How Much Does an F-1 Student Visa Cost in 2026: Complete Breakdown of All Expenses

One of the first questions students ask when planning to study in the United States is: "How much does it actually cost?" Visa fees, the SEVIS fee, tuition, bank statements - these are all separate expenses that are easy to overlook when you're only looking at course prices.

This guide breaks down every cost associated with getting an F-1 student visa in 2026: what's mandatory, what's optional, and how much money you need to show in your bank account.

What Goes Into the Cost of an F-1 Visa

The F-1 visa cost isn't a single number. It's a combination of several different payments that need to be made in the right order. Here's what each one involves.

1. SEVIS Registration Fee (I-901 SEVIS Fee)

The first thing you'll need to pay is the I-901 SEVIS Fee. This payment goes to the U.S. government and funds the SEVIS system - the database that tracks the status of all international students in the country.

Cost in 2026: $350

Payment is made at fmjfee.com. After paying, you'll receive a receipt - bring it to your visa interview. Without proof of SEVIS fee payment, you won't be able to complete your consular interview.

Key details:

• Paid once before your initial visa

• Not required again when transferring between schools inside the U.S.

• Save your payment receipt
  

2. Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee / DS-160)

This is the standard fee for reviewing your visa application - paid at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country.

Cost in 2026: $185

Paid before scheduling your visa interview. This fee is non-refundable - even if your visa is denied.

3. Tuition at a Language School

This is the main cost students see right away. Prices vary significantly depending on the school and program.

In New York City, the cost of an Intensive English Program (IEP) at language schools typically ranges from $2,000 to $5,000 for 12 weeks. That said, accreditation and program quality matter far more than a high price tag .

At Lingua Prime NY (Brooklyn), the 12-week IEP for F-1 students costs $1,500 - one of the most affordable options among CEA-accredited schools in New York City.

What's included:

• 18 academic hours per week (the required minimum for F-1 status)

• 4 levels: Beginner, Elementary, Intermediate, Advanced

• DSO support and I-20 assistance

• Flexible schedules: morning, evening, and weekend classes
  

4. Financial Requirements: How Much Money You Need in Your Bank Account

This isn't technically a fee - but it's money that needs to be in your account, or your visa application will likely be denied.

To qualify for an F-1 visa for a language program in New York, you must demonstrate sufficient funds to cover:

• Tuition costs

• Housing in New York City

• Personal living expenses

Recommended minimum bank balance for F-1 at a New York language school: $10,000–$15,000

This doesn't mean you'll spend all of it. But the consular officer needs to see that you're financially stable and won't be left without funds while in the U.S.

Documents that prove financial ability:

• Bank statements from the last 3–6 months

• A sponsor letter (if someone else is funding your studies)

• Income documents - yours or your sponsor's
  

5. Health Insurance

Health insurance isn't technically a mandatory requirement for obtaining an F-1 visa - but in practice, it's essential. Medical care in the United States is extremely expensive, and a single doctor's visit without insurance can cost hundreds of dollars.

Many schools recommend or require health insurance for enrolled students.

Approximate cost: $50–$150 per month depending on the plan.

6. Other Associated Costs

If you're coming from abroad:

• International airfare (varies by country of origin)

• Security deposit for New York housing - typically 1–2 months' rent upfront

• Initial living setup costs

If you're already in the U.S. and changing status (e.g., from B-2 to F-1):

• Form I-539 filing fee with USCIS: $370

• Biometric services fee (if required): $85

Full Cost Breakdown for an F-1 Visa in 2026

Expense	Amount
SEVIS Fee (I-901)	$350
Visa Application Fee (MRV/DS-160)	$185
12-week tuition — Lingua Prime NY	$1,500
Health insurance (3 months)	~$300–450
Change of Status I-539 (if applicable)	$370 + $85
Total (minimum, without relocation)	~$2,335–2,570

Plus — $10,000–$15,000 on account as proof of financial stability.

How to Keep F-1 Visa Costs Down - Practical Tips

Choose an accredited school with reasonable tuition. CEA accreditation is a government-recognized quality standard. Lingua Prime NY holds CEA accreditation and offers some of the lowest IEP tuition rates in New York City.

Don't pay intermediaries for "visa help." The school itself issues your I-20 and assists with the process - no additional fees. There's no need to pay anyone else.

If you're already in the U.S. - don't leave. If you're on another status (B-2, H-4, etc.), you may be able to file for Change of Status without leaving the country. This is cheaper and more convenient than buying a new international flight.

Transfer your F-1 - don't start over. If you're already an F-1 student and want to switch schools, you don't pay the SEVIS fee again. The transfer process itself is free.

How Much Does an F-1 Transfer Cost

If you're already studying in the U.S. on an F-1 visa and want to transfer to Lingua Prime NY:

• SEVIS fee - not required again

• Visa application fee — not required

• Tuition - $1,500 for 12 weeks (for F-1 students)

• No hidden transfer fees

Transfers typically take a few business days. We accept transfers from any school in New York and from other states.

Lingua Prime NY - Affordable English Study with Full F-1 Support

We understand that relocating and studying in the U.S. is a significant financial commitment. That's exactly why we offer transparent pricing with no hidden fees.

Why students choose Lingua Prime NY:

• $1,500 for a 12-week IEP - among the best prices at CEA-accredited schools in New York

• SEVP certification and I-20 issuance authority

• Assistance with transfers, Change of Status, and SEVIS maintenance

• Multilingual staff - we speak Russian, Spanish, Arabic, and more

• Brooklyn location: 1535 McDonald Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11230

Message us on WhatsApp or call: 646-856-8536

We're happy to answer all your questions about costs, documents, and the application process - at no charge.