US student visa (F-1) from Algeria
Last verified: July 2026 (travel.state.gov source)
Which visa do you need to study in the US from Algeria?
For full-time study in the US, you need an F-1 visa (academic) — or M-1 (vocational). You first need admission to a SEVP-certified school that issues the Form I-20, then pay the SEVIS I-901 fee ($350), complete the DS-160 ($185) and attend the interview at the embassy in Algiers. You must prove funds covering tuition and stay. Note: OuiVisa assists the visa + enrolment; in-country status is referred to a licensed adviser.
Official source: travel.state.gov
At a glance
- Who for
- Full-time study
- Document
- F-1 visa (academic) / M-1 (vocational)
- Prerequisite
- SEVP admission + Form I-20
- SEVIS fee (I-901)
- $350 (F-1)
- DS-160 fee
- $185
- Funds
- covering tuition + stay (amount per I-20)
- Submission in Algeria
- DS-160 + interview (Algiers)
- In-country status
- referred to a licensed adviser
Required documents
- Valid passport
- Form I-20 from a SEVP-certified school
- SEVIS I-901 fee receipt ($350)
- DS-160 confirmation + MRV receipt ($185)
- Proof of funds (tuition + stay)
- Academic documents (diplomas, tests)
How to apply, step by step
- 1Get your admission + I-20
From a SEVP-certified US school.
- 2Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee ($350)
Online (FMJfee.com); keep the receipt.
- 3Complete the DS-160 + pay the MRV ($185)
Via ustraveldocs / Aramex.
- 4Attend the F-1 interview at the embassy
In Algiers; present the I-20, SEVIS and proof of funds.
- 5On arrival: student status
In-country status step — referred to a licensed adviser.
Fees
| SEVIS I-901 fee (F-1) | $350 |
| DS-160 application fee (MRV) | $185 |
| Funds required | per I-20 (tuition + stay) |
Official fees (travel.state.gov): SEVIS I-901 fee $350 (F-1) + MRV DS-160 fee $185. You need SEVP admission issuing Form I-20 and proof of funds covering tuition and stay (amount shown on the I-20). In-country student status is referred to a licensed adviser. Confirm on travel.state.gov.
Frequently asked questions
What is the first step?
Getting admission to a SEVP-certified school that issues Form I-20; without an I-20, there is no F-1 visa.
What are the F-1 fees?
$350 (SEVIS I-901) + $185 (DS-160/MRV), plus proof of funds per the I-20.
Does OuiVisa handle in-country status?
No. OuiVisa assists enrolment + the visa; US student status is referred to a licensed adviser.
F-1 or M-1?
F-1 for academic study (university, language school), M-1 for vocational training.
Can I travel on ESTA from Algeria?
No. Algeria is not in the Visa Waiver Program: ESTA is not available to Algerian nationals. A visa is required (DS-160 + interview at the embassy).
Is visa approval guaranteed?
No. Issuance is at the US consular officer's discretion; a OuiVisa partner agency prepares the DS-160 and the file, but approval is not guaranteed.
Ready to prepare your US visa application?
A OuiVisa partner agency near you prepares your DS-160 and file.
Find a partner agencyVisa application assistance — short and long stay, including study. OuiVisa does not provide immigration advice, residency, family reunification, work-permit or settlement services; for these we refer you to a licensed adviser. Visa issuance is at the consular authority's discretion; approval is not guaranteed.