If you are applying for a U.S. student visa (F-1 Visa), one of the most important steps is scheduling your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country. This interview determines whether you will be granted the visa to study in the USA.
From our 10+ years of experience helping over 100,000 international students, we’ll guide you step by step so you don’t miss any important detail.
1. Introduction – Why the visa interview matters
The U.S. visa interview is the final step before you receive your F-1 visa. During this interview, a consular officer will ask you questions about your study plan, financial background, and intention to return home after your studies.
This is the final gatekeeper step after you’ve:
Filled out the DS-160 Form (see our full DS-160 guide → link to your earlier post).
Paid the SEVIS Fee (our SEVIS fee payment tutorial → link to your earlier post).
2. When should you book your U.S. visa interview?
You can book your appointment immediately after completing the DS-160 form and SEVIS fee payment.
Book at least 3–4 months before your program start date (universities recommend this because interview slots fill up fast).
Remember: You cannot attend your interview without the I-20 Form from your university.
3. Documents you need before booking the appointment
Before scheduling, make sure you have:
Valid Passport (at least 6 months beyond your intended stay).
I-20 Form from your university.
DS-160 confirmation page.
SEVIS fee payment receipt.
Recent passport-size photo (per U.S. visa photo requirements).
Payment method for visa fee (credit/debit card or bank deposit depending on your country).
4. Step-by-step guide to booking your U.S. visa interview
Here’s the step-by-step process to schedule your visa interview:
Step 1: Create an account on the U.S. Visa Information and Appointment Services website
Go to the official U.S. Visa Appointment portal for your country.
Register with your email and set a password.
Example link: U.S. Visa Appointment System (U.S. Travel Docs)
Step 2: Select your visa type
- Choose F-1 Student Visa under “Non-Immigrant Visa.
Step 3: Enter DS-160 confirmation number
- This links your appointment with your visa application form.
Step 4: Pay the visa application fee (MRV Fee)
- The fee is usually $185 USD (check your country-specific payment methods).
- Keep the payment receipt – you’ll need it to book your interview.
Step 5: Schedule your appointment
- Select the U.S. Embassy/Consulate nearest to you.
- Pick available date and time for your visa interview.
- Confirm and download the appointment confirmation letter.
What happens after booking the appointment?
- You’ll receive a confirmation page with a barcode → print and bring this to the embassy.
- Prepare your financial documents, academic records, and supporting documents.
- Review common visa interview questions (we’ll cover this in our next post).
Common mistakes students make (and how to avoid them)
- ❌ Waiting too long to book the interview → ✅ Book early (slots fill fast).
❌ Entering wrong DS-160 number → ✅ Double-check before submitting.
❌ Missing payment receipt → ✅ Save a digital and paper copy.
❌ Choosing the wrong visa type → ✅ Always select F-1 Student Visa.
FAQs about U.S. F-1 Visa Interview Booking
Q1: Can I reschedule my U.S. visa interview if I miss it?
👉 Yes, but you may need to pay the fee again depending on your country’s policy. Always check embassy rules.
Q2: How early should I book my visa interview?
👉 Ideally 90–120 days before your program start date.
Q3: Do I need to bring original documents or copies?
👉 Always bring originals + photocopies of all key documents.
