United States student visa guide

For full-time study at a US school approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). You need a Form I-20 from the school, then you complete the DS-160 form, pay your fees, and attend an interview at a US embassy or consulate. For Nigerian passport holders, US policy has restricted issuance of new F visas since 1 January 2026, so check the current position on the US Embassy in Nigeria and travel.state.gov pages before you pay any fee.

Use the guide below as a planning reference, then check the official source before you pay anything or submit an application.

Tips from experience

• Do not pay any fee until you have checked the US Embassy in Nigeria page and travel.state.gov for the current position on your passport.
• Be wary of anyone who promises a visa or an appointment. Use only official government websites and the official scheduling system.
• Be able to explain your course, your school choice and your plans in a few clear sentences, in your own words.
• Keep your DS-160, I-20 and funds documents consistent, and report your social media accounts accurately, since the State Department has asked students to make accounts public for vetting.
• If you already hold a valid F-1 visa, speak to your DSO before you travel, because re-entry and renewal rules may be different.

Documents most applicants need are marked required. Others depend on your case or on what the office asks for. Build a printable checklist.

• Valid passport Required

  Should be valid for your planned stay. Check the validity rule on the official page.

• Form I-20, signed Required

  Issued by your school and signed by you and the school official.

• DS-160 confirmation page Required

  Printed after you complete the online form.

• SEVIS I-901 fee receipt Required

  Printed after payment.

• Visa fee payment receipt Required

  Follow the instructions on the US Embassy in Nigeria page.

• Appointment confirmation Required

  Bring the confirmation from the official scheduling system.

• Passport photo Required

  A digital photo that meets the State Department specification.

• Proof of funds Required

  Bank statements and sponsor documents that match the amount on your I-20.

• Academic transcripts and certificates If asked

  Bring originals, since the officer may ask about your studies.

• Standardised test scores If asked

  Such as TOEFL, IELTS, SAT, GRE or GMAT, as relevant to your programme.

• School admission letter If asked

  The I-20 is the key document, but bring the letter for reference.

• Evidence of ties to home country If asked

  There is no fixed list, so bring honest evidence of your family, studies or plans if the officer asks.

Indicative government fees only. School fees, translations, tests, courier and service charges are extra.

Living funds

No fixed amount. See the basis below.

Basis

The US sets no fixed amount. Your school's Form I-20 states the estimated tuition, fees and living costs for the programme, and you must show funds to cover that.

Tuition included

Yes

The consular officer expects clear evidence of how you will pay for the first year and a credible plan for the remaining years. Use the amount on your own I-20, and ask the school what evidence it expects.

Typical decision time

Appointment wait times vary by location and season. Many decisions are given at the interview, but some cases go to administrative processing, which can take weeks or longer.

How early you can apply

Once you have your Form I-20. A visa can be issued up to 365 days before the program start date, but you may not enter the US more than 30 days before the start date.

Latest sensible time to apply

Book as soon as you have the I-20 and allow at least 3 to 4 months before your start date, since peak-season appointments fill early and administrative processing can add time.

1. 1

   Choose an SEVP-approved school

   Apply only to schools approved by SEVP to enrol international students. Study in the States, run by the Department of Homeland Security, lists them.

2. 2

   Get your Form I-20

   After admission the school issues a Form I-20 once you show funds for the first year. Check every detail on it and sign it.

3. 3

   Check current rules for your passport

   Read the US Embassy in Nigeria and travel.state.gov pages on Presidential Proclamation 10998 and any other notices before paying fees. Do not pay for a visa appointment until you know whether you are eligible for issuance.

4. 4

   Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee

   Pay the SEVIS fee online to the Department of Homeland Security and print the receipt. Keep the receipt for the interview.

5. 5

   Complete the DS-160 and pay the visa fee

   Complete the DS-160 form accurately, upload your photo and keep the confirmation page. Pay the visa application fee using the instructions on the official US Embassy in Nigeria page.

6. 6

   Book your appointment

   Book through the official scheduling system. Routine visa services for Nigeria were moved to the US Consulate General in Lagos from 1 August 2026, so confirm the location on the Embassy page.

7. 7

   Attend the interview

   Bring your passport, I-20, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipts and funds evidence. Answer questions briefly and honestly about your study plan, your funding and your plans after the course.

8. 8

   Plan your travel

   If approved, collect your passport as instructed and check the visa details. You may enter the US up to 30 days before the program start date, and you should report to your DSO on arrival.

Work and post study rules change often. Confirm them on the official source before you plan around them.

• The officer is not satisfied that you intend to return home after your studies (the usual reason under section 214(b)).
• The funds shown are not enough or not convincing for the cost on the I-20.
• Your study plan or choice of school is unclear or inconsistent with your background.
• Your DS-160, documents or interview answers are inconsistent, or the application includes false information.
• A passport-specific restriction, such as Presidential Proclamation 10998, prevents issuance even if the other requirements are met.
• Security or administrative checks are still pending at the end of the interview.

Refused before? Read what to do after a visa refusal.