--- title: "USA Student Visa 2026: Cost, Rules & Rates Β· GetVisaOdds" description: "USA student visa in 2026: requirements, official fees, commonest refusal reasons, and published rates by nationality. Free odds check." url: "https://getvisaodds.com/usa/student-visa-odds" --- 1. [Home](https://getvisaodds.com/) 2. [USA visas](https://getvisaodds.com/usa-visa-odds) 3. Student visa πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ USA Β· Student visa # USA Student visa approval odds An F-1 visa requires a Form I-20 from a SEVP-certified school, payment of the US$350 SEVIS I-901 fee, and the US$185 visa (MRV) fee β€” about US$535 in government fees in 2026. Officers assess whether you are a genuine, funded student who will return home; F-1 applicants are also judged under Section 214(b). Last reviewed July 2026 per our [editorial standards](https://getvisaodds.com/editorial-standards). Source: [U.S. Department of State β€” Bureau of Consular Affairs ](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/student-visa.html). a student visa to the United States is decided mainly on whether you are a genuine student who can fund and complete the course. Public statistics point to an approximate base approval of around 74% for this route for a typical applicant β€” but your own profile can move that figure a lot in either direction. [Estimate my personal odds](#estimate) Modelled estimate β€” not official 74% Modelled estimate, not a published statistic β€” no rate is published for this route. Derived from US Dept. of State B-visa adjusted refusal-rate patterns; see the methodology page for every parameter. Your personal odds can be much higher or lower β€” estimate them below. ## Estimate your personal odds Pre-filled for this route. A few taps and it’s done β€” privately, in your browser. ## Key requirements - Form I-20 issued by a SEVP-certified school - SEVIS I-901 fee US$350, paid before the interview - DS-160 + US$185 MRV visa fee - In-person interview showing genuine student intent - Proof of funds covering first-year tuition and living costs ### Visa fee (cost) Two separate official fees: the US$185 MRV visa application fee (Department of State) and the US$350 SEVIS I-901 fee (paid to ICE at fmjfee.com before the interview). They are charged by different agencies and paid separately. ### Money & funds Show funds covering the first-year tuition and living costs stated on your I-20 β€” documented, genuine, and readily available. ### Typical timeline Pay the SEVIS fee once you have the I-20, then book a visa interview; wait times vary by post. The visa is usually issued a few business days after approval. ## Common refusal reasons - Section 214(b) β€” perceived immigrant intent - Unclear or insufficient funding for the course - Course inconsistent with your background or career plan - Weak ties to home country - Incomplete SEVIS record or I-20 issues ## What actually moves the needle ### Admission to an accredited institution This is the heart of student decisions for USA. Make it concrete and documented rather than assumed. ### Clearly documented funding for tuition and living costs Officers weigh this alongside everything else β€” gather clear evidence before you apply. ### A credible study plan that fits your background Officers weigh this alongside everything else β€” gather clear evidence before you apply. ### Avoid the common pitfall The most frequent reason this route fails is unclear funding or a course that does not fit your profile. Address it directly and you remove the biggest doubt. ## Frequently asked questions What are the total US student visa fees in 2026? About US$535 in government fees: the US$350 SEVIS I-901 fee plus the US$185 MRV visa application fee. Schools and tests charge separately. Do I need an I-20 before applying for an F-1 visa? Yes. A SEVP-certified school issues the Form I-20 first; you pay the SEVIS fee, complete the DS-160, then attend the interview. How do I prove funding for an F-1 visa? Show documented, available funds covering the first-year tuition and living costs on your I-20 β€” bank statements, sponsor letters with evidence, scholarships or loans. Can an F-1 visa be refused under 214(b)? Yes. Even genuine students must show intent to return home. Weak ties or an unconvincing study plan can lead to a 214(b) refusal. How early should I apply for a US student visa? As early as your I-20 allows β€” you can be issued the visa up to 365 days before your program start and enter the U.S. up to 30 days before it begins. ## Explore related visa odds ### USA student visa odds by nationality - [Turkish citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/turkish-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Indian citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/indian-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Nigerian citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/nigerian-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Pakistani citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/pakistani-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Bangladeshi citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/bangladeshi-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Filipino citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/filipino-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Egyptian citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/egyptian-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Moroccan citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/moroccan-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Indonesian citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/indonesian-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Vietnamese citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/vietnamese-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Nepali citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/nepali-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Sri Lankan citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/sri-lankan-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Ghanaian citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/ghanaian-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Kenyan citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/kenyan-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Ethiopian citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/ethiopian-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Algerian citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/algerian-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Ugandan citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/ugandan-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Senegalese citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/senegalese-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Tanzanian citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/tanzanian-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Cameroonian citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/cameroonian-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Saudi citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/saudi-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Kuwaiti citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/kuwaiti-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Chinese citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/chinese-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Thai citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/thai-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [South African citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/south-african-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Tunisian citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/tunisian-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Kazakh citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/kazakh-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Belarusian citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/belarusian-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Lebanese citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/lebanese-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Armenian citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/armenian-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Iranian citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/iranian-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Azerbaijani citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/azerbaijani-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Ecuadorian citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/ecuadorian-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Qatari citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/qatari-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Jordanian citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/jordanian-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Angolan citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/angolan-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Iraqi citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/iraqi-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Uzbek citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/uzbek-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Omani citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/omani-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Dominican citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/dominican-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Libyan citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/libyan-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Cuban citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/cuban-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Kyrgyz citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/kyrgyz-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Bahraini citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/bahraini-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Guinean citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/guinean-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Mongolian citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/mongolian-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Mozambican citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/mozambican-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Gabonese citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/gabonese-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Bolivian citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/bolivian-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Beninese citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/beninese-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Cambodian citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/cambodian-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Malian citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/malian-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Zimbabwean citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/zimbabwean-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Cape Verdean citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/cape-verdean-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Afghan citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/afghan-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Botswanan citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/botswanan-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [BurkinabΓ© citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/burkinabe-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Burundian citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/burundian-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Central African citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/central-african-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Chadian citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/chadian-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Comorian citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/comorian-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Djiboutian citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/djiboutian-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Equatorial Guinean citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/equatorial-guinean-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Eritrean citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/eritrean-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Fijian citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/fijian-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Bissau-Guinean citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/bissau-guinean-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Haitian citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/haitian-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Jamaican citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/jamaican-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Laotian citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/laotian-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Malagasy citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/malagasy-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Malawian citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/malawian-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Mauritanian citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/mauritanian-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Namibian citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/namibian-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Nigerien citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/nigerien-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Palestinian citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/palestinian-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Russian citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/russian-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Rwandan citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/rwandan-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Sierra Leonean citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/sierra-leonean-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Somali citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/somali-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Sudanese citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/sudanese-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Surinamese citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/surinamese-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Syrian citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/syrian-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Tajik citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/tajik-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Togolese citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/togolese-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Turkmen citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/turkmen-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Yemeni citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/yemeni-citizens/usa/student-visa) - [Zambian citizens](https://getvisaodds.com/zambian-citizens/usa/student-visa) ### Other visas to USA - [Tourist / Visitor visa](https://getvisaodds.com/usa/tourist-visa-odds) - [Work visa](https://getvisaodds.com/usa/work-visa-odds) - [Business visa](https://getvisaodds.com/usa/business-visa-odds) - [Family / Spouse visa](https://getvisaodds.com/usa/family-visa-odds) ### Student visa odds elsewhere - [UK](https://getvisaodds.com/uk/student-visa-odds) - [Canada](https://getvisaodds.com/canada/student-visa-odds) - [Australia](https://getvisaodds.com/australia/student-visa-odds) - [Germany](https://getvisaodds.com/germany/student-visa-odds) - [France](https://getvisaodds.com/france/student-visa-odds) - [Netherlands](https://getvisaodds.com/netherlands/student-visa-odds) - [Italy](https://getvisaodds.com/italy/student-visa-odds) - [Ireland](https://getvisaodds.com/ireland/student-visa-odds) ## Helpful guides [Refused under Section 214(b)? What it means and how to reapply β†’ ](https://getvisaodds.com/guides/us-visa-214b-refusal)[Common DS-160 mistakes and how to avoid them (2026) β†’ ](https://getvisaodds.com/guides/ds-160-mistakes)[How to get an earlier US visa appointment (2026) β†’ ](https://getvisaodds.com/guides/get-earlier-us-visa-appointment)[How to prove funding for a student visa β†’ ](https://getvisaodds.com/guides/student-visa-funding)[How to read visa approval and refusal rates β†’ ](https://getvisaodds.com/guides/understanding-refusal-rates)[How to prove strong ties to your home country β†’](https://getvisaodds.com/guides/prove-strong-ties) This is an educational estimate for planning only β€” not legal advice and not a guarantee. Only a consular or immigration officer can decide your application.