Must I be accepted at a U.S. school prior to aplying for a Student Visa?

A:

The most basic requirement in an F-1 Student Visa application is having been admitted to an approved academic program. To apply for an F-1, the foreign student must first apply to an American college or university. Once accepted, one can then submit a petition with the U.S. government for a student visa. However, not all academic programs are recognized. Only USCIS-approved programs can serve as the basis for an F-1. (USCIS stands for "United States Citizenship and Immigration Services" and is the government agency that oversees immigration issues.) That said, most major colleges and universities are recognized by USCIS.