If you are an Indonesian student interested in studying in the United States, you will need to obtain a student visa. There are several types of student visas that you can consider based on your study plans, each with their own conditions and requirements. This guide will go through the common types of student visa for Indonesian students and walk you through the required steps to apply for your USA student visa.
Read on to learn everything you need to know before applying for a USA student visa from Indonesia, including documentation, visa fees, and more.
August 2025 Update
Effective June 20, 2023, Indonesian citizens approved for an F-1/F-2 student visa are required to pay a reciprocity fee of $195. This issuance fee must be paid at the U.S. Embassy Consular cashier after a consular officer has approved your visa application. For more details on US visa reciprocity, visit the official U.S. Visa Reciprocity page.
Shorelight anticipates increasing availability for visa interviews at embassies worldwide. 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 Indonesian International Students in 2025
As an Indonesian international student planning to study in the United States, you can choose from three main student visa categories: F-1, J-1, or M-1, depending on whether you wish to pursue academic or vocational studies.
F-1 Visa - The F-1 visa is the most common option for international students who want to pursue full-time academic programs in the US. With an F-1 visa, you can attend a college or university and may also be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) during your studies or Optional Practical Training (OPT) during or after graduation, both of which offer valuable work experience related to your degree.
J-1 Visa - The J-1 visa is for international students participating in an approved study- or work-based exchange program at a US college or university. These programs must be recognized by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, and typically receive funding from educational or nonprofit organizations. While J-1 students do not qualify for OPT, they may be eligible for Academic Training (AT) once their program is complete.
M-1 Visa - The M-1 visa is designed for students enrolling in vocational studies or non-academic programs at SEVP-certified institutions in the US. Funding for your studies may come from personal savings, family, or friends. While M-1 students can take part in practical training after finishing their program, the guidelines differ from those under the F-1 visa and are more limited.
Now that we have looked at the different student visa for Indonesian students, let us go over American student visa requirements for Indonesian students.
Visa Requirements for International Students from Indonesia
As an Indonesian international student looking to study in the US, you will need to attend a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta or the U.S. Consulate in Surabaya. You must bring the following to your interview:
A passport valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States
Passport-sized photo(s) meeting US visa specifications
Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrants, Form I-20
SEVIS I‑901 fee payment receipt
Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page
Visa application fee receipt
School transcript and official test scores used on your university application
Diploma and other certificates (if applicable)
Proof of financial support, such as bank statements or scholarship letters
Evidence of ties to Indonesia, such as family, property, or job prospects
If you need guidance in preparing the required documents for a US student visa interview, a Shorelight advisor can provide one-on-one support.
Now that we have reviewed student visa requirements, let us look at the step-by-step process for applying for your US student visa from Indonesia.
Step-by-Step Guide for a Student Visa from Indonesia to the USA
There are several steps that need to be taken prior to receiving your student visa USA from Indonesia, which allows you to study in the US.
1. Research and Enroll in a US University
The first step toward securing your student visa is to research universities and programs that align with your academic and professional goals. The university you plan to apply to needs to be an SEVP-accredited institution, and SEVP institutions can be identified by going through the School Search Map tool on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security website.
As part of the admission process, you will also need to meet your chosen institution’s English language proficiency requirements. Required scores may vary depending on the university, academic program, and degree level.
2. Enroll and Receive Your I-20 Form
Once you have been accepted to a US university or college, you will receive a Form I-20 (or DS-2019 for J-1 students). This document is your official Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status and includes important details such as your SEVIS ID number, your program’s start and end dates, and information about your funding source(s).
Be sure to review your I-20 carefully before signing it, as this form confirms that you are enrolled in a US institution and will be frequently referenced throughout your visa application journey.
Before moving forward with your F-1 visa application, you must pay the SEVIS fee of $350 (approximately 5,950,000 IDR). Remember to print a copy of the payment receipt, as you will need to bring it with you to your visa interview.
3. Complete the Required DS-160 Application
As part of the visa application process, you will need to complete the DS-160 form online. This is the official Nonimmigrant Visa Application, and it must be submitted through the U.S. Department of State’s application portal. You can visit the official website to learn more about the DS-160 process.
Remember to enter correct and accurate details. Once the form is submitted, you cannot make any changes.
After submitting the form, you will be required to pay the $185 (approximately 3,145,000 IDR) visa application fee. Once the payment is complete, you will receive a confirmation page with a barcode. Be sure to print this page and bring it with you to your visa interview, as it is a required document.
4. Schedule an Interview
Once you have received the I-20 and completed the DS-160 form, you can book an interview at the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta or at the U.S. Consulate in Surabaya. Remember to enter the same barcode number on your DS-160 application while scheduling your visa interview. If the DS-160 barcode does not match the one in your appointment profile, you will not be able to attend your interview.
You can check the U.S. Department of State website to see current interview wait times. Monitoring US visa appointment availability and estimated wait times can help you plan your application timeline effectively.
5. Prepare and Attend the Visa Interview
In this step of the visa application process, you will need to attend the visa interview, where you must present all required documents.
At the interview, the officer will ask questions to determine your intention for studying in the US and your ability to finance your stay in the US. Before the interview, remember to practice answering mock interview questions with a friend or your Shorelight enrollment advisor.
6. Pay the Reciprocity Fee and Obtain Your Visa
When your F-1 student visa is approved, you will be required to pay a $195 (approximately 3,315,000 IDR) reciprocity fee. This fee is applicable to Indonesian citizens and must be paid at the U.S. Embassy Consular cashier.
Once you have obtained your student visa USA from Indonesia and paid the fees, you can begin preparing for the financial aspects of studying abroad in the United States.
Costs of Studying Abroad in the US in 2025
It is important to plan ahead for the various expenses associated with studying in the US. The main cost you will need to account for is tuition for the program you enrolled in, and pricing can vary depending on whether you study at a college or university, location, type of program you enroll in, and institutional fees.
Other expenses may include:
Housing and meals – you may choose to live on campus with the option to purchase a meal plan or live off campus, depending on your preferences.
Transportation – this includes public transportation passes, ride-sharing services, or the cost of owning a car.
Textbooks and supplies – books and supplies can be purchased at the campus bookstore or online, or may even be rented.
Health insurance – most universities require international students to have health insurance coverage.
Personal expenses – these include entertainment, clothing, and other miscellaneous expenses.
The cost of living in the United States varies depending on the city or region, as well as your personal lifestyle. Creating a monthly budget can help you manage your finances effectively and avoid unexpected expenses. You can also get dedicated support for budgeting, exploring scholarships and financial aid options, or identifying budget-friendly schools by reaching out to a Shorelight advisor.
Now that we have reviewed the costs associated with studying in the US, let us explore other important factors that can shape your study abroad experience.
What to Expect About Studying in the US if You Are Coming From Indonesia
As an Indonesian student, studying abroad in the United States can be a rewarding and transformative experience. Alongside exciting academic and personal opportunities, you may also encounter a few challenges, especially during your first few weeks on campus. For a short while after you arrive, you may experience culture shock; this is a natural part of adjusting to a new environment. You might notice differences in the grading system and/or student-professor relationships. You may hear dozens of unfamiliar slang words being used around campus, and even differences in professional culture where it is normal to call your boss or seniors by their first name.
It takes time to settle into university life, but you will not be navigating the transition alone. To support your transition, your university’s orientation program will introduce you to campus life, available resources, and academic expectations in a US university.
Outside the classroom, you will have the chance to explore American culture through food, travel, and everyday life. From trying out American cuisine to experiencing different climates and seasonal changes, each region in the US offers a unique lifestyle.
Throughout your journey, support is always available. Your university’s international student office and Shorelight advisors are here to guide you, whether you need help adjusting to a new routine, navigating campus services, or simply settling into life in the US.
Indonesian International Student Visas FAQ
Can an Indonesian International Student Work in the US?
Yes, Indonesian international students may work in the US, and work restrictions will depend on your visa type and status.
F-1 Visa: Students on an F-1 visa may work part-time on campus during the academic year and full time during official school breaks. After completing one academic year, eligible students may apply for off-campus training opportunities such as CPT or OPT.
J-1 Visa: J-1 students may qualify for part-time, on-campus employment. Off-campus work requires approval from their program sponsor. After graduation, students may pursue Academic Training (AT) to gain hands-on experience.
M-1 Visa: Students holding an M-1 visa are not permitted to work while enrolled. Practical training is only available after program completion and must be directly related to their field of study.
For questions about your employment eligibility in the US as an Indonesian international student, speak with your Designated School Official (DSO) or connect with a Shorelight advisor for personalized support.
How to Check the Status of My Visa Application
To check the status of your visa application, visit the U.S. Department of State’s Visa Status Check tool and enter your application number, passport number, and the first five letters of your surname in the relevant fields. You can also check your status via telephone by calling +62 21 3071 7631 or +62 889 7717 0660.
It is important to monitor your visa status regularly so you can take timely action based on the outcome of your application.
If your application is approved, you will receive an SMS and email that your passport and visa are “Ready for Pick Up” from the location you selected when scheduling your interview appointment.
If your visa does not get approved by the US embassy, it is important to find out why. Once you know the reason, it is easier to reapply for the student visa with any additional documents required.
How to Maintain F-1 Visa Status
Once you receive your visa, you must follow the rules and regulations of your educational institution and the US government to maintain your student visa status. These include:
Pursuing a course of study at a SEVP-accredited institution
Meeting the minimum number of hours required by your program per week
Adhering to work restrictions
Informing your DSO regarding any changes to your program, school, major, education level, and address
Study at the Best US Universities with Shorelight’s Guidance!
If you are an Indonesian international student looking to pursue your undergraduate or graduate studies in the US, Shorelight advisors can help. They can assist with identifying the right-fit program and supporting you in obtaining your USA student visa from Indonesia. Shorelight advisors can also provide you with on-campus services including academic tutoring, cultural guidance, and help in securing part-time work.
Need help finding the best universities for international students in the US? Reach out to a Shorelight advisor today >
