Immigration / F-Visa

The F visa (specifically: F1 visa) is suitable for pupils or students at high schools, universities or colleges as well as for many language courses of longer duration. The F visa can be used for training or further education in the USA. The F visa is a temporary visa.

It is not necessary to apply for an F visa if a language course takes less than 18 hours per week – such a course can be completed via the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) if the requirements are met. For exchange programs between Germany and the USA, the J1 visa must be applied for.

Various requirements must be met by the educational institution and the applicant in order for the F visa to be issued.

The educational institution must have a so-called SEVIS registration. SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is an online database of the US government that contains data on all exchange students in the USA.

Students applying for the F visa must already have a secure place of study before submitting their visa application, funding must be secure and the intention to return must be clear, i.e. proof of permanent residence in the home country must be provided where applicable.

The application fees always vary and depend on how many application steps are required and how many US authorities are involved in each individual case. When applying at a US consulate or embassy, the consular application fee must be paid, as well as any additional consular fees and costs for passport delivery.

We are happy to support you in applying for an F visa – please arrange an individual consultation with one of our experienced lawyers.