How to Apply for a U.S. F-1 Student Visa from Indonesia: Step-by-Step Guide

Are you an Indonesian student dreaming of studying in the United States? Whether you're planning to attend a university, college, or language program, you’ll need an F-1 student visa. This guide walks you through the exact steps to apply for a U.S. student visa from Indonesia and the documents you’ll need to succeed.

✨ What is an F-1 Student Visa?

The F-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows international students to study full-time at an accredited U.S. school. This includes universities, colleges, high schools, and English language programs.

📝 Step-by-Step: How to Apply for an F-1 Visa in Indonesia

1. Get Accepted by a SEVP-Certified U.S. School

Before applying for a visa, you must:

• Apply to a U.S. school that is SEVP-certified (Student and Exchange Visitor Program).

• Once accepted, the school will send you a Form I-20, which is required for your visa application.

  
  

2. Pay the SEVIS Fee

• Go to fmjfee.com and pay the I-901 SEVIS fee (USD $350).

• Keep the payment receipt—you'll need it for your visa interview.

  
  

3. Complete the DS-160 Form Online

• Fill out the DS-160 visa application form at ceac.state.gov.

• After submission, print the confirmation page with the barcode.

  
  

4. Pay the Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee)

• Pay the non-refundable visa fee (USD $185) through U.S. Travel Docs Indonesia.

• Payment options include bank transfers and payment at designated banks.

  
  

5. Schedule a Visa Interview

• Create a profile and schedule an appointment at the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta or the U.S. Consulate General in Surabaya.

• You'll also choose how to receive your passport after the interview.

  
  

6. Prepare for and Attend Your Visa Interview

• Arrive on time with all required documents (listed below).

• Be ready to answer questions about your school, study plans, financial ability, and ties to Indonesia.

  
  

📄 Documents Needed for the F-1 Visa Interview

Make sure you bring these items to your appointment:

• ✅ Valid Passport (must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay)

• ✅ Form I-20 from your U.S. school

• ✅ DS-160 confirmation page

• ✅ Visa appointment confirmation

• ✅ SEVIS I-901 fee receipt

• ✅ Passport-sized photo (2x2 inches, per U.S. visa photo guidelines)

• ✅ Proof of Financial Support:

  • Bank statements

  • Sponsor letter

  • Scholarship proof (if applicable)

• ✅ Academic records:

  • Transcripts

  • Diplomas

  • TOEFL/IELTS/SAT scores (if required by your school)

• ✅ Evidence of ties to Indonesia:

  • Family information

  • Property documents

  • Future job offers or career plans

    
    

💡 Pro Tips for a Successful F-1 Visa Interview

• Be confident and clear about your academic goals.

• Answer honestly and concisely.

• Practice in English, especially if your interview will be conducted in it.

• Show strong ties to Indonesia to demonstrate that you’ll return after completing your studies.