SEVP · I-20 · SEVIS · F-1 / M-1 Visa · CBP
A 19-chapter administrative guide to the student pathway: SEVP-certified schools, Form I-20, I-901 fee, DS-160, consular interview, CBP admission, F-1 or M-1 status, CPT, OPT and STEM OPT.
This guide is for people planning full-time study in the United States in a nonimmigrant status. It explains the administrative path, documents, agencies and compliance risks. It is not legal advice, consular representation or a substitute for your school's instructions.
Academic full-time study at an SEVP-certified school, including universities and approved language programs. Employment is limited.
Vocational or technical training, with stricter work and extension rules.
Exchange visitor program through a designated sponsor. It is not an automatic substitute for F-1.
Only an SEVP-certified school may issue a valid Form I-20 for F-1 or M-1 status. Verify the institution in the official School Search before committing major funds.
Search an SEVP schoolForm I-20 records your school, program, dates and funding. The Designated School Official creates and updates your SEVIS record, signs travel authorizations and advises on status obligations.
After receiving the I-20, most F and M students must pay the I-901 SEVIS fee before the visa interview. Amounts and exceptions must be checked on the official payment site.
Pay I-901 SEVISThe DS-160 is the online nonimmigrant visa application. Prepare your passport, compliant photo, I-20, SEVIS receipt, financial evidence and travel information. MRV fees and appointment rules vary by post.
Open DS-160The consular officer reviews your academic plan, funding, English ability, prior history and ties outside the United States. A visa allows travel to a port of entry, but CBP decides admission.
Initial F or M students generally must not enter more than 30 days before the I-20 program start date. After arrival, check your I-94 online and correct issues quickly.
Check I-94Status maintenance generally requires full-time enrollment, current address, no unauthorized work and prompt DSO contact for program changes, breaks, delays, travel or problems.
On-campus work may be possible under conditions. CPT must relate to the curriculum and be authorized by the DSO. Standard OPT can provide up to 12 months, while STEM OPT can add 24 months for qualifying degrees and employers.
SEVP transfers, level changes and program extensions must be coordinated with the DSO before program end dates. Form I-539 may be needed for certain changes or extensions of status.
USCIS Form I-539Before leaving the United States, verify passport, visa, active SEVIS status and DSO travel signature on the I-20. Status violations or an expired visa can complicate reentry.
Many schools require health insurance. Compare campus rules, housing options, fees, vaccinations, banking and international student resources before arrival.
Applicants in France should follow the U.S. Embassy instructions for student visas: DS-160, payment, appointment, documents and timing. Tax, ITIN and authorized work questions require separate review.
U.S. Embassy in France| Document | Purpose | Agency |
|---|---|---|
| Form I-20 | F/M eligibility certificate | SEVP / school |
| I-901 SEVIS | SEVIS fee before visa | DHS |
| DS-160 | Nonimmigrant visa application | Department of State |
| I-94 | Admission and status record | CBP |
| I-765 | EAD application for OPT | USCIS |
| I-539 | Change or extension of status | USCIS |
Download the chapter 1 to 16 summary to prepare your file.
Download the guide (PDF)No. Verify the school in official School Search. Source: Study in the States, accessed June 15, 2026.
After the I-20 and before the visa appointment, unless an official exception applies. Source: fmjfee.com, accessed June 15, 2026.
No. CBP makes the final admission decision at the port of entry. Source: CBP I-94, accessed June 15, 2026.
Initial F/M students must follow the official arrival window, often 30 days. Source: Study in the States, accessed June 15, 2026.
No. Work is limited to authorized cases such as campus work, CPT, OPT or STEM OPT. Source: USCIS OPT, accessed June 15, 2026.
The DSO maintains the SEVIS record, advises on status and signs certain documents. Source: Study in the States, accessed June 15, 2026.
Yes, OPT generally requires a USCIS employment authorization application. Source: USCIS I-765, accessed June 15, 2026.
No. It depends on degree, employer, E-Verify and USCIS filing. Source: USCIS STEM OPT, accessed June 15, 2026.
Yes under conditions, with a SEVIS transfer coordinated by DSOs. Source: Study in the States, accessed June 15, 2026.
Follow the U.S. Embassy in France student visa instructions. Source: fr.usembassy.gov, accessed June 15, 2026.