Getting Started with the F1 Visa Application Process: A Complete Guide The F1 visa is a type of non-immigrant student visa that permits foreign students to pursue higher education in the United States. It is essential fnew rp gameor prospective students who want to study in the United States to comprehend the nuances of the F1 visa process. s. The first step in this process is being accepted into an institution that has been approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), as it is a requirement to apply for a visa. After being admitted, students have to pay the SEVIS fee and obtain a Form I-20, which is necessary for submitting a visa application.