"Clear guidance for prospective students": US unveils essential visa documents

This story has significance for readers across Kenya and beyond.

- The US government published the exact documents every foreign student must gather before sitting for a student visa interview in 2026

- Applicants seeking F-1 and M-1 visas must present five core documents, including a Form I-20 issued by their intended school

- A consular officer may request additional paperwork such as academic transcripts and test scores depending on each applicant's background

The United States government has released the official checklist of documents that foreign nationals must bring to a student visa interview at any US embassy or consulate, offering clear guidance for prospective students ahead of the 2026 intake.

The guidance, published by the US Department of State, covers applicants seeking both F-1 and M-1 student visas. It also applies to spouses and minor children who intend to relocate to the United States alongside the primary applicant.

Documents Required for a US Student Visa

Every applicant must present the following documents at their visa interview:

1. A valid passport for travel to the United States, which must remain valid for at least six months beyond the intended period of stay, unless the applicant's country is covered by an exemption agreement.

2. A completed Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page.

3. Proof of application fee payment, if the applicant is required to pay before the interview date.

4. A printed passport-sized photograph in the required format, only if the photo upload failed during the online DS-160 application process.

5. A Form I-20, which is the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, issued by the applicant's school once their details have been entered into the Student and Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS).

Both the student and a school official must sign this form. Spouses and minor children who intend to live in the United States will each receive a separate Form I-20.

Additional Documents a Consular Officer May Request

Beyond the core checklist, the interviewing consular officer has the authority to ask for supplementary materials based on the applicant's individual circumstances.

These may include academic transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools previously attended, as well as any standardized test scores required by the US institution the student plans to enrol in.

The US government also clarified that every person requiring a visa, including family members previously listed together under one passport, must submit a separate application and attend their own interview individually.

New US Student Visa Restrictions on the Horizon

In a related development, TUKO.co.ke previously reported that the United States had introduced significant new restrictions affecting international students.

The changes, set to take effect on September 15, 2026, mark a notable departure from decades of established practice.

For years, students entered the US under what was known as the duration of status model, which permitted them to remain in the country for as long as they maintained active enrolment in an academic programme.

The new framework signals a shift away from this arrangement, and prospective students are advised to follow official updates closely as the deadline approaches.

Source: Legit.ng

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.