What is an F-1 Visa?
F-1 Visas are for students looking to enter a school for academic study with the intent of obtaining a degree, diploma, or certificate. These schools must be authorized by the United States government to enroll foreign or international students. Schools that qualify are listed below:
Working on the F1 Visa
F-1 Visa holders are limited to on-campus jobs during their first academic year but have several other options during their second year and onward:
Duration of the F-1 Visa
In addition to the CPT or OPT, F1 Visa holders may remain the U.S. for up to 60 days afterwards before returning to their home country.
What is an F1 visa?
An F1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa for those wishing to study in the U.S. You must file an F1 visa application if you plan on entering the US to attend a university or college, high school, private elementary school, seminary, conservatory, language training program, or other academic institution.
How long can you stay in the US with an F1 visa?
Instead, F-1 visa holders can remain in the US for up to 60 days after completing their academic program or OPT training. Any students wishing to remain in the States after their program must change their visa status, re-enroll in a higher program, or have the option to transfer to a new school and receive new visa documents.
What is the I-20 form?
After receiving acceptance by the school of your choice, you will be officially enrolled into the SEVP and are required to pay a one-time application fee. After all fees are paid and your account is in good standing, what is called an “I-20” form will be provided by your institution or educational program. This form will allow you to schedule an interview appointment with a local US embassy or consulate to be granted an F1 visa and officially become an international student!
What to do if you have questions about visa?
If you have any questions about the visa process, an academic advisor at your school can often be a great resource. In terms of ensuring you have adequate health insurance for your studies in the United States, be sure to contact us for plan suggestions and guidance.
Do F1 visa holders have to be equipped to cover living expenses?
F1 visa holders must be equipped to cover their living and study expenses while in the US , as legal employment opportunities will be limited.
What is an F1 visa?
The F1 Visa explained. Studying in the US is a dream for many. Not only will you be able to learn at a range of world class institutions, living abroad means a wealth of opportunities to experience a different culture, travel and make new friends from around the world. Most students arriving in the US from abroad have either an F1 or M1 visa class.
What are the requirements to get an F1 visa?
To apply for the F1 visa type you’ll need to fulfil the following eligibility requirements: You must be a full time student on an academic course (as opposed to vocational) or language course, at an accredited institution.
How many days do you have to apply for an F1 visa?
If you’re applying for a new F1 visa, you should submit your application up to 120 days prior to the start date of the course you want to attend. If you’re applying for an extension and are already studying at an approved school, you can do so at any time.
How to extend a visa without leaving the country?
Otherwise you risk overstaying which can mean you’re fined or even deported. To extend your visa without leaving the country you need to file Form I-539⁴, which can be done online. Visit the USCIS website to find the paperwork and learn more about the process of extending your non immigrant status.
How long do you have to extend your F1 visa?
If you’re in the US and want to extend your stay you must do so 45 days before your existing visa expires.
Is M1 visa better than F1?
The M1 visa has slightly different eligibility requirements — notably that it is issued to students on vocational courses. If you’re not eligible to apply for an F1 visa class, the M1 may better suit your needs.
What is an F-1 student visa?
The F-1 student visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows international students to enter the US and study at institutions certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). It is the most popular type of student visa for students seeking to study at a US university or college, and you can only apply for your F-1 visa after an accredited US institution accepts your application.
What is the process of getting an F-1 visa?
The F-1 student visa process starts when you get accepted to a SEVP-certified US university. SEVP certification is the US government’s way of proving that your university is accredited and has the proper resources to provide you with an education.
How to apply for an F-1 visa?
Before you begin your F-1 visa application, you must take the following steps: Get accepted by a SEVP-certified institution before submitting your visa application. When you are accepted, you will receive your I-20 form, which you will need to apply for your F-1 visa. Pay your SEVIS fee.
What are the requirements for an F-1 student visa?
You must meet these requirements for your application to be accepted: Institution certification —The college or the university where you plan to study needs to be approved by SEVP Immigration & Customs Enforcement.
How old do you have to be to get a visa interview?
Attending your visa interview in person is required, though there are a few rare exceptions (e.g., if you are younger than 14 or older than 80 years of age, or if you meet certain visa renewal requirements). Cost: Your DS-160 payment covers the cost. Where to apply: Scheduling portal for your visa interview.
When will Shorelight update the F-1 visa?
advice for students. By Shorelight Team. Last updated on April 15, 2021. Get ready to study abroad in America with our step-by-step guide to F-1 visa rules. Students wishing to study in the United States need to learn about the F-1 student visa application process.
How long can I stay in the US with an F-1?
As a F-1 student, the duration of your stay will vary based on the program in which you enroll. The I-20 form provided by the university you wish to attend will list the expiration date of your program. You will need to earn your degree before the listed expiration date, and this will give you an outline of how long you will be able to remain in the US.
How much does it cost to get an F-1 visa?
Complete F-1 visa application form: The student must pay a non-refundable visa application fee of USD 160. An online visa application is available, which allows you to complete and print the Form DS-160 for your F-1 visa interview.
What documents are needed to get an F-1 visa?
Additional documents may be requested to prove your eligibility for the F-1 student visa, including academic transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates. Test scores such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, or GMAT may also be requested, as well as proof of your intent to depart the U.S. after your program is complete and proof of your financial stability.
How to get an I-20?
Pay SEVIS fee and get Form I-20: When approved, the student would be allowed to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee of USD 350 to be enrolled in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The school would then provide the student with the Form I-20. This form will be sent to the consular officer at the time of the student's F-1 visa interview. (If your spouse and/or children intend to live with you in the United States while you are studying, they will be expected to have individual Form I-20s, but they will not need to be enrolled in the SEVIS.)
Do F-1 students have to prove they can support themselves?
F-1 students must prove that they are able to support themselves during their stay in the US, as their prospects for legal employment are limited.
Can an employer petition for an F-1 student?
The employer must petition for you to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and get approval. In the case of non-immigrant visas, the F-1 student cannot self-petition. The process can only be initiated by the employer. 4.
What is an F-1 visa?
An F-1 visa is a great option for individuals who want to study in an accredited program that has a specific educational objective. It is also important to note that F-1 visa holders have more opportunities and flexibility to work under certain requirements and limitations.
How long before I can get an F-1 visa?
The earlier you begin the process, the smoother the process will be. With an F-1 visa you can only enter the U.S. 30 days before the program start date listed on the I-20.
What is the sponsoring organization form?
Upon approval, your sponsoring organization gives you a form called the DS-2019. You will need this form to apply for the visa.
What schools are covered by the F-1 visa?
The types of schools covered by the F-1 visa include the following: Universities or Colleges with programs of at least 12 hours per semester where the student is charged full-time tuition. Private Elementary or Middle School. Public or Private academic High School.
What is an I-20?
The government looks to your I-20 to determine the cost of your academic program. An I-20 is a form given to you by your school upon acceptance. Some students prove financial support by including a sponsor in their application (usually a family member).
Do you need to have a proficiency in English to travel with dependents?
The amount of evidence needed is greater if you plan on traveling with dependents. English Proficiency - You must have a proficiency in English that is sufficient to complete your studies in the U.S. However, if you plan on studying English while in the U.S., then this requirement does not apply to you.
F-1 Student Visa
The F-1 Visa (Academic Student) allows you to enter the United States as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or other academic institution or in a language training program.
M-1 Student Visa
The M-1 visa (Vocational Student) category includes students in vocational or other nonacademic programs, other than language training.
Employment
F-1 students may not work off-campus during the first academic year, but may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions. After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment:
Special Instructions
If you are interested in changing to F or M Student Status, see the Changing to a Nonimmigrant F or M Student Status page.
