Are you a Filipino student aspiring to pursue your higher education in the US? Understanding the student visa process is the first step toward achieving your academic goals. From choosing the right type of visa and preparing your documents to organizing your application and fee payments, read on to stay informed on how to navigate through your student visa USA application.
August 2025 update
Shorelight anticipates increasing availability for visa interviews at embassies worldwide. As of July 2025, the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines has announced the availability of J-1 visa appointments and is now accepting applications. Be aware of new social media guidelines for all incoming students heading to US universities: Check out our FAQs guide to studying in the US in 2025 or reach out to a Shorelight advisor for personalized guidance. Get in touch >
Types of Student Visas Available for Filipino International Students in 2025
Filipino students can apply for three types of student visas — F-1, J-1, and M-1. Each visa serves a different purpose, and understanding which one fits your study plans will make it easier to choose the visa that meets your needs the best. Let us take a closer look at each type of visa you can apply for:
F-1 Visa – This type of visa allows international students to enter the US and study at universities and colleges certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). You can only apply for your F-1 visa after an accredited US institution accepts your application.
M-1 Visa – The M-1 visa enables Filipino students enrolled in vocational studies or other recognized non-academic institutions (other than language training programs) to study in the US. Similar to the F-1 visa, the institute you are accepted in must be SEVP-certified.
J-1 Visa – The J-1 student visa is for international students who want to participate in study- and work-related exchange programs at US colleges or universities. Filipino students must apply for an exchange visitor program through a pre-approved organization in the US. Once accepted, the institution will provide the necessary documentation required to submit in your student visa application. The Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) Committee in the Philippines, through the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), requires Filipino J-1 visa holders to attend a pre-departure registration and orientation seminar.
Visa Requirements for International Students from the Philippines
Before you start your US student visa application, staying informed about the essential requirements the U.S. Embassy in Manila requires for your student visa USA can make your visa application smoother and faster. These include travel documents, visa application forms, payment receipts, and more. Here is a list of visa requirements to keep in mind:
Acceptance by a SEVP‑certified institution — To begin your visa application, the first requirement is to be accepted into a school or program certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
A valid passport — Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the US.
Passport-style photographs — For your application to be accepted, all students must meet the photo requirements for digital and hard copy photographs needed in your visa application.
Full-time enrollment — Students enrolled only for full‑time academic or vocational programs qualify for student visa applications in the US.
Completed visa application form — Students must fill out the Form DS-160 (the student visa application form) online and print the application form confirmation page to bring to the interview.
SEVIS I‑901 fee payment — Before scheduling your visa appointment, you must pay the SEVIS fee and keep the receipt to present at the interview.
Intent to return home — Proving that you have strong ties to the Philippines, such as family, property, or employment prospects, is an important visa requirement. It shows that you plan to return home after your program ends.
Proof of financial proficiency — Your application must display funds to cover tuition, living expenses, and travel costs for at least the first year. Typical documentation includes bank statements and sponsor letters.
All F-1, M-1, and J-1 student visa applicants are also required to set all your social media accounts to public while your application is being reviewed. This allows US authorities to verify your identity and confirm that you meet the requirements to enter the country. Once your visa process is complete, you can return your accounts to private if you prefer.
Step-by-Step Guide for a Student Visa from the Philippines to the USA
Once you have a clear understanding of the basic visa requirements, you can begin preparing your student visa USA application. This step-by-step guide can provide you with an outline on what to expect during the application process.
1. Acceptance to a SEVP-Certified US School
The first step in your visa application process is to be accepted into a school or program certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
2. Pay the SEVIS I‑901 Fee
After the SEVP-approved school accepts your application, you will be registered in the SEVIS system and must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. The SEVP-approved school will then issue F-1 and M-1 visa applicants a Form I-20 and J-1 applicants a DS‑2019 form. It is important to keep these documents safe as the consular officer may request them when you attend your visa interview.
3. Complete Your Visa Application Form
Filipino students are required to complete the electronic student visa application (DS-160) form. Remember to upload your passport-style photo as part of the form and print the DS‑160 confirmation page with the barcode once submitted.
4. Pay Your Visa Fees
All visa applicants are required to pay a non-refundable, non-transferable visa application fee of $185 or 11100.00 PHP.
5. Schedule Your Appointment
Log in to your profile using the same credentials you used to pay your visa application fee. You will need to schedule two appointments: one for the Visa Application Center (VAC) where you have your fingerprints and photo taken, and the second for the visa interview at the embassy or consulate.
6. Attend Your VAC Appointment and Your Interview
Ensure your VAC appointment is at least one day before your interview. You may schedule both on the same day for some visa classes. However, the VAC appointment time must be prior to the consular appointment time.
Remember to carry your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, appointment confirmation page, and one hardcopy photograph (as per the photo requirements if you are under 14 years of age).
7. Track Your Documents
You can check if your visa application is approved by logging into your profile. Once approved, your passport and visa can be collected from the pickup location you selected when you scheduled your interview appointment.
By following these steps carefully and ensuring you have thoroughly checked and proofread your documents before submitting them, you can make your student visa process to study in the US smooth and stress‑free.
Costs of Studying Abroad in the US in 2025
Tuition fees are usually the largest portion of the cost to study in the US. According to U.S. News & World Report, the average cost of tuition in the US in 2024-2025 ranged from $11,011 to $43,505. This can vary depending on the university where you enroll, your degree program, and the state where your university is located.
Similarly, living expenses can also vary depending on the city and your lifestyle. For example, on-campus housing can be more expensive than off-campus accommodation, however, students living off campus may incur additional transportation costs.
Here are several costs international students should account for when preparing a budget.
Housing
Transportation
Utilities
Mobile and internet costs
Food
Textbooks
Books and supplies
Entertainment
To manage your expenses during your studies, Filipino students can consider applying for scholarships and working part-time on campus, while following the regulations outlined in their student visa. Careful planning and smart budgeting can help you make the most of your study experience in the US.
What to Expect about Studying in the US if You Are Coming from the Philippines
Studying in the US gives you the chance to explore US student life, classroom culture, work environments, and other experiences during your studies. Students can look forward to flexible class schedules and active learning experiences where they are encouraged to discuss opinions and share knowledge in the classroom.
Universities in the US also enroll diverse groups of students and professors from all over the world, and encourage interactions that may be more casual than you are used to back home. In fact, some professors may encourage students to call them by their first names! While you may initially experience some culture shock, connecting with other Filipino or international student communities can help you feel more at home.
Outside of the classroom, you will also have the chance to explore American culture and American cuisine, while also experiencing different climates and seasonal changes in the US.
Another aspect that will require some adjusting to is the weather. While the Philippines often has the respective rainy and dry seasons, in the US, you can experience almost any type of weather. It can be cold and snowy in Montana, hot and dry in California, or warm and humid in Florida. Preparing yourself with the right clothing during different seasons can help you stay comfortable.
Philippines International Student Visas FAQs
When applying for your student visa for the USA, you may have many questions about the application process and maintaining your status once you arrive on campus. Here are several common concerns you may have during your visa application.
Can a Filipino International Student Work in the US?
Yes, Filipino international students can work in the US while studying, but it depends on the type of visa you have been granted. For Filipino students holding an F-1 visa, you can work on campus for up to 20 hours a week during study periods, and are eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) for up to 12 months during or after graduation. STEM field students may be eligible for a 24-month extension.
Students with an M-1 student visa can apply for practical training jobs only after completing their studies. Some J-1 visa holders enter the US specifically for work; therefore employment is authorized only under the terms of the specific exchange program. It is important to check the conditions of your work permit with your sponsoring agency to ensure you are following all the regulations outlined in your visa.
How to Check the Status of my Visa Application?
You can check the status of your visa application on the Consular Electronic Application Center website. In some cases, the consular officer may inform you whether your visa application is approved or denied at the end of your interview.
When approved, you will be informed on how and when your passport will be returned to you. Entering your correct delivery address is important to ensure that you may receive your passport without any interruption or delay.
How to Maintain F-1 Visa Status?
While studying in the United States, it is important to maintain your F-1 visa status by adhering to the study and work regulations outlined in your student visa, and following the F-1 visa requirements. Staying enrolled for your degree program full time, ensuring your passport and I-20 form are valid, reporting any changes to your address, contact information, name, degree program and other information to your DSO, and following travel and re-entry procedures can ensure you can maintain your F-1 student visa status during your studies in the US.
Study at the Best US Universities with Shorelight’s Guidance!
When Filipino students like you apply to US universities via Shorelight, you’ll have access to a wide range of resources and expert counselors to answer any questions or concerns about your student visa application, accommodation, degree program, and more. Navigating the visa application and interview process can seem challenging alone, but with the guidance and support of our advisors, including interview prep resources and other resources, you can work towards your education goals in the US with confidence. Take the first step toward your academic and professional goals today.
Reach out to a Shorelight advisor for visa assistance and other support services >
