Student visa

the USA Student Visa Requirements for Vietnam Citizens

What Vietnam citizens need for a U.S. student visa: admission, proof of funds set by your admission document, health insurance, language proof. Sourced from official U.S. government pages and verified 2026-06-20.

Source: U.S. Department of State — Student Visa (F/M)governmentVerified 20 June 2026

Compiled from official sourceson 20 June 2026 — pending independent human verification.Always confirm the exact figure with the official source linked above. See our methodology.

At a glance

Living cost (per month): 1,800 USD
Visa fee: 185 USD
Typical processing: ~8 weeks
Main intakes: Jan, Aug
Required documents: 7

Understanding the the USA student visa

Who needs a U.S. student visa, and what it covers

A student visa (or study permit/residence permit, depending on the country) is the legal authorisation that lets VN citizens live in the USA for the length of an approved course. It is granted against a confirmed place at a recognised institution and proof that you can support yourself while you study — so the application is really about assembling and evidencing a specific set of documents rather than passing an exam.

This page brings those documents together for the USA: 7 core requirements that almost every applicant must meet, plus 3 that apply only in certain situations. Each one below is explained in full — what it is, why it's asked for, how to obtain it, and the mistakes that most often cause delays or refusals. Every figure is dated and linked to its official U.S. source so you can verify it yourself before you act.

How the money requirement actually works

the USA does not publish a single fixed proof-of-funds figure. Instead you must show enough to cover the tuition and living costs stated on your admission document for the period of study. Build and evidence that balance early, keep it stable, and make sure it is traceable to a legitimate source — under-evidenced finances are the most common reason student visas are refused.

Timing: when to start and how long it takes

Once you submit a complete application, the USA typically takes around 8 weeks to decide it. In practice the real bottleneck is often appointment availability rather than the decision itself — visa-centre and embassy slots in peak season fill up months ahead, so the calendar, not the paperwork, is what catches most applicants out.

The main intakes for the USA are January and August. Work backwards from your intended start date: secure admission first, then the funds and insurance, then book the visa appointment as soon as you are eligible. Leaving any step late tends to cascade into the next one.

What it costs, beyond the visa fee

Budget for several separate costs, not just one. For the USA these include the visa/permit fee itself (around 185 USD); health insurance (roughly 150 USD/month), on top of one-off costs like language tests, document translation, and travel. The interactive cost calculator further down this page totals these for your situation.

Where you can choose how to pay — moving tuition or proof-of-funds money across borders, for example — the method matters: bank wires often lose 3–5% to exchange-rate margins and fees that a specialist transfer can avoid. Whatever route you use, keep every receipt; a clean, traceable money trail is itself part of the evidence.

Working during study, and what happens after you arrive

Most study destinations let students work a limited number of hours during term and more during official holidays, but the exact cap, and whether it applies to your specific visa, changes from country to country and is revised fairly often. Rather than rely on a number that may be out of date, confirm the current work allowance for the USA on the official source linked on this page before you count on any income.

Arrival is not the finish line. Many countries require you to complete steps after you land — registering your address, collecting a residence card, activating health cover, or enrolling formally — within a set window. Build these into your plan so your legal status stays valid from day one.

Required documents

Form I-20 from a SEVP-certified school
Required
An I-20 issued by a SEVP-certified school after admission; it states your program's cost of attendance.
What it is
An official acceptance, enrolment confirmation or sponsorship document from a recognised institution. Different countries call it different things (CAS in the UK, I-20 in the USA, CoE in Australia/Japan, LOA in Canada, Notification of Admission in Sweden), but it is the document that proves a real place on an approved course.
Why it's required
The student visa exists only to let you take up a confirmed place. Without an admission document from an institution licensed to host international students, there is nothing for the visa to be granted against.
How to get it
1. Apply to the institution and meet its academic and English requirements.
2. Accept the offer and pay any required deposit so the institution issues the official visa document.
3. Check that the institution is on the official register of approved/licensed sponsors for international students.
Tips
- Apply early — the admission document is the bottleneck for everything that follows (funds, insurance, appointment).
- Verify every personal detail on it matches your passport exactly.
Common mistakes
- Applying to an institution not authorised to enrol international students.
- Leaving admission so late that there's no time for the visa to be processed before the intake.
Proof of funds (per your I-20)
Required
Show you can cover the cost of attendance listed on your I-20 (tuition + living). There is no single fixed national figure — it is set by your school's I-20.
What it is
Evidence that you can pay for your living costs (and sometimes tuition) for the period of study, without needing to work illegally or rely on public funds. Depending on the country this is a fixed annual figure, a monthly multiple, a blocked/escrow account, or a flexible amount tied to your admission document.
Why it's required
It is the single most common reason student visas are refused. Immigration authorities want certainty that you can support yourself, so the rules on amount, source and how long the money has been held are strict and enforced.
How to get it
1. Confirm the exact figure and what it must cover (living only, or living + tuition + travel) on the official source linked on this page.
2. Build the balance in an eligible account well ahead of time — many countries require funds to have been held for a set number of days (e.g. 28).
3. Gather statements covering the required history, plus any sponsor letters, scholarship confirmations or loan-sanction documents.
4. If a blocked/escrow account is required (e.g. Germany), open it with a recognised provider and fund it to the annual minimum.
Tips
- Keep the balance stable — large, unexplained deposits just before applying are a red flag.
- If you're sponsored, include the sponsor's relationship proof, ID and their own financial evidence.
- Budget above the minimum for high-cost cities; consulates can ask for more than the headline figure.
Common mistakes
- Showing the money for too short a period, or moving it in just before the application.
- Forgetting that tuition and return travel may be required on top of the living-cost figure.
- Using an account type or currency the authority does not accept.
I-901 SEVIS fee
Required
Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee (USD 350 for F-1) before your visa interview.
What it is
The I-901 SEVIS fee (USD 350 for F-1) funds the U.S. system that tracks international students. It must be paid before your visa interview.
Why it's required
Your F/M visa cannot be issued until the SEVIS fee is paid and linked to your I-20 record.
How to get it
1. Get your I-20 from your SEVP-certified school.
2. Pay the I-901 fee online using the SEVIS ID on your I-20.
3. Keep the payment receipt for your interview.
Tips
- Pay at least a few days before the interview so the system updates.
Common mistakes
- Arriving at the interview without proof of the SEVIS payment.
DS-160 + visa interview
Required
Complete the DS-160, pay the visa application fee, and attend an interview at a U.S. embassy/consulate.
What it is
The DS-160 is the U.S. online nonimmigrant visa application; you complete it, pay the visa fee, and attend an embassy interview.
Why it's required
It's the formal visa application for the USA — the interview and decision are based on it plus your I-20 and funds.
How to get it
1. Complete the DS-160 accurately and print the confirmation.
2. Pay the visa application fee and book an interview.
3. Attend with your I-20, SEVIS receipt, funds evidence and academic documents.
Tips
- Answer consistently with your I-20 and funds evidence.
Common mistakes
- Inconsistencies between the DS-160, I-20 and financial documents.
English language proof
Required
TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo as your school requires.
What it is
Evidence you can study in the language of instruction — usually an English test (IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, Duolingo) for English-taught programmes, or a local-language certificate (TestDaF, DELF, TOPIK, JLPT, etc.) for programmes taught in the local language.
Why it's required
Universities and immigration authorities both want assurance you can follow the course and function day to day. The required test and score are set by the programme, and the visa often relies on the same evidence.
How to get it
1. Confirm which tests your programme accepts and the minimum overall and per-section scores.
2. Book the test early — seats fill up and results can take up to two weeks.
3. Sit the test (or a re-sit if needed) so a valid score is ready before admission deadlines.
Tips
- Check the score validity window — most tests are valid for two years.
- Some universities waive the test if your prior education was in English; ask before paying.
- The Duolingo English Test is cheaper and faster, but confirm your university accepts it.
Common mistakes
- Meeting the overall score but missing a per-section minimum.
- Booking too late, so results arrive after the admission or visa deadline.
Duolingo English Test
Take the Duolingo English Test
Cheaper and faster than IELTS, accepted by many German universities. Check your programme accepts it first.
Book the test
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Health insurance
Required
U.S. healthcare is expensive — arrange student health insurance (some schools require their own plan).
What it is
Medical cover valid in the destination country for your stay. This may be a mandatory national scheme, a recognised private student plan, an immigration health surcharge (UK), or compulsory cover like OSHC (Australia).
Why it's required
Healthcare abroad is expensive and most countries refuse a student visa unless you can show you won't become a burden on their health system. It is a hard requirement, not a recommendation.
How to get it
1. Check whether your destination requires a national scheme, an approved private plan, or a surcharge paid with the application.
2. Buy cover for the gap before enrolment, then switch to statutory/student cover if required after arrival.
3. Keep the policy document and proof of payment for the visa file.
Tips
- Make sure the coverage level (and any no-co-payment rule, e.g. Spain) matches the visa requirement exactly.
- Buy travel/incoming cover that starts on your travel date so there's no gap.
Common mistakes
- Buying a plan that doesn't meet the country's minimum coverage or duration rules.
- Assuming arrival-day cover is enough when continuous cover is required.
SafetyWing
Student & travel health insurance
Health insurance valid in Germany covering the gap before statutory enrolment — required for the visa.
Get a quote
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Valid passport
Required
A passport valid at least 6 months beyond your stay.
What it is
A valid travel document covering your intended stay. Many countries also require validity for a buffer beyond your course end date (commonly six months) and blank pages for the visa.
Why it's required
The visa is issued into your passport and your identity is verified against it. An expiring or damaged passport will stop the application.
How to get it
1. Check your passport's expiry against the destination's validity rule and renew early if needed.
2. Make sure there are enough blank visa pages.
3. Keep the biographic-page details consistent with every other document you submit.
Tips
- Renew well ahead — passport renewals in some countries take weeks or months.
- Carry certified copies and keep a scan in the cloud.
Common mistakes
- Applying with a passport that expires during the course.
- Name spelling mismatches between passport and admission documents.

Sometimes required

Tuition / funds transfer
If applicable
Transfer tuition with a low-FX provider.
What it is
Moving tuition, deposits or proof-of-funds money across borders. Bank wires often carry poor exchange rates and high fees; specialist providers move money at the real rate for less.
Why it's required
International students lose meaningful amounts to FX margins and wire fees. Choosing the right method keeps more of your money and creates a clean, traceable paper trail for the visa.
How to get it
1. Compare your bank's all-in rate against a specialist provider before sending.
2. Send from an account in your name so the transfer is traceable for the visa file.
3. Keep transfer receipts as evidence of how funds reached the destination.
Tips
- Avoid cash deposits that can't be traced to a source.
- Lock in rates early for large tuition payments if the provider allows it.
Common mistakes
- Losing 3–5% to bank FX margins unnecessarily.
- Using third-party accounts that complicate the funds trail.
Wise
Transfer tuition & funds with low FX fees
Send proof-of-funds or tuition to Germany at the real exchange rate instead of losing money to bank markups.
Send money with Wise
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Connectivity on arrival
If applicable
An eSIM gives you a U.S. number and data on landing.
What it is
A digital SIM you can install before you fly, giving you a working number and mobile data the moment you land.
Why it's required
You'll need connectivity immediately for airport transfers, city registration, opening a bank account and contacting your university — before you can arrange a local SIM.
How to get it
1. Check your phone supports eSIM.
2. Buy a plan for your destination before departure.
3. Activate it on arrival and switch to a local plan later if cheaper.
Tips
- Keep your home number active for OTPs from your bank during setup.
Common mistakes
- Landing with no connectivity and no way to verify accounts or call your accommodation.
Airalo
Get an eSIM before you land
A working number and data the moment you arrive — useful for Anmeldung and opening a local bank account.
Browse eSIMs
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Accommodation
If applicable
Arrange on- or off-campus housing early.
What it is
Where you will live in the destination. Some consulates require proof of accommodation (a tenancy agreement or dorm confirmation) as part of the visa file.
Why it's required
It demonstrates you've planned your stay, and in several countries it's a documented visa requirement. Student housing is also genuinely scarce in many cities.
How to get it
1. Apply for university dorms early, or book verified private student housing.
2. Get a signed tenancy agreement or dorm confirmation for the visa file.
3. Budget for a deposit plus first month's rent.
Tips
- Book before arrival in scarce markets (Netherlands, Ireland, major capitals).
- Beware rental scams asking for money before any contract.
Common mistakes
- Leaving housing until arrival in a tight market.
- Paying deposits without a verifiable contract.
HousingAnywhere
Find student accommodation
Book mid-term student housing before arrival — consulates often ask for proof of accommodation.
Search housing
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How to apply for a the USA student visa, step by step

1
Form I-20 from a SEVP-certified school
An I-20 issued by a SEVP-certified school after admission; it states your program's cost of attendance.
2
Proof of funds (per your I-20)
Show you can cover the cost of attendance listed on your I-20 (tuition + living). There is no single fixed national figure — it is set by your school's I-20.
3
I-901 SEVIS fee
Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee (USD 350 for F-1) before your visa interview.
4
DS-160 + visa interview
Complete the DS-160, pay the visa application fee, and attend an interview at a U.S. embassy/consulate.
5
English language proof
TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo as your school requires.
6
Health insurance
U.S. healthcare is expensive — arrange student health insurance (some schools require their own plan).
7
Valid passport
A passport valid at least 6 months beyond your stay.

Official sources

Source: Study in the States (DHS) — Financial abilitygovernment

Source: ICE SEVP — I-901 SEVIS feegovernment

Frequently asked questions

How much money do I need for a USA student visa?

USA has no single fixed figure — you must show enough to cover the tuition and living costs stated on your admission document. Check the official source on this page.

How long does a USA student visa take to process?

Typically around 8 weeks once you've submitted a complete application, though embassy appointment availability is often the real bottleneck. Apply as early as you can.

What documents do I need for a USA student visa?

The core documents are: Form I-20 from a SEVP-certified school, Proof of funds (per your I-20), I-901 SEVIS fee, DS-160 + visa interview, English language proof, Health insurance, Valid passport. Each is explained in full on this page with how to obtain it and common mistakes to avoid.

Do I need health insurance for a USA student visa?

U.S. healthcare is expensive — arrange student health insurance (some schools require their own plan).

How much is the USA student visa fee?

The visa/permit fee is around 185 USD. Other costs (insurance, proof of funds, tests) are separate — use the cost calculator on this page.

When should I apply for a USA student visa?

Start as early as your documents allow — typically as soon as you have your admission confirmation and can show the required funds. Processing takes roughly 8 weeks once submitted, but appointment availability is often the real bottleneck in peak season, so book the earliest slot you can.

Can I work on a USA student visa?

Most student destinations allow a limited number of working hours during term and more during official holidays, but the exact cap (and whether it applies to your visa) changes periodically. Confirm the current USA work allowance on the official source linked on this page before relying on any income.

What happens if my USA student visa is refused?

A refusal letter states the reason — most often under-evidenced finances, an incomplete document set, or doubts about your intent to study. You can usually correct the issue and reapply, and in some countries appeal. Read the stated reason carefully, fix that specific point, and strengthen the rest of the file before trying again.

Last verified 20 June 2026 by OfficialRequirements System. Requirements change — always confirm with the official source above before acting.

the USA Student Visa Requirements for Vietnam Citizens

At a glance

Understanding the the USA student visa

Who needs a U.S. student visa, and what it covers

How the money requirement actually works

Timing: when to start and how long it takes

What it costs, beyond the visa fee

Working during study, and what happens after you arrive

Required documents

Form I-20 from a SEVP-certified school

Proof of funds (per your I-20)

I-901 SEVIS fee

DS-160 + visa interview

English language proof

Health insurance

Valid passport

Sometimes required

Tuition / funds transfer

Connectivity on arrival

Accommodation