Obtaining a student visa to the USA (F1) in Germany

Studying in the USA remains one of the most attractive goals for international students: more than 4,000 accredited universities, flexible educational programs, and worldwide recognition of diplomas. Recently, an increasing number of applicants are considering applying for a student visa to the USA (F1) in Germany, which is due to a clear application procedure, convenient interview appointment scheduling, and stable operation of American consulates. In this article, we will подробно analyze the application process, key requirements, and practical points that will help increase the chances of successfully obtaining such authorization.

For what purposes is a student visa to the USA intended?

The F-1 visa is issued for studying at accredited US educational institutions registered in the SEVP system. It is suitable for the following purposes:

• studying at universities and colleges (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD);

• language courses (ESL) at educational institutions;

• professional and certificate programs;

• participation in exchange programs if the main status is student.

Important: the F-1 visa is not intended for permanent work; however, it allows limited employment — up to 20 hours per week on campus during studies and up to 40 hours during holidays. Participation in OPT/CPT is also possible subject to certain rules.

This visa can be obtained based on admission to a school, college, or university, as well as through US language courses, which is especially convenient for students who want to start studying faster. Our company professionally занимается selection of language schools in the USA and accompanies clients at all stages of obtaining the US Visa F1. We cooperate with verified educational institutions in Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Atlanta, and Boston. The cost of education in the USA depends on the city and program format: in Miami, tuition starts from 150 dollars per week, in Los Angeles — from 250 dollars per week, in San Francisco, Atlanta, and Boston — from 200 dollars per week. We can also подобрать US language courses in any state according to your budget, goals, and consulate requirements, which significantly increases the chances of successfully obtaining an F-1 student visa.

Who can obtain a student visa to the USA in Germany?

The following can apply for a student visa to the USA in Germany:

• citizens and residents of this country;

• foreigners who are in Germany on legal grounds (residence permit, long-term visa, waiting for a decision);

• applicants who are temporarily staying in the country but can confirm legal status and the purpose of their stay.

Key requirements for the applicant:

• enrollment in a US educational institution and Form I-20;

• proof of financial solvency (on average from $3,000–6,000 per course — depending on the program);

• absence of immigration intentions and strong ties to the home country.

Where can you apply for a student visa to the USA in Germany?

In practice, the most popular option is applying for a student visa to the USA (F-1) in Berlin. This is because the Berlin consulate most often offers the nearest available dates for visa interviews, which is especially important for applicants with limited time before the start of studies.

However, documents can also be submitted in Frankfurt and Munich. At the same time, it should be taken into account that free interview slots appear there much less frequently. That is why many applicants prefer obtaining a student visa to the USA specifically through Berlin.

What documents are needed to apply for a student visa to the USA (F1) in Berlin?

To apply for a student visa to the USA in Berlin, the following package of documents must be prepared:

1. Passport (valid for at least 6 months after the intended entry).

2. DS-160 form with confirmation of completion.

3. Original/scan of Form I-20 from the educational institution.

4. Confirmation of payment of the consular fee — $185.

5. Confirmation of payment of the SEVIS I-901 fee — $350.

6. Photo 5×5 cm according to US consulate requirements.

7. Financial documents (statements, sponsorship letters).

8. Documents confirming ties to the home country (work, study, property, family).

Application procedure for a student visa to the USA in Germany

The procedure for applying for a student visa to the USA (F-1) in Germany includes several main stages:

1. Receiving I-20 from a US educational institution.

2. Payment of SEVIS and consular fees.

3. Completing DS-160.

4. Scheduling an interview at the US consulate.

5. Attending the interview (usually 5–10 minutes).

6. Waiting for a decision — on average 3–5 working days.

Cost and validity of the student visa to the USA

When planning to obtain this type of visa, it is important to consider not only the application procedure but also all related expenses in advance. Some payments are mandatory and established by US authorities, while other costs may vary depending on the applicant’s situation and the chosen document preparation format. In particular, when applying for a student visa to the USA in Germany, the following expenses should be considered:

1. Consular fee: $185.

2. SEVIS: $350.

3. Additional expenses: photo, assistance services, translator (if necessary).

The validity period of an F-1 visa may be up to 5 years, while staying in the USA is allowed for the entire period of study plus 60 days after its completion (grace period).

Main reasons for refusal

The most common reasons for F-1 visa refusals in Germany are related to Section 214(b), namely:

• weak ties to the home country;

• mismatch between the purpose of the trip and the chosen program;

• errors in documents or uncertain answers during the interview.

Competent document verification, correctly completed DS-160 form, and understanding the logic of the visa officer help avoid the above mistakes and, as a result, increase your chances of obtaining a student visa F-1 in Germany.

Why contact us?

Our visa agency is a team of specialists with practical experience in obtaining US visas through Europe. In particular, we:

• accompany clients at all stages — from choosing a consulate to the interview;

• prepare for interviews based on real cases;

• check documents and the DS-160 form;

• select the optimal strategy for obtaining the required type of visa.

Our approach is based on expertise, current consulate requirements, and personal work with each applicant. Therefore, if you need to urgently obtain a student visa to the USA in Germany, we are ready to help and bring the process to the desired result.