USA Student Visas: The Complete F-1 Guide for Polish Students 2026

You’re sitting on a leather bench in the waiting room of the US Embassy in Warsaw, Al. Ujazdowskie 29/31. It’s Tuesday, seven in the morning, June. Your phone is tucked away in your bag, as security instructed you to turn it off. In your hand, you clutch a folder of documents: your I-20 signed by your university’s DSO, SEVIS confirmation, a printout of your DS-160, your parents’ bank statements, a scholarship letter. Through the glass doors, you see a corridor leading to the windows where the consular officers sit. Ahead of you in line are a dozen or so people – some are speaking softly in Polish, others are silently rehearsing something in English, still others are simply staring at the floor. In five minutes, you’ll hear your number. In ten minutes, you’ll be standing before a consular officer who, in three to five minutes, will decide whether you’ll land at JFK, O’Hare, or LAX in two months. Welcome to the visa process, the final but crucial stage on your journey to study in America.

Every year, thousands of Polish students go through the same procedure. Since 2019, Poland has been a full participant in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which allows for visa-free tourist travel to the USA using an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), but a visa is absolutely required for studies. There are no exceptions. No shortcuts. Regardless of whether you’re going for a four-year bachelor’s degree at Harvard, a one-year master’s program at Stanford, or a two-semester language course at a community college in California, you must obtain an F-1 student visa.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the entire process: from the moment your university issues your I-20 form, through the SEVIS fee, completing the DS-160, the embassy interview, all the way to the rules for staying in the USA, work rights, and the OPT program after graduation. I’ll also show you how to avoid common mistakes made by Polish applicants and how to prepare for your visa interview so it lasts three minutes, not thirty. If you’re planning to study in the USA and don’t know where to start, read on.

Poland in the Visa Waiver Program – Why You Still Need a Visa for Studies

Since November 11, 2019, Poland has been a full participant in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This means that as a Polish citizen, you can enter the USA for up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes using an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), without a visa. This is a huge convenience for tourists and business travelers, but it absolutely does not apply to students.

Why? Because ESTA terms prohibit undertaking studies within the USA. Entering on an ESTA and enrolling in a course, even a short one, constitutes a violation of status. The consequences can be severe: loss of future ESTA eligibility, an entry in the immigration system, and in extreme cases, deportation and a multi-year ban from entering the United States.

This is one of the most common misunderstandings among Polish applicants for studies in the USA. I encounter it regularly: “I have an ESTA, so I don’t need a visa.” You do. Even if you’re going for a three-month intensive English course, you need an F-1 or M-1 visa. Even if your exchange program lasts one semester, you need a J-1. There are no exceptions.

The upside? The fact that Poland is in the VWP is, paradoxically, an argument in your favor during the visa interview. It shows that Poland has stable diplomatic relations with the USA, and Polish citizens have a low rate of visa abuse, meaning consular officers treat Polish applicants with a presumption of good faith.

Types of Student Visas: F-1, J-1, and M-1

The American immigration system provides for three categories of visas for individuals undertaking studies in the USA. Each corresponds to a different type of educational program and carries different rights and restrictions.

F-1 Visa – The Standard for Polish Students

The vast majority of Polish students going for full-time studies in the USA apply for an F-1 visa. This is the standard nonimmigrant visa for individuals accepted into full-time academic programs (from intensive English courses to bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral programs). An F-1 visa grants you the right to study at the specific institution indicated on your I-20 form, limited on-campus work rights, and access to the Optional Practical Training (OPT) program after graduation.

The remainder of this guide focuses on the F-1 visa.

J-1 Visa: Exchange Programs and Fulbright

The J-1 visa is for participants in exchange programs sponsored by organizations, governments, or universities. It covers not only students but also visiting scholars, interns, and participants in cultural programs. If you are going to the USA as part of a Fulbright program, DAAD, or a semester exchange organized by your Polish university, you likely need a J-1.

An important distinction: many J-1 programs come with a two-year home residency requirement, mandating a return to your home country for a minimum of two years after the program concludes, before you can apply for a work visa (H-1B) or permanent residency in the USA. This particularly applies to programs funded by governments (including the Polish government) or programs in fields deemed crucial for a country’s development. Before accepting a J-1 visa, be sure to check if this requirement applies to you, as it can significantly impact your career plans after graduation.

M-1 Visa: Vocational Training

The M-1 visa covers vocational and technical training of a non-academic nature (e.g., courses at flight schools, culinary schools, or mechanical schools). It is rarely used by Polish students and does not grant OPT rights to the same extent as the F-1.

Step-by-Step – How to Obtain an F-1 Visa

The visa process consists of several stages that you must complete in a specific order. Each requires time, so start early (preferably 3-4 months before your planned departure). Below is a detailed description of each step.

Step 1: University Acceptance and I-20 Form

It all begins with your university application (and that’s a separate, multi-month story). If you haven’t started yet, check out our Common App step-by-step guide and application timeline. After receiving your letter of admission, you must confirm your place, usually by paying an enrollment deposit (typically 200-500 USD), and submit documents proving your financial capability.

Then, the university issues Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status). This is a crucial document in the entire visa process; you cannot even begin without it. The I-20 contains:

• Your personal data: name, surname, date of birth, citizenship
• University details: name, address, school SEVIS code
• Program of study: program name, level (undergraduate/graduate)
• Program dates: planned start and end dates
• Estimated costs: tuition, accommodation, living expenses, other costs
• Funding sources: your funds, scholarship, family support
• SEVIS ID number: a unique identifier that will accompany you throughout your stay in the USA

The form must be signed by both the Designated School Official (DSO), the university staff member responsible for international students, and by you. The DSO will become your primary contact for visa and immigration matters throughout your studies. It’s worth remembering this name.

Practical tip: Universities send the I-20 by mail (e.g., FedEx, DHL) or allow you to download an electronic version. Delivery time is usually 1-3 weeks from confirming your place. Don’t wait for the I-20 to arrive before starting with fees and the DS-160; begin preparations in parallel.

Step 2: SEVIS I-901 Fee

SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is a federal system that registers the status of every international student and exchange program participant within the USA. Your first obligation after receiving your I-20 is to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.

• Fee for F-1 visa: 350 USD (as of 2024; previously 200 USD, then 350 USD)
• Fee for J-1 visa: 220 USD
• Pay online at FMJfee.com; you’ll need your SEVIS ID number from your I-20 form.
• Accepted methods: credit/debit card, Western Union Quick Pay, bank transfer
• After payment: print the receipt, and bring it to your visa interview.

The FMJfee.com system looks like it hasn’t been updated since 2005 (and you’re not wrong). But it works. Enter your details exactly as they appear on your I-20. Even the smallest typo in your name can cause problems.

Step 3: DS-160 Form

The DS-160 is an electronic nonimmigrant visa application form, completed on ceac.state.gov. It’s a comprehensive form – prepare for 60-90 minutes of work – that collects information essential for the consular officer to make a decision.

The form requires you to provide:

• Personal data: first name, last name, date and place of birth, citizenship
• Contact information: address, phone, email, social media (yes, since 2019 they ask about Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X accounts, etc.)
• Passport information: number, issue date, expiration date
• Travel history: whether you’ve been to the USA before, whether you’ve ever been denied a visa
• Education and employment details: current school/university, previous employment
• Information about planned studies: university name, major, dates, who is funding
• Photo: a digital photo meeting requirements (5x5 cm / 2x2 inches, white background, full face, no glasses)

The DS-160 system allows you to save your progress (you’ll receive an Application ID that enables you to return to the form). Make use of this – it’s better to complete it in two calm sessions than in one rushed one.

After submitting the form, you will receive a confirmation page with a barcode. Print it out – you won’t be allowed into the visa interview without it.

Key advice: Answer questions honestly and consistently. The consular officer has access to your DS-160 answers and will compare them with what you say during the interview. Any discrepancy (even a minor one) can raise suspicion.

Step 4: MRV Visa Fee

The Machine Readable Visa (MRV) application processing fee is 185 USD. You pay this fee through the US Embassy’s visa registration system. Keep your payment confirmation – you’ll need the reference number to schedule your interview.

Important: The MRV fee is non-refundable – regardless of whether the visa is issued, refused, or if you fail to attend the interview. It is valid for 12 months from the payment date.

Step 5: Schedule Your Visa Interview

You schedule your interview through the US Embassy in Warsaw’s registration system (this is the only place in Poland where visa interviews are conducted; there is no consulate in Krakow or Gdansk). During the summer, when most students apply for visas, appointments can be limited. The rule is simple: schedule as early as possible.

Remember the time restrictions:

• You can apply for a visa (i.e., submit DS-160 and schedule an interview) 365 days before the program start date on your I-20.
• The visa can be issued no earlier than 120 days before the program start date.
• You can enter the USA no earlier than 30 days before the program start date.

For a typical Polish student starting studies in late August: plan your visa interview for May–June. Don’t leave it until July, as appointments may be unavailable then.

Step 6: Interview at the US Embassy in Warsaw

This is the moment you’ve been preparing for. The visa interview takes place at the Embassy of the United States at Al. Ujazdowskie 29/31 in Warsaw. Arrive 15-20 minutes before your scheduled time. You’ll go through a security check (like at an airport), have your fingerprints taken, and then stand before a consular officer’s window.

The interview itself usually lasts 3-5 minutes. No longer. The consular officer asks a few questions, reviews your documents, and makes a decision on the spot. You’ll either hear “Your visa has been approved,” or (which is rare but possible) “Your visa application has been refused under section 214(b).”

I’ll cover the details of preparing for the interview in the next section.

The Visa Interview – How to Prepare

The interview with the consular officer is a crucial moment in the process. It’s brief, but the outcome depends on preparation that begins weeks in advance. The consular officer assesses three main points: your intent to return to Poland, your financial capability, and your substantive preparation.

Intent to Return to Your Home Country (Non-immigrant Intent)

The F-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa, meaning that by applying for it, you declare your intention to return to Poland after completing your studies. This doesn’t mean you can’t utilize OPT (post-graduation practical training). You can. But you must demonstrate that you have strong ties to Poland that motivate your return.

What does the consular officer consider “strong ties”?

• Family in Poland: parents, siblings, partner, fiancé(e)
• Career plans related to Poland: you want to return and work for a Polish company, start your own business, continue an academic career at a Polish university
• Assets or obligations: real estate, family business, a scholarship requiring your return
• Clear career vision: a concrete answer to the question “how will an American education help your career upon your return?”

The worst thing you can do is tell the consular officer: “I want to stay in America and work there.” Even if it’s true. Even if your long-term plan includes a career in the USA, in the visa interview, you speak about plans to return. This is not a lie – it is an answer to a specific question in the context of a nonimmigrant visa.

Financial Capability

The consular officer must be assured that you have the funds to cover your study and living costs in the USA. Prepare:

• Bank statements for the last 3-6 months (PLN account, converted to USD)
• Proof of income for parents/sponsors (from employer, tax office)
• Scholarship confirmation (if the university granted you financial aid, need-based scholarship, merit scholarship)
• Sponsorship letter (affidavit of support), if someone is funding your studies
• Form I-20 – contains estimated annual costs, giving the consular officer a reference point

You don’t need to have the full amount for all four years of study in your account. The key is to demonstrate that you have secured funds for at least the first year and a credible, documented source of ongoing funding. If the university has granted you a scholarship covering, for example, 70% of tuition, show that.

If you’re looking for options to reduce costs, read our guide on Harvard’s costs and financial aid system – funding rules are similar at most top universities.

Substantive Preparation

The consular officer may ask you about:

• Why this program of study? A concrete answer, not generalities. “I want to study Computer Science at MIT because I’ve been programming in Python for three years and won the informatics Olympiad” is better than “because I like computers.”
• Why this university? Name specific features: a lab, a professor, a research program, its ranking in your field.
• Why the USA, and not Poland? Compare: a specific program doesn’t exist in Poland, better research infrastructure, unique specialization.
• Plans after graduation? What you intend to do with your American degree. The answer should refer to returning to Poland.

Practical tips for the interview:

1. Speak English. The interview is conducted in English (unless the consular officer suggests otherwise). If you’re preparing for studies in the USA, your English should be at a level that allows for a fluent conversation.
2. Answer briefly and to the point. The consular officer has a few minutes, not half an hour. “I’m studying Computer Science at MIT because I want to work in artificial intelligence, and MIT has the best AI program in the world” is sufficient.
3. Don’t lie. Consular officers conduct hundreds of interviews daily and quickly spot inconsistencies.
4. Be confident. Don’t apologize, don’t stammer, don’t look at the floor. You are a student who got into a good university; act like someone who knows what they want.
5. Bring all documents. Even if the consular officer doesn’t ask for all of them, the mere fact that you have them makes an impression of an organized person.

At College Council, we conduct visa interview simulations (mock interviews) with individuals who have gone through this process multiple times. If the interview with the consular officer stresses you out, contact us – we’ll help you prepare so those three minutes go smoothly.

Visa Process Costs: What You’ll Really Pay

Before you even board a plane, the visa process itself costs several hundred dollars. It’s good to know what to expect upfront to avoid surprises.

At an exchange rate of approximately 4.00 PLN per dollar, the visa process itself costs you about 575-625 USD. This is, of course, a fraction of the cost of the studies themselves. If you want to see the full financial picture, read our guide to Harvard’s costs and financial aid, which explains how the financial aid system works at top universities.

Visa Process Timeline: When to Do What

Time is critical. A late visa application can mean a delayed departure, and a delayed departure can mean problems with university registration. Below is an approximate timeline for a student starting studies in the fall (fall semester, usually late August/early September).

Rights and Responsibilities on an F-1 Visa

Upon arrival in the USA, your status is regulated by the terms of your F-1 visa and SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) regulations. Violation of these terms can result in loss of status, meaning you would have to leave the USA. Here are the most important rules.

Mandatory Full Course Load

As an F-1 student, you must be enrolled in a full course of study each semester:

• Undergraduate studies: minimum 12 credit hours per semester
• Graduate studies (master’s/doctoral): minimum 9 credit hours (or according to university program requirements)

Reducing your course load below the required minimum is only possible in exceptional, documented cases: serious health problems (confirmed by a doctor), academic difficulties in the final semester before graduation, or specific program requirements. Any such change requires prior approval from your DSO. You cannot simply drop a course and expect no one to notice. SEVIS automatically tracks your enrollment.

Work Regulations

Work regulations for F-1 visas are strictly controlled and represent one of the most common areas where students (knowingly or unknowingly) violate visa terms. Understand them thoroughly.

On-campus employment:

• Available from day one
• Maximum 20 hours per week during the semester
• Full-time (up to 40h) allowed during semester breaks and holidays
• Does not require additional authorization; a valid I-20 and good F-1 status are sufficient
• Includes: library, cafeteria, laboratory, departmental office, university store

CPT (Curricular Practical Training):

• Internship or practical training directly related to your program of study
• Available after completing one full academic year (with the exception of graduate programs, which may require CPT from the start)
• Requires DSO authorization and confirmation that the practical training is an integral part of the curriculum
• Can be part-time (up to 20h/week) or full-time (over 20h/week)
• Note: 12+ months of full-time CPT = loss of OPT eligibility after graduation

OPT (Optional Practical Training):

• Right to work in a field related to your major after graduation
• Up to 12 months
• Application to USCIS (Form I-765), no earlier than 90 days before, no later than 60 days after graduation
• Processing time: usually 2-4 months; apply as early as possible
• You will receive an EAD (Employment Authorization Document), a card authorizing employment
• Details in the section below

STEM OPT Extension:

• Additional 24 months for STEM graduates
• Total of up to 36 months of work in the USA after graduation
• Details in the section below

Unauthorized work = violation of status. There are no exceptions. No “no one checks.” No “it’s just a few hours a week at a restaurant.” If you are caught working illegally, you lose your F-1 status, lose your right to OPT, can be deported, and receive a ban from entering the country. It’s not worth it.

Updating Data in SEVIS

You are obligated to report changes to your DSO in the following situations:

• Change of residential address: within 10 days of moving
• Change of major: before you re-register
• Change of study level (e.g., from undergraduate to graduate), requires a new I-20
• Planned break from studies (leave of absence), before it begins
• Planned departure from the USA, your DSO must sign your I-20 for travel (travel endorsement)

Your DSO is your ally – don’t be afraid to talk to them. The International Students Office (ISS, ISO; each university calls it differently) exists to help you.

International Travel on an F-1 Visa

You can freely leave and re-enter the USA during your studies (for example, for holidays in Poland). For this, you need:

• A valid F-1 visa in your passport (if it has expired, you must obtain a new one at a consulate before returning to the USA)
• A valid I-20 form with a current DSO signature on the travel endorsement page (the signature is valid for 12 months for students currently studying, 6 months for OPT)
• A valid passport
• Active status in SEVIS, your record must be in “active” status

Important note: If your F-1 visa expires while you are in the USA, you can continue your studies without issue (your status matters, not the visa). However, if you leave the USA, you must obtain a new visa at a consulate before you can return. You can do this at the embassy in Warsaw during your holidays.

OPT and STEM OPT: Post-Graduation Work in the USA

The Optional Practical Training program is one of the biggest advantages of studying in the USA for international students. It’s a legal pathway to employment in America after graduation, and for many Polish graduates, it’s a gateway to a long-term career in the United States.

Standard OPT – 12 Months

After completing your program of study, you can apply for OPT, which grants the right to work in a field directly related to your major for up to 12 months. The process is as follows:

1. Apply to USCIS: Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization)
2. Deadline: no earlier than 90 days before graduation, no later than 60 days after
3. Cost: the I-765 fee is 410 USD (verify current amount)
4. Processing time: usually 2-4 months; apply as early as possible
5. You will receive an EAD (Employment Authorization Document), a card authorizing employment

On OPT, you can work full-time for any company in the USA, provided the position is related to your field of study. You also have a 90-day unemployment limit. If you are unemployed for 90 days (cumulatively, not consecutively), your OPT will be terminated.

STEM OPT Extension: Additional 24 Months

If your program of study is on the list of STEM Designated Degree Programs (science, technology, engineering, mathematics, as well as many related fields like economics or psychology), you can apply for an OPT extension of an additional 24 months. This totals up to 36 months of legal work in the USA.

STEM OPT Extension requirements:

• Your major must appear on the list of STEM-eligible CIP codes (published by DHS)
• You must have an employer registered in the E-Verify system
• The employer submits a Training Plan (Form I-983) describing what you will learn
• Application to USCIS before the expiration of your standard 12-month OPT
• Reporting to DSO every 6 months

Three years of OPT/STEM OPT is a period during which many Polish graduates build professional experience in the USA, secure an H-1B (work) visa sponsor, and begin a long-term career. Not everyone stays, but everyone has that opportunity.

CPT: Internships During Studies

CPT (Curricular Practical Training) is an option for work/internship during studies if the practical experience is an integral part of your academic program (e.g., a mandatory internship, cooperative education, or practical training embedded in the curriculum). It requires DSO authorization and is available after completing your first academic year (with the exception of graduate programs, which may require CPT from the start).

Strategic note: If you utilize 12 or more months of full-time CPT, you lose your eligibility for OPT after graduation. Therefore, many students consciously limit CPT to part-time or shorter periods to preserve the full 12 months of OPT. Plan this in advance; speak with your DSO.

What to Do If Your Visa Is Refused

Student visa refusal is rare for Polish applicants, but it does happen. The most common basis is Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, meaning the consular officer was not convinced of your intent to return to Poland or your financial capability.

What to do after a refusal:

1. Don’t panic. A 214(b) refusal is not a permanent ban. It’s not a “ban” from entering the USA.
2. Analyze the reason. The consular officer should briefly explain why they refused. Was it about finances? Lack of ties to Poland? Inconsistent answers?
3. Supplement your documentation. If the problem was financial, obtain additional certificates. If the problem was with “ties to Poland,” prepare better evidence (a letter from a future employer in Poland, documents confirming obligations).
4. Reapply. You can do this at any time; there is no required waiting period. But you must pay the MRV visa fee (185 USD) again.
5. Consider professional support. If you don’t know what went wrong, a mock visa interview with an experienced mentor can reveal the problem.

At College Council, we help students prepare for subsequent visa interviews after a refusal. We analyze the reasons, prepare documentation, and conduct mock interviews. Contact us if you need assistance.

Practical Tips for Polish Students

Start Early, Really Early

The entire process (from university applications to obtaining a visa) takes many months. If you plan to start studies in September, preparations should begin a year earlier: exams (SAT, TOEFL/IELTS), essays, recommendation letters, applications (deadlines January–March), decisions (March–April), I-20 (April–May), visa process (May–June). Each element requires time. A delay in one stage cascades and delays all subsequent ones.

Health Insurance

Most American universities require international students to have health insurance. Many universities offer their own Student Health Insurance Plans, the cost of which (usually 1,500-3,000 USD annually) is added to the tuition bill. Some universities allow a waiver if you have comparable insurance from another source, but the requirements are rigorous. Check your university’s policies before you leave.

Bank Account and Finances

Upon arrival in the USA, open an American bank account as soon as possible (Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo) with a checking account and possibly a savings account. You’ll need: your passport, I-20, proof of address (a letter from your university is sufficient), and a phone number. Some banks offer special accounts for international students. For the first few weeks, bring a Visa/Mastercard that works internationally (e.g., Revolut, Wise) and some cash (200-300 USD).

SSN and ITIN Numbers

You will need a Social Security Number (SSN) if you start working (on-campus, on CPT, or on OPT). You apply at a local Social Security Administration office after arriving in the USA, once you have a job offer. If you are not working but need an identification number for tax purposes (e.g., for scholarship reporting), you can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

Contact EducationUSA

EducationUSA is an official advising network operated by the U.S. Department of State, present in over 170 countries. In Poland, the EducationUSA center operates at the U.S. Embassy and offers free advice on studying in the USA, including assistance in understanding the visa process. It’s worth utilizing them as an additional source of information.

College Council: Your Support in the Visa Process

The visa process is the final, but critical, stage on your journey to study in the USA. At College Council, we help Polish students at every stage: from choosing universities and preparing applications, through negotiating financial aid, to preparing for the visa interview.

Our support includes:

• Visa interview preparation (mock interviews, profile analysis, financial documentation preparation)
• Full application support – from Common App to essays, recommendation letters, admissions strategies
• Exam preparation: SAT, TOEFL, IELTS through the Prepclass.io platform
• Financial aid assistance (strategies for applying for scholarships and financial aid)
• Support after visa refusal: analysis of reasons, preparation for re-interview

If you’re planning to study in the USA and want to ensure every stage (from application to visa) goes smoothly, contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Summary: The F-1 Visa is a Formality If You’re Prepared

The US visa process can seem overwhelming when viewed from the perspective of someone who has never been through it. Six steps, three different fees, a comprehensive online form, an interview with a consular officer at the embassy – it’s a lot. But thousands of Polish students go through this process every year, and the vast majority get their visa on the first attempt.

The key to success? Preparation. Start early. Gather your documents in advance. Fill out the DS-160 carefully. Prepare for your visa interview; don’t improvise. And remember: the consular officer isn’t looking for reasons to reject you. They are looking for confirmation that you have genuine educational plans, the means to realize them, and the intent to return to Poland.

American studies are a life-changing investment: access to the world’s best universities, international contacts, OPT providing a career start in the USA, a globally recognized diploma. The F-1 visa is the final formality on this path. Don’t let it intimidate you.

Next Steps

1. Confirm your place at the university and wait for your I-20 form
2. Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee at FMJfee.com, 350 USD
3. Complete the DS-160 at ceac.state.gov, print the confirmation
4. Pay the MRV visa fee, 185 USD
5. Schedule your visa interview at the US Embassy in Warsaw, as early as possible
6. Prepare for the interview with College Council (contact us) or independently
7. Attend the interview and enjoy your visa in your passport

Read Also

• Common App Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Studies in the USA – a complete guide to the Common Application platform
• How to Get into Harvard – Admissions Guide – requirements, essays, interviews, financial aid
• How Much Does Harvard Cost: An Analysis of Fees and Scholarships – tuition, living costs, need-blind admission, how to fund your studies