Student visa (F-1/M-1): Chinese citizen in China → United States
Chinese citizens going to study in the US need an F or M student visa — get accepted by an SEVP-approved school and receive a Form I-20, pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, complete the DS-160, and attend an interview at the US embassy or consulate where you live.
US nonimmigrant student visa for study at an SEVP-approved school — F visa for academic study, M visa for vocational study.
- Validity
- Student (F and M) visas for new students can be issued up to 365 days before the start date of a course of study, but you cannot enter the US on your student visa more than 30 days before the start date.
- Entries
- Single or multiple entry, depending on your nationality's reciprocity schedule.
- Max stay per visit
- Admitted for duration of status to complete your course of study, as determined by a CBP officer at the port of entry.
When to start
Start 2–4 months before your travel date.
You must have a student visa to travel to the United States to study; whether you need an F or M visa depends on your course of study and the type of school.
Once an SEVP-approved school accepts your enrollment, you are registered in SEVIS and must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee; the school issues your Form I-20.
Fill in Form DS-160 online, upload your photo, and print the confirmation page to bring to your interview.
Book an interview at the US Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live; wait times vary, so apply early.
What you'll need
- Valid passport — Passport valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay. ✓ verified
- Photo — A photo meeting the requirements, uploaded while completing the DS-160. ✓ verified
- Form I-20 — The Form I-20 issued to you by the SEVP-approved school after it accepts your enrollment and you are registered in SEVIS. ✓ verified
Where you'll apply
Chinese citizens apply at the US Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction over where they live; wait times for interview appointments vary, so apply early.
Fees
| Visa application fee (MRV) | USD 185 |
Gotchas to watch
- Student (F and M) visas for new students can be issued up to 365 days before the start date of a course of study. However, you will not be allowed to enter the United States on your student visa more than 30 days before the start date.
- A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States...The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the port-of-entry have authority to permit or deny admission.