Eligibility Requirements
- Acceptance to a SEVP-certified US educational institution
- I-20 form issued by your US school DSO
- SEVIS fee payment (USD $350 for F-1)
- Proof of sufficient funds for entire education
- English language proficiency: TOEFL, IELTS, or SAT
- Strong academic record and clear study purpose
- Non-immigrant intent: must convince officer you will return after graduation
Required Documents
7 mandatory documents · 0 supporting documents recommended
Mandatory Documents
Valid Passport
RequiredMinimum 6 months validity beyond study period.
I-20 Form
RequiredIssued by your US school DSO after acceptance. Contains SEVIS ID number.
SEVIS Fee Payment Confirmation (I-901)
RequiredPay USD $350 at fmjfee.com at least 3 business days before interview.
DS-160 Confirmation Page
RequiredCompleted DS-160 at ceac.state.gov/genniv.
Acceptance Letter from US University
RequiredOfficial acceptance letter confirming enrollment.
Financial Evidence
RequiredBank statements showing full first-year tuition + USD $10,000-15,000 living expenses.
Academic Transcripts and Certificates
RequiredSSC, HSC, and bachelor degree transcripts.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Apply and Get Accepted to US University
Get accepted to SEVP-certified institution. DSO issues I-20 form containing SEVIS ID.
Pay SEVIS Fee (I-901)
Go to fmjfee.com. Pay USD $350. Pay at least 3 business days before interview. Print I-901 receipt.
Complete DS-160 Application Form
Complete at ceac.state.gov/genniv. Be detailed and accurate. Print barcode confirmation.
Pay MRV Fee (USD $185)
Pay at ustraveldocs.com/bd.
Schedule F-1 Interview
Schedule on ustraveldocs.com/bd. F-1 interviews typically have shorter wait times (2-8 weeks) than B1/B2.
Attend F-1 Interview
Bring all documents. Officer assesses study plan and intent to return to Bangladesh.
Receive F-1 Visa
If approved, passport returned in 5-7 days with F-1 student visa.
Fees Breakdown
All fees are approximate. Exchange rates change — confirm current amounts before applying.
| Fee Type | Amount (BDT) |
|---|---|
| SEVIS Fee (I-901) — F-1 Students | 38,500 |
| MRV Visa Application Fee | 20,350 |
| Estimated annual US university cost | 2,750,000–7,700,000 |
* Fees subject to change. Always verify on the official visa portal or VFS Global website before applying.
Processing Time
F-1 interview wait times typically 2-8 weeks at US Embassy Dhaka (faster than B1/B2). After interview: 5-7 business days if approved. Apply at least 120 days before program start date.
Where to Apply in Bangladesh
US Embassy Dhaka: Madani Avenue, Baridhara. SEVIS Fee: fmjfee.com. DS-160: ceac.state.gov/genniv. Appointments: ustraveldocs.com/bd
Interview Tips
Officer assesses STUDY PLAN and INTENT TO RETURN. Know your program inside out: degree, duration, courses, why this university. Explain career plan after graduation. Mention family ties in Bangladesh. Do NOT say you want to stay permanently in the USA.
Common Rejection Reasons
Avoid these common mistakes that cause visa refusals:
- Non-immigrant intent not demonstrated
- Unable to explain program of study
- Insufficient financial documentation
- Prior US visa violation
- School not SEVP-certified
- SEVIS fee not paid before interview
Frequently Asked Questions — United States Student Visa
Q1. How much does it cost to study in USA from Bangladesh?
Total annual cost: USD $25,000-70,000 (BDT 27.5-77 lakh) depending on university. Many Bangladeshi students receive scholarships, teaching assistantships, or research assistantships.
Q2. Can I work in USA on F-1 visa?
Yes, with restrictions: On-campus employment up to 20 hours/week. Off-campus requires DSO authorization. After graduation: Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows 12 months work (24 months for STEM).
Related Visa Guides
Other United States Visas
Student Visa for Other Countries
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