Preparing documents for an F1 visa application to study in the US might be a complicated process. This easy-to-follow guide outlines what you need to do in order to get it done.

[edit] Steps

Fill out visa application forms online to save time. Male students need to fill out 3 forms, DS-156, DS-157 and DS-158. The forms could be accessed at Visa application forms
Have your photograph taken, glue it on the DS-156 form. This photograph must be 2 by 2 or 5cm to 5cm, taken on white or off-white background within the last 6 months.
Pay your SEVIS fee (US$ 200) online at Form I-901 application. Here you need to fill out the I-901 form (important information includes the school code, your SEVIS number both printed on the I-20 form) and pay the fee using a credit card. Print the receipt for your record. There are alternative methods to pay this fee such as mailing a money order to the Department of Homeland Security or using Western Union Quick Pay Service.
Arrange an interview appointment and pay US$ 131 visa application fee.
Bring the following documents to the interview:
- Your valid passport (valid for at least 6 months from the date of interview)
- Form I-20
- SEVIS fee paid receipt
- Visa application fee receipt
- Interview appointment letter
- Application forms (DS-156,DS-157,DS-158)
- Financial supporting documents
- Qualifications - Degree/Diploma certificates
- Transcripts
- Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL)
- Standardized test scores if applicable (SAT, ATC, GRE, GMAT).
- Photograph with specifications as above.

[edit] Tips

Make sure your documents are complete.
Present them in an organised way to make things easier for the consular officer (consider having a cover page listing the documents you have or organising them in separate files).

[edit] Warnings

This is only a rough guide. Each individual country might have extra requirements as to what documents to bring. Consult the US embassy/consulate in your country to have a checklist of them.