Client Login

F-1 Student Visa

The F-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa intended for international students pursuing a full-time academic education at an accredited college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or other academic institution or attending a language training program.

Basic Requirements:
  • The student must have a foreign residence that s/he has no intention of abandoning.
  • The schools must be authorized by the U.S. government to receive international students.
  • Students must be enrolled in a program or course of study that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate.
  • The student must be enrolled as a full-time student.
  • The student must document that s/he has sufficient funds or have made other arrangements to cover all of their expenses for the entire course of study.
  • The student must be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency.
Period of Stay:
  • An F-1 student is generally admitted as nonimmigrant for the duration of the program of study.
  • An F-1 student must depart within 60 days from the end date of the program or any authorized practical training.
Dependent Family Members:
  • Dependents, including legal spouses and children under 21 years of age, are eligible for F-2 visas.
  • Spouses are not permitted to work.
  • Student’s minor children are allowed to attend school.
Procedure:

To receive the F-1 visa, the foreign national (“FN”) must first apply to and be accepted by a school authorized to admit international students. Following acceptance, the student will receive a Form I-20 Certificate of Eligibility, which is used to apply directly to a U.S. Consulate or Embassy to obtain the F-1 visa stamp.

Maintaining F-1 Student Visa Status:
  • The purpose of an F-1 visa is to study in the U.S. F-1 students should fulfill this purpose.
  • F-1 students should arrive in the U.S. no more than 30 days before the program of study begins.
  • Students must attend and pass all their classes.
  • Students must take a full course of study each term. If students cannot study full-time, they should contact the school’s Designated School Official (“DSO”).
  • If students cannot complete their program by the date listed in their I-20 form, they should contact the DSO to request a program extension.
  • A student who works without authorization will be forced to leave the U.S. and may be unable to re-enter the U.S.
Menu