Table of Contents
- 01. Phase 1: Securing Admission to a SEVP-Certified American University
- 02. Phase 2: Payment of the Mandatory SEVIS I-901 Fee ($350)
- 03. Phase 3: Submitting Form DS-160 and Paying Consular MRV Fee ($185)
- 04. Phase 4: The Consular Visa Interview & Section 214(b) Evaluation
- 05. Frequently Asked Questions
Phase 1: Securing Admission to a SEVP-Certified American University
Before any visa paperwork can begin, a student must gain formal admission into an institution certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Whether applying for an undergraduate degree (BS/BA) or graduate studies (MS/MBA/Ph.D.), Pakistani students must submit certified academic transcripts, English proficiency test scores (IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo English Test), a statement of purpose (SOP), and financial affidavits.
Once accepted and after satisfying institutional financial verification, the university’s Designated School Official (DSO) creates your record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and issues official Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status).
- Ensure the university is actively SEVP-certified on the DHS website.
- Verify that your legal name and date of birth on Form I-20 match your Pakistani passport verbatim.
- Review Item 7 and Item 8 on the I-20 for tuition costs and documented funding.
Phase 2: Payment of the Mandatory SEVIS I-901 Fee ($350)
The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is an automated system that maintains information on nonimmigrant students. By U.S. federal mandate, every F-1 applicant must pay the $350 SEVIS I-901 fee prior to scheduling an interview.
Payment is completed online through FMJfee.com using your unique SEVIS ID (the 10-digit number preceded by "N" on the top right of your Form I-20). Always print multiple copies of the official I-901 payment confirmation receipt, as consular officers in Islamabad and Karachi will not conduct your interview without verifying payment.
Phase 3: Submitting Form DS-160 and Paying Consular MRV Fee ($185)
Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application) is the primary digital dossier reviewed by the consular officer prior to your interview. Every question must be answered with 100% accuracy through ceac.state.gov.
After submitting the DS-160, you create a profile on the official U.S. Visa Information and Appointment Services portal (ustraveldocs.com/pk) and pay the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee of $185. You may then schedule your consular interview appointment at either the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad or the U.S. Consulate General in Karachi.
Phase 4: The Consular Visa Interview & Section 214(b) Evaluation
Under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), every nonimmigrant visa applicant is legally presumed to have immigrant intent. To qualify for an F-1 visa, the applicant must overcome this statutory presumption by proving three core elements:
1. You are a bona fide student with the academic capability and English proficiency to complete the intended program.
2. You possess verifiable, legitimate financial resources to cover all educational and living expenses without unauthorized work.
3. You maintain significant, unshakeable socio-economic ties to Pakistan that ensure your departure upon completing your studies.
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