what is an f 1 visa

by Dudley Harvey Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

The F-1 visa is designed for those attending the following courses:

Private elementary schools (non-U.S. citizens are prohibited from attending public U.S. elementary schools on an F-1 visa)
High school
Seminary
Conservatory
University and college
Other educational institutions and training programs, including language training programs

Full Answer

What are the requirements for F1 visa?

F-1 visa requirements dictate that international students be enrolled in a program that leads to a specific educational goal, such as a degree, diploma or certificate. A degree or certificate is not a requirement. You could come to the US just to study for a semester full time and that would be sufficient as a specific educational goal.

How can I apply for F1 visa?

Fill in your visa application. Even when you apply to renew your visa, you have to fill in the online visa Form DS-160 and print the confirmation page.
Schedule an appointment at the embassy or consulate. ...
Assemble the required documents. ...
Pay the application fee for the visa. ...
Go to your visa interview. ...

What are the list of financial documents required for F1 visa?

Here are the documents required to apply for an F1 Visa:

Your valid passport.
Form DS-160 for non-immigrant visa applications.
Two photographs meeting the US Visa Photo Requirements.
Proof of paid F1 visa fee.
Form I-20. ...

More items...

What are reasons for visa denial of a F1 visa?

common reasons for f-1 visa rejection: Lack of sufficient financial proof to support the student's education. Lack of document proof that confirms a necessary return to the home country after completion of education.

What does F-1 student visa mean?

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.

Who gets an F1 visa?

F-1 Visa Eligibility You must be enrolled as a full-time student at the institution. You must be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency. Have proof of sufficient financial funds to support study in the United States.

Can you work with F1 visa?

You must maintain valid F1 status. You can work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session. You can work full-time on campus during holidays and vacation periods if you intend to register for the next academic semester. The employment may not displace (take a job away from) a U.S. resident.

How long can you stay in the US with an F1 visa?

60 daysF-1 student visa F-1 students must sustain a full-time course load. They can stay in the US for up to 60 days after finishing their academic program unless they applied for and were accepted to carry on working for a while under the OPT Program.

Is getting F1 visa difficult?

The F1 Visa is an easy enough visa to apply for, however, it is a very lengthy process and it can throw-up all sorts of complications, the best thing for you to do, is to be honest in your application, make sure that you have all of the necessary paperwork and as with everything in life, don't lie, especially when you' ...

Can I change my F1 visa to green card?

F-1 visa to EB-1 visa One option for students who are in the U.S. on F-1 visas and wish to become Green Card holders is to apply for an EB-1 visa, also known as first-preference employment-based visas.

Can F-1 students get paid?

Foreign students in the United States are expected to cover all their expenses without needing to accept paid employment. However, F-1 students have limited rights to do paid work, as described in this article.

How do F-1 students make money?

When studying on an F1 student visa, your ways to earn money are:Working on campus.Applying for CPT.Applying for pre-completion OPT.Staying after you finish your degree and applying for post-completion OPT.Applying for an OPT extension.

Can F-1 students apply for citizenship?

The employer must petition for you to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and get approval. For the nonimmigrant visas, the F-1 student cannot self-petition. Only the employer can start the process. After getting the dual intent visa, the international student can try to apply for the Green Card.

Is it difficult to get US student visa?

It is not difficult to get a student visa for the USA from India, but you must follow all student visa requirements for the USA from India and give yourself plenty of time to complete and submit your paperwork.

Can spouse of F1 visa holder work in USA?

F-2 dependent (spouse) visa holders are not eligible for employment. An F-2 dependent who would desire to pursue any employment, paid or non-paid, in the U.S. would need to find an employer willing and able to sponsor them for an employment visa.

Can I work in USA with student visa?

Your US student visa allows you to work on-campus up to 20 hours per week when school is in session and full-time during school break periods (up to 40 hours per week). On-campus employment is defined as work that takes place on campus, or at an off-campus location that is affiliated with the school.

How can I get F1 visa for USA?

How to Apply for an F1 Visa?Get your admissions documents from the SEVP institution.Apply online through the DS-160 form.Pay the application fee.Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.Schedule your F1 visa interview.Submit the file with the F1 visa required documents.Attend the student visa interview.

Is US student visa easy to get?

Is F1 visa a permanent resident?

In general: F and J student visa holders are considered non-resident aliens during their first five calendar years in the U.S. J professors and researchers, are considered non-resident aliens during their first two calendar years in the U.S.

How long does it take to get an F1 visa?

Processing with USCIS can take 6 – 8 months plus mailing time or longer depending on USCIS processing times. While the application is pending you may not leave the United States.

What is an F1 visa?

The F1 visa is a student visa that is given to international students who want to attend educational institutions in the United States. It covers levels from elementary school to university and graduate school, including other degrees. If one of these institutions accepts you, then you apply for the F1 visa.

What is the form I-20?

Your Form I-20 states the amount of funds you need to finance your education and living in the US. You must submit documents which prove you have that amount readily available. This can be done by submitting various documents, such as: Bank statements for the last 3 years. Tax records for the last 3 years.

Can I Stay Longer Than My Visa Allows?

After your visa expires, you have a 60 day grace period to prepare for your departure to your home country. If your visa doesn’t cover the whole time that you will be in school in the US, you will have to apply for renewal or extensions. The extensions are approved only if you can prove you will be completing your degree in the US and you intend to return as soon as it is over.

Can F1 Students Apply for Permanent Residence?

Even though you have proved that you have strong ties to your home country, if you want to apply for a Green Card, you are allowed to do so on an F1 visa. It is a complicated procedure, though. You must either self-petition as a person with extraordinary abilities, get married in the US or prove that you will invest $500,000 in the US economy.

How much does it cost to get a SEVIS I-901?

To have full registration, there is a SEVIS I-901 fee. For the F1 visa, this fee is $200.

What to do after filing DS-160?

After filing the DS-160 form and paying the fees, you will need to schedule your interview. The F1 Visa interview is a mandatory step before you get your student visa. Try to schedule it as early as possible, since there might be delays due to the heavy workload of the US Embassy. When you schedule it, you will receive an interview appointment letter which you will need later on in the application process.

How much does it cost to get a student visa?

The application fee for the student visa is $160. You must pay this fee and get the receipt, which you will need later for your interview documents. You might have to pay additional fees based on your country of origin and the US Embassy you are applying from.

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 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.

What form do I need to get an F-1 visa?

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.

What is an I-20 form?

Once you are accepted, your university will provide your I-20 form. This form documents your study plans and provides supporting information about your stay.

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 to get an F-1 visa?

To receive an F-1 visa, you will need to receive an acceptance into a U.S. institution, pay the system fee, complete your DS-160 visa application, and schedule and attend your visa interview.

What are the requirements for the F-1 visa?

You already applied and received an acceptance from a SEVP approved academic institution.

What is the F-1 visa application process?

To receive an F-1 visa, you will need to receive an acceptance into a U.S. institution, pay the system fee, complete your DS-160 visa application, and schedule and attend your visa interview.

What is the I-20 form?

Form I-20 is officially known as “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.” With this form, you can apply to a U.S. consulate or embassy for your student visa. This form will record information about your study plan and stay. Make sure all your information is correct, or you might not be able to enter the United States.

What to ask consular officer about a student visa?

During the interview, the consular officer’s goal is to determine that you are a legitimate student, have the financial support to pay for your studies, and do not plan to overstay your visa. They may ask you if you plan to return home after your academic program ends and about your post-graduation plans. They may also ask why you picked your institution and whether you plan to work in the United States.

Can a spouse and minor children work on an F-2 visa?

Yes, your spouse and unmarried, minor children who will live with you can all apply for F-2 visas. Your spouse cannot work, but your dependents can attend school. Your institution will have to issue your spouse and children each a Form I-20. You will have to provide a copy of your visa issuance and proof of relationship.

How long do you have to wait to get an appointment for an F-1 visa?

embassy or consulate. At this stage, it is important to note that F-1 visas for new students can only be issued up to 120 days in advance of the start date for a course of study.

What are the requirements for F-1 students?

F-1 students cannot work off-campus during the first academic year, but may accept on-campus employment subject to conditions and restrictions. After the first academic year, F-1 students can engage in three types of off-campus employment: 1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT) 2 Optional Practical Training (OPT) (pre-completion or post-completion) 3 Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) OPT

When is the visa fee due?

The visa issuance fee is only due after your interview, if your visa is approved. The next step will be an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate. Predictably, visa wait time can vary depending on the time of year and location.

How much does it cost to get an I-901?

Once you have registered with SEVIS, you will need to pay the I-901 fee. This fee is currently $350 for most people, and funds the SEVP program.

How old do you have to be to fill out DS-160?

embassy or consulate, unless you are under 13 years of age or over 80 years of age.

Is an F-1 visa an immigrant visa?

The first is that you have to be coming to the United States with the intent to temporarily study. In other words, this is not an immigrant visa.

Do consular officers take fingerprints?

The consular officer will also take your fingerprints, although this will vary depending on your location. After your visa interview, the consular officer may determine that your application requires further administrative processing. The consular officer will let you know if this is required.

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 EAD for F-1?

Students who are authorized Optional Practical Training (OPT) must have a Form I-20 endorsed for OPT, and apply to USCIS for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). When authorized, OPT is temporary employment that is directly related to the eligible F-1 student's area of study.

What is a B visa?

After you are admitted to the United States by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials in visitor (B) visa status, you must separately apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for a change of status to student (For M) status prior to the start of your program.

What happens after a visa interview?

After your visa interview, the consular officer may determine that your application requires further administrative processing. The consular officer will inform you if this is required.

How long does a passport need to be valid for a visa interview?

Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview: Passport valid for travel to the United States – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States (unless exempt by country-specific agreements ).

How far in advance can you get a student visa?

New Students – Student (F and M) visas for new students can be issued up to 120 days in advance of the start date for a course of study. However, you will not be allowed to enter the United States on your student visa more than 30 days before the start date.

What is the purpose of a consular interview?

A consular officer will interview you to determine whether you are qualified to receive a student visa. You must establish that you meet the requirements under U.S. law to receive a visa.

What documents do consular officers need to interview you for a student visa?

A consular officer will interview you to determine your qualifications for a student visa, and may request additional documents, such as evidence of: Your academic preparation, such as: Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended; and. Standardized test scores required by your U.S. school;

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.