<p>I'm an Indian undergrad student starting college this year. I plan arrive in the US in mid August.</p>
<p>Due to several reasons, I haven't been able to send my Declaration of Finances till today (May 29, 2013). I'm assuming that it'll take about two to three weeks for me to receive my I-20 and only then can I schedule a visa interview.</p>
<p>My question is how late is too late to apply for an F-1 visa? The way things are going, I might be able to apply only in mid to late June. How long did it take other international students to acquire their visas?</p>
<p>It may depend on the country you’re in. But here’s an idea: make your appointment now with the consulate. You don’t need to have your I-20 in your hand to make the appointment.</p>
<p>Once you have all the necessary papers, it takes 2-3 days for the consulate to issue a student visa. You’re fine.</p>
<p>Really? I didn’t know that. Do many people schedule interviews before receiving their I-20?</p>
<p>I don’t know when I’ll receive my I-20, so how do I know when to schedule an interview. I don’t want my interview to happen before I receive my I-20. :P</p>
<p>Usually students wait to make the appointment until after they actually have received the I-20. If you are certain that you have been admitted, and you have not received the I-20 yet, you need to contact the college/university involved and ask if it has been sent.</p>