Required Form
I-20 from school
F-1 Initial Student
F-1 Initial Student
For students currently outside the United States who have not yet applied for an F-1 (Student) visa. This is your complete guide to becoming an international student in the USA.
Pre-Arrival
Pre-Visa
New Student
Quick Facts
SEVIS Fee
$350
Apply no later than
120 days before the program start date (Recommended)
What is an Initial F-1 Student?
An Initial F-1 student is a student who is currently outside the United States and has not yet applied for an F-1 (Student) visa.
This student is considered pre-arrival and pre-visa, preparing to begin their studies in the United States.
Examples:
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A student who has never studied in the U.S.
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A student planning to start English, a pathway, or a university program from abroad
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Students who are in their last year of high school
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Student who holds a high school diploma
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Students with college or university credits or a completed degree
Still Not Sure About How To Get Started?
Book a session with one of our counselors for additional support!
Book an Information Session
How Do I Apply & Do I Meet the Requirements?
To determine if you qualify, you need to answer four key questions:
What Do I Want to Study?
Before applying to a university, it is important to have a clear idea of what you want to study. This helps you choose the right school, avoid delays, and save both time and money.
Why knowing your intended major is important:
- Not all universities offer the same programs
- Some majors have specific academic or English requirements
- Choosing early helps you stay on track and graduate on time
- It strengthens both your application and visa profile
You do not need to have everything figured out—but having a plan allows our team to guide you more effectively.
Do I Meet the Academic Requirements for My Major?
Each university and major has academic requirements. One of the most important factors is your GPA (Grade Point Average), which shows universities whether you are academically prepared for a program.
1.0 – 2.4
Associate Degree
2.5 – 3.0
Bachelor's Degree
3.0 – 4.0
Master's Degree
If your scores are below the average requirements, consult one of our academic advisors to explore universities that may still consider your results.
How We Help:
- Review your transcripts
- Convert your grades to the U.S. GPA scale
- Identify universities and majors that match your academic profile
- Recommend pathway or alternative options if needed
Already have a degree?
If you hold a Bachelor's degree and want to pursue a Master's, most U.S. universities require an evaluation from a NACES member. We partner with IEE, a NACES-member credential evaluation agency, to assist you.
Do I Need English Classes or a Pathway Program First?
Most universities require proof of English proficiency before admission. It's important to know whether you meet the English requirement or need ESL or a pathway program first.
Have Test Scores?
If you've taken Duolingo, IELTS, or TOEFL, your scores determine direct admission eligibility.
No Test Yet?
That's fine! We can help explore ESL programs, pathway options, or waivers.
What Is a Pathway Program?
A pathway program is designed for students who do not yet meet the English or academic requirements for direct university admission but want a smooth, supported transition into a degree program.
English-School Pathways
An English Pathway Program provides international students with an alternative route to meet university English requirements without standardized test scores such as IELTS, TOEFL, or Duolingo.
University Pathway Programs
Offered directly by universities, ideal for students with intermediate English and slightly lower academic requirements.
Key Benefits of Pathway Programs:
Conditional progression
Smaller classes
Academic advising
Start without all requirements
Cultural integration
Our Partner Pathways:
ILAC
- International English in Canada
- Academic Pathway to University
- 300+ Partner Universities
OHLA
- Intensive English in the U.S.
- Academic Pathway to University
- 300+ Partner Universities
What Is My Budget for the University?
Having a clear understanding of your budget is essential. International students must demonstrate proof of financial support to cover tuition, living expenses, health insurance, books, and personal expenses as part of the university admission process.
Based on your budget range, our team can help identify universities that fit your financial plan and explore any available partial scholarship opportunities if available.
Our Partner Pathways:
Tuition and fees
Health insurance
Housing and living expenses
Books and personal expenses
About Scholarships:
- Most scholarships are partial, not full
- Primarily based on GPA and sometimes test scores
- Higher GPA means better scholarship opportunities
Based on your budget, our team can identify universities that fit your financial plan and explore available partial scholarships.
Still Not Sure About How To Get Started?
Book a session with one of our counselors for additional support!
Book an Information Session
Why Choose UniApplyNow?
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Support until you arrive on campus
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300+ university partners
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Thousands of students assisted
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No service fees (free support)
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Free academic advising
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Personalized university recommendations
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Scholarship guidance
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GPA evaluation
Steps for an Initial International Student
Define Your Academic Plan
Decide what you want to study, review GPA requirements, understand English/pathway needs, and set your budget.
Create Your Profile on UniApplyNow.com
Create your student profile, add personal and academic details, and use it as your centralized application hub.
Search & Compare Programs
Filter by major, location, budget, and requirements. Compare universities and identify direct, ESL, or pathway options.
Upload Required Documents
Academic transcripts
Passport copy
English test scores
Proof of funds
Get Support From Our Academic Advisors
Get an advisor assigned to you for GPA review, program guidance, and application support.
FREE of charge
Submit University Applications
Apply to one or multiple universities with applications submitted correctly and on time.
Receive Admission Decisions
Get admission offers and partial scholarships if available. Your advisor helps you compare options.
Move Forward With Visa & Enrollment
Receive your Initial I-20, prepare for the F-1 visa process, and get ongoing support until enrollment.
In Summary
As an Initial International Student, UniApplyNow provides the platform, and our expert academic advisors provide the guidance—helping you move from planning → applying → acceptance with confidence and clarity.