F-1 Visa Cost Calculator 2028
F-1 visa costs in 2028: mandatory USCIS fees, attorney costs and hidden expenses. Calculate your total.
Applying for a F-1 visa in 2028? Don't get surprised by hidden fees. This calculator shows every mandatory and optional cost — USCIS filing fees, attorney fees, and extras like biometrics and premium processing — so you know the real total before you apply.
Mandatory USCIS fees for the F-1
These are the fees you cannot avoid when filing a F-1 application in 2028.
| Fee | Amount | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEVIS I-901 Fee | $350 | — | Official ↗ |
| DS-160 Visa Application (MRV) Fee | $185 | — | Official ↗ |
Source: USCIS Fee Schedule. Fees change — verify before filing. Last full data review: August 2026. See our methodology.
Optional costs
Attorney fees
$500 – $2,000 in Average (US). Typical cities: New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston.
Premium processing
Not available for this route.
Medical exam
$200 – $500 — Civil surgeon exam (I-693) varies by physician and city.
Translation services
$50 – $250 — Certified translations of birth/marriage certificates.
How to apply for the F-1
- 1
Get accepted and receive Form I-20
The SEVP-certified school enrolls you in SEVIS and issues Form I-20.
- 2
Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee
$350, paid at fmjfee.com.
- 3
Complete Form DS-160 and pay the MRV fee
$185 visa application fee.
- 4
Attend the visa interview
Schedule up to 120 days before your program start date.
Typical processing time: Visa issuance is quick once interviewed, but interview appointment wait times vary widely by post — apply as early as the 120-day window allows.
Documents you'll need
- Original, signed Form I-20 with SEVIS number
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Valid passport and photo
- SEVIS I-901 and MRV fee receipts
- Proof of financial ability to cover tuition and living expenses
- Evidence of ties to your home country
Common mistakes to avoid
- Inadequate proof of financial capacity to pay tuition and living costs
- Failure to demonstrate strong ties to your home country (triggers a 214(b) presumed-immigrant-intent denial)
- Inconsistencies between application documents and interview answers
- Appearing unprepared to explain your program choice and career goals at the interview
Sources: U.S. Dept of State — Student Visas
Cost breakdown by scenario
| Scenario | Includes | Total estimated cost |
|---|---|---|
| A — Solo, no attorney | Mandatory government fees only | $535 |
| B — With attorney | Government fees + attorney, no premium | $1,035 – $2,535 |
| C — Attorney + premium + dependents | Everything included | $1,335 – $3,335 |
How to save money on your F-1
- File without an attorney if your case is straightforward — you can cut $500–$2,000.
- Skip premium processing unless you genuinely need a fast decision.
- Prepare documents yourself to avoid translation and document-prep fees.
- Double-check every fee on the USCIS website so you never overpay a third party.
F-1 cost FAQ (2028)
How much does a F-1 visa cost in 2028?
The total estimated cost of a F-1 visa in 2028 ranges from about $1,035 to $3,335, depending on whether you use an attorney, pay for premium processing, and include dependents.
What is the F-1 application fee?
The government application fee varies by visa and year. USCIS publishes the current schedule, and this calculator itemises every mandatory fee with a link to the official source.
How much do immigration lawyers charge for a F-1 visa?
Attorney fees typically add $2,000–$5,000 depending on the city and case complexity. The calculator lets you toggle attorney costs on or off to compare.
Can I apply for a F-1 visa without a lawyer?
Yes. Many applicants file without a lawyer and only pay the mandatory government fees. An attorney is optional but can reduce the risk of costly mistakes.
What hidden costs should I budget for?
Beyond the filing fee, budget for biometrics, medical examinations, certified translations, and premium processing if you need a faster decision.
Is premium processing available for a F-1 visa?
Premium or priority processing is available for many routes for an extra fee, but not all. Check the calculator's options and the USCIS website for eligibility.
Do I have to pay extra for dependents?
Yes — each dependent usually requires an additional application fee and, in some countries, a health surcharge. Toggle the dependents option to include them.
Are visa fees refundable if my application is refused?
In most cases government application fees are not refunded if the application is refused. Always verify current policy with USCIS before paying.
How often do USCIS fees change?
Fee schedules are reviewed periodically and can change each year. This calculator is updated from official sources, but confirm the current fee before you file.
What is the cheapest way to apply for a F-1 visa?
Applying without an attorney, without premium processing, and without dependents keeps you at the low end of the cost range — usually just the mandatory government fees.
Use the calculator above for your specific case
Get an instant total and download a free PDF report.