United States of America
F-1 Student Visa (with OPT and STEM OPT) processing time
F-1 consular processing: 2–16 weeks depending on post and wait time for interview appointment.
Typical window
2 weeks – 4 months
Government fees
SEVIS I-901 USD 350; DS-160 USD 185.
Last checked
20 April 2026
What drives the timeline
F-1 Student Visa (with OPT and STEM OPT) sits in the study category. Typical duration: Duration of study (D/S); OPT up to 12 months; STEM OPT extension up to 24 additional months.. Indicative government fees: SEVIS I-901 USD 350; DS-160 USD 185..
- Does not require a sponsor.
- Non-settlement route.
- Suited for: International students admitted to US universities and colleges, Students planning to use OPT to gain initial US work experience.
Primary source
DOS — Student visa (F-1)
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study/student-visa.html
Frequently asked questions
How long does the F-1 Student Visa (with OPT and STEM OPT) take to process?
F-1 consular processing: 2–16 weeks depending on post and wait time for interview appointment. These figures come from DOS — Student visa (F-1) and were last verified on 2026-04-20. Always confirm on the primary source before acting.
Is there a priority or premium service that speeds this up?
Refer to the linked primary source for current priority / premium options; availability changes frequently and varies by consular post.
Can you guarantee my application will fall inside this window?
No. Processing times are indicative and depend on case complexity, biometrics scheduling, sponsor-side delays, source country, public-holiday calendars, and policy shifts. The linked source is the only authoritative reference on the day you apply.