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How to Apply?

F1 VISA: If You Are in Your Home Country:

How to Apply for a Student Visa if You Are in Your Home Country:

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STEP 1 – REGISTRATION

 

 

You must be at least 17 years old.

 

You will need a scanned copy of the photo page of your passport and your dependents if you have any.

Provide recent financial statement showing the ability to pay for your school and living expenses (we estimate $2,400 for each month, which is $14,400 for 6 months of study). If you have dependents (F2), you will need to add an additional $400 for each month per dependent.

 

If a U.S. sponsor will be supporting you, the sponsor needs to fill out and submit Form I-134. Instructions and the application can be found here: https://www.uscis.gov/i-134

 

 

STEP 2 – PAYMENT OF REGISTRATION

 

 

 

After receiving and review your application, the school will issue your Acceptance Letter and I-20 so you can request your interview at the American consulate in your country.

 

 

 

STEP 3 – APPLY FOR THE VISA

 

Please remember that the school is not involved in this part of the process. You may seek a professional to assist with your application.

 

A: You got accepted by Aston International Academy and already have your Form I-20

  • Once accepted, the school’s Designated School Official (DSO) issued your Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status).

  • You need this document to pay the SEVIS fee and to book your visa interview.
     

B: Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee

  • Go to the official FMJFee payment website (www.fmjfee.com).

  • Pay the $350 USD SEVIS I-901 fee online. (estimate price)

  • Print and keep the payment confirmation — you must bring it to your visa interview.
     

C: Complete the DS-160 Visa Application Form

  • Fill out Form DS-160 online at the Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC): https://ceac.state.gov.

  • Upload a digital photo if required.

  • Once submitted, print the DS-160 confirmation page (with barcode) — this is required for your interview.
    (No cost for the form itself).

D: Pay the Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee)

  • Pay the Machine-Readable Visa (MRV) fee: $185 USD (estimate price) for F-1 student visas.

  • Payment method depends on your country (online, bank deposit, etc.).

  • Keep the receipt — you’ll need it to schedule your interview.
     

E: Schedule Your Visa Interview

  • Use your MRV receipt number to schedule an appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country.

  • In some countries, you’ll also need to schedule a biometric appointment (fingerprints and photo).
    (o extra fee to schedule (already included in MRV)

 

F: Prepare All Required Documents

Make sure you have:

  • Valid passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay).

  • Form I-20 (signed by you and your DSO).

  • SEVIS I-901 fee receipt.

  • DS-160 confirmation page.

  • Visa application (MRV) fee receipt.

  • U.S. school acceptance letter.

  • Financial proof (bank statements, sponsor letters, scholarship proof).

  • Recent passport photo (if required).
     

G: Attend the Visa Interview

  • Arrive on time with all documents.

  • The consular officer will ask about your study plans, financial situation, and reasons for studying in the U.S.

  • Answer honestly and clearly.

  • If approved, your passport will be kept temporarily so the visa can be stamped inside.
    No extra fee (but in some countries a reciprocity fee may apply — check your local U.S. embassy website).

 

H: Receive Your Passport with F-1 Visa

  • Processing time varies (usually a few days to a couple of weeks).

  • Once returned, check that the visa information is correct.
     

I: Travel to the U.S.

  • You may enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the program start date listed on your I-20.

  • At the airport, present your passport with the F-1 visa and your I-20 to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer.
     

 

 

 

Tuition:

Notify the school immediately after your visa interview, whether your visa is approved or denied.

  • If your visa is denied, you are welcome to request an updated I-20 so that you may try again for a new interview in the coming months, if you wish.

  • If your visa is approved, you will need to pay your tuition. Here are the available options:

 

Option 1:
 

Pay in full for your program

 

 

  • 1 Academic Term (22 weeks) $6,050 + Books 380

 

  • 1 Year (2 Academic Periods). (44 weeks) $12,100 + Books $760

 

 

Option 2:

Monthly payment plan without discounts.

 

  • Pay $1,480 (1 month + Books) Then $1,100 monthly

 

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*For monthly discount option you must complete your payment authorization at this link:* https://www.astonusa.com/tuitionagreement

 

 

 

 

Check our calendar here: https://www.astonusa.com/schedule

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