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F-1 Visa & I-20 Estimator 2026

USA Study Cost Calculator

Estimate tuition fees, health insurance, campus housing, SEVIS fees, and official Form I-20 Proof of Financial Capability required for your US Embassy visa interview.

Currency Mode

Adjust United States Study Budget Parameters

Lifestyle Presets
$28,000
Low$30k$60k+
2 Years
1 Yr 3 Yrs 5 Yrs
$1,400
$500 $1.5k $3k
Official Proof of Funds (Form I-20 Required Proof of Funds (1st Year))

You must deposit $42,000 in a blocked account/GIC before arriving. This money will be returned to you in monthly payouts.

Estimated Grand Total
$98,135

Calculated for 2 years of studies in United States.

Total Tuition Fees$56,000
Total Living Expenses$33,600
Visa & Health Insurance$4,135
Travel & Emergency Buffer$4,400

Expense Allocation Chart

Tuition Share57%
Tuition57%
Living Costs34%
Visa & Insurance4%
Travel & Emergency4%

Understanding US F-1 Visa I-20 Proof of Financial Capability

To obtain an F-1 Student Visa, your university designated official (DSO) will issue a **Form I-20**. The I-20 specifies the exact estimated cost for 1 full academic year (tuition + mandatory fees + living costs). You must demonstrate to the US Consular Officer that you have liquid funds matching or exceeding this amount.

1. Tuition Range Overview

Institution TypeAvg. Annual Tuition (USD)
Community College (Associate)$8,000 - $14,000
Public State University$20,000 - $35,000
Private University / Ivy League$38,000 - $65,000+

2. SEVIS I-901 and Visa Application Fees

Before your Embassy appointment, all F-1 visa applicants must pay the **$350 SEVIS I-901 Fee** to the Department of Homeland Security, alongside the **$185 DS-160 MRV Visa Application Fee**.

US F-1 Visa Financial Checklist

  • Form I-20: Official document from university DSO with program estimated costs.
  • Bank Statement / Affidavit of Support: Showing liquid funds (savings, fixed deposits, or education loans) covering 100% of I-20 year 1 cost.
  • SEVIS I-901 Fee Receipt: Printout of $350 fee confirmation.
  • DS-160 Confirmation Page: Showing barcode and $185 visa fee payment.

USA F-1 Visa & I-20 Guidance

Need help evaluating I-20 financial support documents, sponsor letters, or preparing for your US visa interview?