F-1 student visa: photo and application guide
Full-time academic study at a SEVP-approved US university, college or English-language school.
Quick answer
2 × 2 inch photo · DS-160 · $185 application fee + $350 SEVIS I-901 fee
Prepare a 2 × 2 inch (51 × 51 mm) biometric photo on a plain white background. File the DS-160 plus SEVIS I-901 fee and Form I-20 from the school and pay $185 application fee + $350 SEVIS I-901 fee. Processing time 2–6 weeks; expedited slots available for students with confirmed academic start dates. Interview: Yes, mandatory in-person interview. Last reviewed .
Application route
| Full name | F-1 Academic Student Visa |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Full-time academic study at a SEVP-approved US university, college or English-language school. |
| Application form | DS-160 plus SEVIS I-901 fee and Form I-20 from the school |
| Fee | $185 application fee + $350 SEVIS I-901 fee |
| Processing time | 2–6 weeks; expedited slots available for students with confirmed academic start dates |
| Interview | Yes, mandatory in-person interview |
| Official portal | US Department of State — F-1 student visa ↗ |
Photo specification
The F-1 student visa uses the shared US visa photo standard. The same photo file works for DS-160 upload and the printed copy at the consulate appointment.
| Size | 2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm) |
|---|---|
| Head height | 1 to 1⅜ inches (25–35 mm) chin to crown chin to crown |
| Background | plain white or off-white, even illumination |
| Pose | Front-facing, head level, both ears visible when possible |
| Expression | Neutral or natural closed-mouth smile |
| Glasses | Not allowed (banned since 2016 except medical exemption) |
| Digital file | JPEG, minimum 600 × 600 pixels (1:1 aspect), maximum 240 KB |
What to watch out for with the F-1 student visa
F-1 applicants must demonstrate non-immigrant intent (ties to home country, plans to return). The DS-160 photo is reused on the visa sticker — a poor-quality photo creates a poor-quality sticker that follows you through every port-of-entry biometric check.
Frequently asked questions about the F-1 student visa
What size photo do I need for a F-1 student visa?
2 × 2 inches (51 × 51 mm). The F-1 student visa uses the same photo specification as all other US consular visas: square format, plain white background, head 1 to 1⅜ inches chin to crown.
What form do I file for a F-1 student visa?
DS-160 plus SEVIS I-901 fee and Form I-20 from the school. The form is filed online; the photo is uploaded as part of the same submission.
How much does the F-1 student visa cost?
$185 application fee + $350 SEVIS I-901 fee. Photo and document preparation costs are separate.
How long does the F-1 student visa take to process?
2–6 weeks; expedited slots available for students with confirmed academic start dates. Plan the photo within the last 6 months but not earlier — a stale photo from before significant appearance change creates trouble at the appointment.
Is the F-1 student visa interview mandatory?
Yes, mandatory in-person interview. The biometric photo is captured at the interview alongside fingerprints; bring the digital file plus one printed 2 × 2 inch photo.
Other US visa categories
Prepare your F-1 student visa photo
Upload a portrait — Anfas.Pro applies the 2 × 2 inch crop, white background and DS-160-ready file size automatically.