The F-1 student visa — an A-to-Z guide for Vietnamese students
The F-1 visa is the non-immigrant visa for studying full-time in the U.S. at a school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). It is the most common study visa and the standard path for Vietnamese students enrolling in U.S. high schools, colleges, and universities.
This page walks through the entire process — from acceptance letter to visa in hand — plus the latest 2025–2026 policy changes families need to know. AAE is with you at every step.
Every school in the AAE directory is authorized to enroll F-1 students — browse the school directory
F-1 and the other study visas (M-1, J-1)
The U.S. has three main "study" visas, and picking the right one comes first:
For full academic programs — high school, college, university, graduate study — or English-language programs at an SEVP-certified school. What most Vietnamese students need.
For vocational and technical training (e.g. aviation, culinary). Post-study work rights are much more limited than F-1.
For cultural-exchange, scholar, and student-exchange programs — some categories carry a two-year home-return requirement.
If you are pursuing a degree in the U.S., you almost certainly need F-1.
5 steps to the F-1 visa
Select each step for detail. Work through them in order — each is a prerequisite for the next.
Receive Form I-20
Once you're admitted and your financial documents pass review, the school issues Form I-20 — confirmation that you're accepted into the program and the basis for the F-1 visa.
- ✓Check that your name and date of birth match your passport.
- ✓Note your SEVIS ID (it starts with N).
- ✓Sign the I-20 before the interview.
Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee
The SEVIS fee keeps your record active in the student tracking system. It must be paid before booking the interview; print the receipt to bring along.
- ✓Pay online at FMJfee.com with an international credit card.
- ✓Enter your SEVIS ID and school code correctly.
- ✓Print the receipt — required at the interview.
Complete the DS-160
The DS-160 is the online non-immigrant visa application. Fill it carefully, honestly and consistently with your other documents — any discrepancy can be flagged.
- ✓Upload a compliant photo (white background, within 6 months).
- ✓Save the confirmation code and print the confirmation page.
- ✓Keep details consistent with your I-20 and passport.
Pay the MRV fee & book the appointment
Pay the visa application (MRV) fee, then book your interview at the Embassy (Hanoi) or Consulate General (HCMC). Book early — summer peak slots fill quickly.
- ✓Create a profile on the Department of State's scheduling system.
- ✓Pay the MRV fee and keep the receipt.
- ✓Pick a date with enough buffer before your start date.
Interview at the consulate
The interview is usually just 2–5 minutes. The officer assesses your study purpose, financial ability and intent to return to Vietnam after graduating. Answer briefly, confidently and honestly.
- ✓Bring your passport, I-20, SEVIS receipt, DS-160 confirmation and photo.
- ✓Bring your financial and academic documents to present.
- ✓Answer in English and get straight to the point.
Documents to bring
Prepare everything and keep it organized so you can present it quickly when the officer asks.
Valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure from the U.S.
Original, signed.
Printed proof of payment.
With the barcode.
White background, 5×5 cm, recent.
Statements, savings, and the sponsor's proof of income.
Financial documents in detail →Transcripts, diplomas, English certificates (IELTS/TOEFL).
From your U.S. school.
The mandatory fees
These are fees paid to the U.S. government during the visa process — they don't include translation or travel costs. Amounts can change by regulation.
See the full cost of studying (tuition, living, in VND) on the U.S. cost page →
Financial proof
To be approved, you must prove your family can cover at least the first year — tuition plus living costs — at the figure shown on the Form I-20, with a credible plan for later years.
Documentation typically includes savings records, bank statements, proof of income, and a sponsor letter where relevant. This is one of the items consular officers scrutinise most closely.
School-specific figures and VND conversions are covered in detail on our U.S. cost & scholarship page.
Working as a student: OPT, STEM OPT & CPT
F-1 allows limited work, always with DSO approval:
Part-time (up to 20 hrs/week) during terms; full-time during breaks.
Course-linked internships during study.
Up to 12 months after graduation in a field related to your major.
An additional 24 months for STEM graduates.
⚠ 2025–2026 policy changes to know
2025–2026 brought the biggest changes in years. As of June 2026:
Common questions & how to answer
The interview is usually just 2–5 minutes. Answer briefly, honestly, and show clearly that you intend to return to Vietnam after your studies.
Be specific: the program, major, scholarship or the school's strengths that fit your goals. Avoid generic answers like "it's famous".
Name your sponsor (usually your parents), their occupation and income source. Your answer must match the financial documents you submit.
This is the most important question. Show your ties to Vietnam — family, career plans after study — to prove you have no intent to stay illegally.
Present your major and a clear career plan tied to opportunities in Vietnam. Consistency between your major and goals makes the case more convincing.
Mostly in English, since you'll be studying in the U.S. Practice answering naturally rather than memorizing, so you don't sound rehearsed.
The most common refusal is section 214(b) — the officer isn't convinced you'll return home. It is not permanent, and you may reapply, ideally with new evidence (ties to Vietnam, a clear career plan, stronger finances) rather than the same file.
Frequently asked questions
F-1 is the non-immigrant visa for full-time study at an SEVP-certified U.S. school — the most common study visa for Vietnamese students.
At least enough to cover the first year (tuition + living costs) at the figure on your I-20, with a plan for later years. See per-school detail on our cost page.
Yes. Since September 2025, nearly all F-1 applicants must interview in person at the U.S. Mission in Vietnam.
Yes. A refusal (often under section 214(b)) is not permanent; reapply with stronger new evidence of ties to Vietnam and financial ability.
Two core fees (as of 6/2026): SEVIS $350 and the visa application fee $185. Newer fees may apply — verify current amounts.
Yes. OPT allows up to 12 months of work after graduation; STEM majors get an extra 24 months. DSO approval is always required.
No. Vietnam is not on the 2026 restriction lists, and F-1 study visas are unaffected by the immigrant-visa pauses.
Next steps
AAE is with you at every step of the F-1 visa
From the I-20 and financial proof to interview prep, AAE helps Vietnamese students clear the visa stage with confidence.
Book a free consultation →Articles on the F-1 visa
Visa policy can change. Please verify with official sources (travel.state.gov, ice.gov/sevis) or contact AAE for up-to-date guidance. Fees and items marked ⚠ are reviewed periodically.