Study at an SEVP-approved school, with an I-20, funding evidence and consular screening. The fixed-admission rule scheduled for September 2026 was blocked by a court order.
Route overview
SEVP school I-20
Typical timeline / duration: Duration of status (D/S), where admitted on that basis, while maintaining the required student status.
Important notes
Be accepted by an SEVP-approved school for an eligible academic programme or language-training course; vocational study normally uses M-1, not F-1.
Receive the school's Form I-20, register in SEVIS, and pay the required I-901 SEVIS fee before applying for the student visa.
Submit the visa application and required identity documents, then attend the consular interview with the Form I-20 and evidence supporting the study plan and ability to fund the programme and stay.
An F-1 visa is for study, not ordinary employment or general remote work. The school and the student's status record control the permitted programme and compliance requirements.
The visa is nonimmigrant and temporary; duration of entry, status, extensions, and any practical training depend on the programme and current Department of State and USCIS rules.
Court-paused rule: the 14 September 2026 order postponed the fixed-admission rule nationwide. The litigation update dated 2 October says D/S remains in place despite the government's appeal. This is temporary relief, not a final repeal; check for later court orders before acting.
Preparation checklist
Obtain the I-20 and check the school, course and personal details.
Include the SEVIS payment receipt with the visa form, passport and funding evidence required by your consulate.
Before travel or a programme change, ask the school's designated official to confirm your SEVIS record and current admission rules.