 7 details the financial requirements the school believes you must satisfy in order to sustain yourself (and any dependents) while you are a student, as well as your plans for doing so
   
   This is the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status provided by the U.S. educational institution you'll attend. Ensure it's properly signed by you and your designated school official (DSO).
    

6. Admission Letter: A formal letter of acceptance from the U.S. educational institution confirming your enrollment.
    

7. Standardised Test Scores: If applicable, bring scores for exams like TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, GMAT, etc., which you submitted during the application process.
    

8. Academic Documents: Carry your academic transcripts, certificates, and diplomas from previous institutions attended. These documents help verify your educational background.
    

9. Financial Documentation: Show evidence of sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees, living expenses, and other educational costs. This can include bank statements, affidavits of support, or scholarship letters.
    

10. Affidavit of Support (Form I-134): If you have a sponsor in the U.S., they may need to submit this form to demonstrate their ability to support you financially.
     

11. Resume/CV: Provide an updated resume or curriculum vitae highlighting your educational background, work experience, and achievements.
     

12. Passport-sized Photos: Carry recent passport-sized photographs adhering to the U.S. visa photo requirements.
     

13. Proof of Intent to Return: Offer evidence that you intend to return to your home country after completing your studies, such as a job offer letter, property ownership, or family ties.
     

14. Documentation of Ties to Home Country: Bring any documents that demonstrate strong ties to your home country, such as family records, employment contracts, or business ownership papers.
     

15. Any Previously Issued Visas: If you've been issued visas to other countries, especially the U.S., in the past, provide copies of those visas. 

For a US F1 visa, you'll require a number of documents that prove your financial obligation and capability, such as a bank statement. Your own documents will be sufficient if you have been providing for yourself for more than three years; otherwise, you will need your parents' or guardians' documents. 

Let us take a look what are some important financial documents you might require during your interview.

• The three most recent years' original tax returns

• Three years' worth of bank statements

• Pay slips, employment letters, or employment contracts

• Bank statements and tax returns for self-employment should be supplemented with notarised statements from chartered accounts.

• For the F1 visa interview, you need original financial documents, including Affidavit of Support, C.A. statement, bank statements, income tax papers, and proof of liquid assets. Also, provide ownership proof and valuation certificates for fixed assets. Letters from authorities confirming liquidity of investments required. All documents must be dated 4-5 days before the interview. 

Q. How much bank balance do I need to show in my bank statement for a US student visa? 

A. For a US student visa, you must show enough balance to cover your living costs and one year of tuition fees. 

Q. How do I provide proof of my financial support for a visa? 

A. Financial support can be proved easily by submitting bank statements, assets, property papers, etc. This will help you ascertain that you have sufficient money and can support yourself while studying abroad, indicating strong ties to your home country. 

Q. What is the cost of a US student visa?

A. The US student visa costs 350 USD as the SEVIS fees. 

Q. Which financial documents are required for US student visa interview?

A. There are a few financial documents you might require pertaining to US student visa funds. These documents are listed below.  

• Loan letter (if applicable) 

• Proof of scholarships and grants

• Statements of support 

• Personal financial statements and bank statements for US student visa 

• I-20 form from your university

• A specific amount of bank balance is required for the US student vis

In conclusion, the F1 visa interview documents are of great importance and can help you pass the interview and successfully get a student visa to study in USA. Organising and presenting these F1 visa interview documents neatly and confidently during your interview appointment is essential. Always answer the consular officer's questions truthfully and clearly to increase your chances of a successful visa application.

For any specific information related to appointments or wait times, along with any additional F-1 visa application requirements and procedures, you can also contact the U.S. consulate/embassy in your home country where you plan to apply for the visa. Information acquired from them is accurate and without any loopholes. They are your best option for any queries you might have.

Remember, it's always better to ask than to create blunders later and regret things. We wish you all the luck with your interview, and oh, don’t forget your documents! That’s it for today’s blog; see you in the next one.

We hope you had an insightful read about the F1 visa interview documents and got useful insights on all the essential documents required to study in USA. If you would like to get a deeper insight into how to SOPs are written or how to apply to universities abroad, we encourage you to have a word with our team of expert counsellors at Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC). Our counsellors will provide you with guidance throughout your study abroad journey. Get help with the application process, SOPs and filing for a visa. Visit us and get one-to-one counselling or avail yourself of free video counselling via our website. We will be happy to help you, so please do not hesitate to contact us at application02@meridean.org or 1800-1230-00011.