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From Acceptance to Arrival: Mastering the F-1 Visa
The F‑1 visa is the main U.S. student visa for full‑time academic study at SEVP‑approved schools, including universities, colleges, high schools, language programs, and other academic institutions. It allows you to live in the U.S. for the length of your program, provided you keep full‑time enrollment and maintain your student status
Access to World-Class Education
Study at top U.S. universities, colleges, and institutions.
Work While Studying
Eligible for on-campus jobs and authorized off-campus work (CPT/OPT)
Global Career Boost
A U.S. degree improves international job prospects.
Cultural Exposure
Experience diverse cultures and build a global network.
What is the F‑1 visa?
The F‑1 is a nonimmigrant visa for international students who want to pursue a degree, diploma, certificate, or language training at an approved academic institution in the United States. It cannot be used for purely vocational programs (those usually fall under M‑1) or for short, purely recreational courses that are better suited to a visitor visa.
The F‑1 is a nonimmigrant visa for international students who want to pursue a degree, diploma, certificate, or language training at an approved academic institution in the United States. It cannot be used for purely vocational programs (those usually fall under M‑1) or for short, purely recreational courses that are better suited to a visitor visa.
You typically use F‑1 to study at:
Universities and colleges (bachelor’s, master’s, PhD)
Community colleges and junior colleges
High schools and some private elementary schools
Seminaries, conservatories, and other academic institutions
Language training programs at SEVP‑approved schools
Basic eligibility and key requirements
To qualify for an F‑1 student visa, you and your school must meet several core conditions.
SEVP‑approved school: You must be admitted to a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)‑approved institution, which will issue your Form I‑20.
Full‑time study: You must enroll and remain as a full‑time student according to the school’s definition for your program and level.
Financial ability: You must show sufficient funding to cover at least the first year of tuition and living expenses (often documented via bank statements, scholarships, or sponsorship letters).
Nonimmigrant intent: At the visa interview, you must convince the consular officer that you plan to study and then depart the U.S. or take another lawful step, not remain unlawfully after your program.
SEVIS registration & fee: You must be registered in the SEVIS system and pay the SEVIS I‑901 fee before the interview.
You may not pursue a degree or certificate program on a B visitor visa or Visa Waiver Program, except for short, non‑credit recreational courses.
Step‑by‑step F‑1 application process
The F‑1 process involves both your school and the U.S. government.
1. Choose your school and get admitted
Research academic programs and confirm that the institution is SEVP‑certified.
Apply and receive an offer of admission to an eligible full‑time program (degree, diploma, or language training).
2. Receive Form I‑20 and pay the SEVIS fee
Once admitted, the school creates your SEVIS record and issues Form I‑20, detailing your program, start date, and estimated costs.
Pay the SEVIS I‑901 fee online and keep the receipt; this is separate from the consular visa fee.
3. Complete DS‑160 and pay the visa fee
Fill out the online Form DS‑160 (Nonimmigrant Visa Application), upload a compliant photo, and print the confirmation page.
Pay the visa application fee (currently $185 for most applicants), following the instructions of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you will apply.
4. Schedule and attend your F‑1 visa interview
Book an interview at the U.S. embassy/consulate in your country of residence; check wait times and apply early.
Prepare required documents, typically including:
Passport valid for travel to the U.S.
DS‑160 confirmation page
Visa fee receipt
Form I‑20 signed by you and the school
SEVIS I‑901 fee receipt
Evidence of finances (bank statements, sponsorship, scholarship letters)
Academic records and test scores (transcripts, diplomas, language tests, standardized tests as applicable)
At the interview, the consular officer will assess whether you qualify for the F‑1 visa and may request further supporting documents.
5. Visa issuance and travel to the U.S.
If approved, your passport will be returned with an F‑1 visa; some applicants may need to pay a visa issuance fee depending on nationality.
When traveling, you must carry your passport with the visa, Form I‑20, and supporting evidence (such as financial proof), to show at the port‑of‑entry.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers will decide final admission and issue an electronic I‑94 record or admission stamp showing your status and “D/S” (duration of status).
When you can enter and how long you can stay
The F‑1 visa is linked to your academic program and allows a defined entry window and post‑completion grace period.
Entry window:
New students can be issued F‑1 visas up to 365 days before program start, but may enter the U.S. no earlier than 30 days before the start date printed on the I‑20.
Continuing F‑1 students who maintain status can re‑enter at any time before classes resume.
Duration of stay:
You may remain in the U.S. for the duration of status, meaning: while you are full‑time enrolled, during authorized practical training (OPT), and through any approved extension or transfer.
Grace period:
After completing your program or authorized OPT, you normally have a 60‑day grace period to prepare for departure, transfer schools, or change to another eligible status.
Leaving the U.S. without maintaining status or overstaying can void your visa and harm future applications.
Maintaining F‑1 status
To safely keep your F‑1 status, you must consistently follow immigration and school regulations.
Remain full‑time enrolled each term, unless a DSO‑approved reduced course load is granted for specific reasons (such as academic difficulty or illness).
Make normal academic progress, following degree requirements and program timelines.
Keep documents valid and updated: passport, I‑20 (including program dates and funding), and SEVIS data (address, major, level changes, etc.).
Obtain prior DSO approval for school transfers, program level changes, and any authorized practical training (CPT/OPT).
Do not work without proper authorization; unauthorized employment is a serious status violation.
If you must withdraw early with DSO authorization, you typically receive a shorter grace period (often 15 days) to depart
Work options for F‑1 students
| Work option | Where you can work / what it is | When you qualify | Hours and limits | Authorization needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| On‑campus employment | Paid work on the school’s premises or an affiliated off‑site location that primarily serves students. | Generally after you start your F‑1 program and are maintaining full‑time status. | Typically up to 20 hours per week during the academic term; full‑time allowed during official breaks, subject to school policy. | Authorization and rules are set by your school/DSO; no separate USCIS application if it meets F‑1 on‑campus rules. |
| Curricular Practical Training (CPT) | Paid or unpaid training integral to your curriculum, such as internships or cooperative education directly related to your major. | Usually after completing at least one academic year of full‑time study in F‑1 status, with limited exceptions. | Can be part‑time or full‑time as approved; 12+ months of full‑time CPT typically cancels eligibility for post‑completion OPT. | Must be authorized by your DSO in SEVIS and printed on your I‑20 before you start; USCIS filing is not required for CPT itself. |
| Optional Practical Training (OPT) | Temporary employment directly related to your field of study, before or after you finish the program. | Normally after one academic year; post‑completion OPT is used after you complete all degree requirements. | Up to 12 months total standard OPT (pre‑ and post‑completion combined); certain STEM degrees may add a 24‑month STEM extension. | Requires DSO endorsement on your I‑20 and a USCIS‑approved Employment Authorization Document (EAD); you may not work until you receive the EAD and its start date is valid. |
Dependents: F‑2 spouses and children
Your immediate family can normally accompany you or join you later under F‑2 status.
Eligible dependents are spouse and unmarried children under 21.
Each F‑2 applicant must obtain their own Form I‑20 from your SEVP‑approved school and apply for a visa (F‑2 dependents do not pay the SEVIS fee).
F‑2 dependents may study in certain ways (for example, part‑time or in some cases full‑time for children in primary/secondary school), but they are not authorized to work in the United States.
After graduation and future options
At the end of your studies, there are several possible pathways.
Use post‑completion OPT (and potentially STEM OPT) to gain U.S. work experience related to your field
Apply for a change of status to another nonimmigrant category (such as H‑1B worker, if sponsored, or another suitable visa) through USCIS.
Depart the U.S. within the 60‑day grace period if you do not pursue another lawful option.
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