Which simply means that to get one you first must apply and be accepted into an institution such as a college or university. When you have been accepted the school will send you via mail your I-20.

This can take anywhere from 2-4 months give or take, from the moment you mail your application of admission off.

Once you have received your I-20, you may then start to apply for the F-1 visa.

There are two waiting times, the first one is for your interview. Depending on which country you are from and the time of year you applying the wait time for an interview can be up to 6 weeks – sometimes longer, sometimes earlier depending on circumstances.

You will usually be told at the end of your interview if your application as been successful, if it as then the processing time for your visa is usually 2-3 days. Once it as been processed, it is a waiting game once again for it to arrive. This could a week, a month.

It is advisable to start your application process at least a year before you intended commence your studies.