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.
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.
Six steps, in order:
After an SEVP-certified school accepts you, it issues Form I-20 — your certificate of eligibility, carrying your own SEVIS ID. Everything else builds on it.
$350 for F-1, paid once at the official FMJfee.com after the I-20 and before the interview. Keep the receipt to bring along. Valid for 12 months.
The non-immigrant visa application, filed at the Department of State's Consular Electronic Application Center. Use a compliant photo; errors can delay or sink the case. After submitting, print the barcode confirmation.
$185, paid before booking the interview. Non-refundable regardless of outcome.
Since September 2025, nearly all F-1 applicants must interview in person at the consulate (the interview waiver has been narrowed). It must be booked in your country of nationality or residence — for Vietnamese students, the U.S. Mission in Vietnam.
If approved, your passport with the visa is returned within a few business days. You may enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the start date on your I-20.
Core fees (as of 6/2026): $350 SEVIS + $185 visa application fee. ⚠ The U.S. has added some new non-immigrant visa fees — check current amounts on the official site and budget extra.
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.
The interview is usually very short — sometimes under two minutes. The officer quickly assesses three things: that you are a genuine student, that your family can fund the study, and that you intend to return to Vietnam afterward.
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.
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 brought the biggest changes in years. As of June 2026:
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.
From the I-20 and financial proof to interview prep, AAE helps Vietnamese students clear the visa stage with confidence.
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.
