US visas for international students
To study at Saint Louis University, you’ll need to apply for an F1 student visa. Thousands of international students study at our US partners each year, so there's plenty of support as you apply for your visa.
SLU offers free visa support through the Pre-arrival Success Services (PASS) program. From helpful webinars to mock interviews, the PASS team can answer your visa-related questions.
Apply for your F1 visa in 7 simple steps
Helpful links
Your student visa questions answered
Yes, most international students need a visa to study in the US. If you are from Canada or Bermuda, you usually do not need to apply for an F1 student visa before you travel. However, you must still have a valid Form I-20 from your US school. You’ll need to present this when you enter the US.
That depends on your university and program. Specific information regarding proof of funds can be found in your acceptance letter.
The I-901 SEVIS fee costs $350. It must be paid before the interview date and is valid for one year.
You’ll need your valid passport and your Form I-20. You’ll also be expected to provide your academic history and work history for the last five years (if applicable), as well as all social media handles used in the last five years and previous travel history.
Remember to complete all sections of the DS-160 application truthfully.
Once you've accepted your offer and have received your confirmation letter and Form I-20, you can apply for the F1 student visa.
The total cost to apply for a student visa is $535. This does not include any additional issuance fees required for your country.
Wait times for visa interview appointments vary by location and can take months, so it's best to start the process early. You can check global visa wait times here.
The fee to apply for an F1 visa is $185.
If the US government is not conducting visa operations in your country, please check the US Embassy website to read the update on designated interview posts for nationals from your country.
It’s completely normal to feel nervous or anxious during your F1 visa interview. To feel more confident, practice answering common questions about your program, university choice and future goals. Review your documents carefully, arrive early, and speak honestly and clearly.
Visa officers are quickly trying to determine if you’re a genuine student, have a reliable source of funding to pay for your studies and if your ties are strong in your home country.
Remember that the visa interview is not a document review session. While you are invited to carry whatever documents you feel will help you, the consular officer is not required to check any of your documents.
These documents are required:
Form I-20
DS-160 confirmation
Visa appointment confirmation
I-901 SEVIS fee payment confirmation
Passport
Two US visa-sized photos
We also recommend that you bring the following:
Acceptance letter
Financial documents of your sponsor
Any entrance or language test scores
Academic transcripts/degree certificate
You must be in active status in SEVIS to be eligible to work. During the academic school year, you may be eligible to work up to 20 hours per week. During academic breaks in the school year, you may be eligible to work up to 40 hours per week. You must communicate with your designated school official (DSO) about work eligibility.
The Pre-arrival Success Services (PASS) team is here to help you for free! PASS offers a series of webinars and general information sessions to support you throughout the application process. PASS also holds mock interviews to help you gain confidence when talking about your academic and career goals.
To learn more, contact PASS@intoglobal.com
Click these links to schedule a 1:1 mock interview or to register for US visa-related webinars.