Student Visa (F-1)

How to Apply for an F1 Student Visa and What to Know Before Applying

1. Basic Conditions for an F1 Visa

• The F1 visa is issued for students who wish to study in the U.S. in academic programs such as undergraduate, master’s, Ph.D., or certified English language courses.
• The educational institution must be accredited by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
• The course must have more than 18 hours of instruction per week.
• It does not cover vocational training programs (which require an M1 visa instead).

2. Steps to Apply for an F1 Visa

1.    Obtain an I-20 from an institution accredited by the U.S. government.

2.    Complete the DS-160 form online and print the confirmation page for the visa interview.

3.    Pay the visa fee of $160 and the SEVIS fee of $200.

4.    Schedule a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy (Bangkok) or the U.S. Consulate General (Chiang Mai).

5.    Attend the visa interview and await the result.

3. Required Documents

Student Documents

• Passport: Valid for at least six months beyond the intended stay, plus a copy.
• Photographs: Three 2×2-inch photos with a white background.
• Copy of National ID card and house registration.
• Copy of name change certificate (if applicable).
• Copy of birth certificate (for applicants under 18 years old).
• Certificate of Education: In English.
• Academic Transcripts: In English.
• Employment Certificate: For employed applicants (in English).
• Bank statement for the past six months: For applicants with income.
• Signed I-20 document.
• Admission letter and tuition receipt: From the U.S. institution.
• Proof of accommodation and health insurance.
• Flight booking confirmation (if available).

Sponsor/Guardian Documents

• Copy of sponsor’s passport (if available).
• Copy of sponsor’s national ID and house registration.
• Copy of name change certificate (if applicable).
• Copy of marriage or divorce certificate (if applicable).
• Sponsor’s employment certificate: In English.
• Business registration certificate: For business owners.
• Bank guarantee letter: In English.
• Sponsor’s bank statement for the past six months: With a copy of the bank book.
• Parental consent letter from the district office: Required for applicants under 18 years old traveling without parents.

4. Processing Time for an F1 Visa

• Generally, the visa processing takes 2-3 months, depending on the workload of the U.S. Embassy.

5. Reasons for Visa Denial

• The selected course does not align with the applicant’s educational background.
• The applicant’s age does not match the selected course.
• Insufficient financial evidence.

6. Tips for the Visa Interview

• Answer in English, but if necessary, you may request an interview in Thai.
• Clearly explain your reasons for selecting the chosen program.
• Ensure all required documents are accurate and complete.

7. Benefits of an F1 Visa

• Allows the holder to travel to the U.S. for study at an accredited educational institution.
• Permits part-time work (up to 20 hours per week) during studies.
• Allows post-study employment under specific conditions.

8. Restrictions of an F1 Visa

• Does not permit full-time employment unless under an authorized training program.
• Does not grant an immediate path to obtaining a green card.

9. Visa Application Locations

• Bangkok: U.S. Embassy, Wireless Road.
• Chiang Mai: U.S. Consulate General.