F-1 Student Visa: Academic Study in the United States

The F-1 Student Visa allows qualified international students to temporarily live in the United States while pursuing academic studies at SEVP-certified institutions. This nonimmigrant visa is designed for students attending universities, colleges, high schools, private elementary schools, seminaries, and other academic institutions.

Overview

F-1 status is built around full-time academic study, financial support, and maintenance of student status from admission through completion of the program.

Additional F-1 Visa Information

Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must be accepted by a SEVP-certified school, intend to be a full-time student, prove sufficient funds to cover expenses, and maintain a residence abroad with no intention of abandoning it .
Form I-20: After acceptance, your school will issue a Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," which is required for your visa application .
SEVIS Registration: All F-1 students must be registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and pay the SEVIS I-901 fee before applying for a visa .

F-1 students must maintain their status by attending classes full-time and making normal progress toward completing their course of study.

Duration of Stay: F-1 visas are typically valid for the duration of your academic program as indicated on your Form I-20, plus a 60-day grace period after completion .
Employment Restrictions: F-1 students may not work off-campus during their first academic year. After that, limited on-campus employment and certain types of off-campus employment may be permitted with proper authorization .
Optional Practical Training (OPT): F-1 students may be eligible for up to 12 months of OPT employment related to their field of study, with possible extensions for certain STEM degrees .
Dependents: Spouses and unmarried children under 21 may accompany F-1 students on F-2 dependent visas but generally cannot work or engage in full-time study .

Maintaining Status

Students generally need to remain enrolled full-time, keep their records current, and avoid unauthorized employment or other violations that can jeopardize status.

Work Authorization Limits

Employment options are limited and regulated. On-campus work, OPT, and certain off-campus employment each have separate rules and approval requirements.

Program Completion and Grace Period

F-1 students usually have a 60-day grace period after completing their program, but planning for transfers, OPT, or future status changes should begin well before that point.

Dependents

F-2 dependents may accompany the principal student, but their study and employment options are much more limited than those of the F-1 student.

Immigration Law Assistance

When Guidance Helps

Legal guidance can be especially useful when a student’s plans involve transfers, reinstatement issues, employment authorization, travel concerns, or future immigration options after study.

F-1 Student Visa