F-1 Visa (US Student Visa) gives international students the opportunity to reside temporarily in the United States while they pursue their education in a U.S. academic institution. It is not an immigrant visa, so the first requirement is that the student must be traveling to the US with the intention of temporarily studying and returning home after. F1 Academic Student Visa requirements dictate the type of school they can attend and studies they can pursue. The F1 Visa comes with benefits such as the ability to study, live, and travel abroad without jeopardizing their status.
This F-1 Visa guide will discuss the requirements, the steps to apply, the F-1 visa timeline, and traveling with a F-1 visa.
What is the F1 Visa?
The F1 Visa (US Student Visa) is a non-immigrant visa that allows an international academic student to study at a school, college, seminary, or conservatory in the United States for a specified amount of time.
Who is the US Student F1 Visa for?
The US Student F1 Visa is for a student who desires to study in the U.S. According to the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs, a visa office report shows that 357,839 F1 visas were issued in 2021.
Important points to note are the following.
- This is not a visa for permanent residency. You must be visiting the United States with the intention of studying for a short period of time.
- This is not for vocational school training, as that will require an M-1 visa. You must be enrolled in an academic institution approved by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) under the Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP), which means it must be accredited to accept international students on F1 Visas.
- This is not a place to look for a long-term job. You will be permitted to work, but because this is a non-immigrant visa, your options for where and what you may do will be limited.
- Although your spouse and children are welcome to accompany you, they will not be able to work. Nevertheless, your children will be able to enroll in school. They will be on F-2 visas and will be bound by the terms of your visa.
What are the requirements for an F1 Visa?
Here are the requirements for an F1 visa.
- Obtain acceptance into a Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP) approved institution.
- Be a full-time student.
- Have strong ties to your country of origin. It will be more difficult to obtain an F1 visa if you do not demonstrate through documents that you have significant ties to your native country and intend to return after your study program is over.
- Demonstrate your financial stability. You’ll need to show that you have enough money in your bank account to meet the costs of studying and living in the United States. This isn’t to say that F1 students aren’t eligible for financial aid. To alleviate your financial load, you are advised to apply for scholarship programs and organizations.
- Be able to communicate well in English and demonstrate that you can speak and understand English at an academic level in order to participate in a program. Students can demonstrate their language skills by completing standardized English proficiency examinations like the TOEFL or IELTS.
What are the financial requirements for a US Student F1 Visa?
The financial requirements for a US Student F1 Visa call for the student to be able to afford to live and study in the United States. This includes being able to pay for tuition, books, living expenses, and transportation. Before issuing a Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” designated school officials (DSOs) must collect evidence of the student’s financial capabilities. When applying for a student visa with the US Department of State, prospective students must show proof of financial capability.
A prospective student must present financial proof that they or a sponsor have enough money to cover tuition and living expenses for the duration of their studies. Financial capability can be demonstrated in a variety of ways, including but not limited to:
- Bank statements for the family.
- A sponsor’s documentation.
- Letters of financial assistance.
- Letters of scholarship acceptance.
- An employer’s letter stating the annual wage.
Acceptable kinds of evidence may be specified by certain Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified schools. Contact the school’s international student office to see if a particular form of financial evidence is accepted.
What documents are required for an F1 Visa?
Documents required for an F1 Visa interview include proof of identity, application forms, and other supporting information regarding education. An F1 Visa Interview in your Home Country’s Embassy or Consulate is required to get an F-1 Visa. Refer to this checklist prior to the F1 Visa interview.
- Valid passport for travel to the United States – Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your stay in the US (unless exempt by country-specific agreements). Each person who requires a visa, including any family members indicated in your passport, must complete a separate application.
- Confirmation page for the Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160).
- Receipts for any application fees.
- Photo – When completing the online Form DS-160, you will add your photo. You must bring one printed photo that meets the Photograph Requirements, If the photo upload fails.
- Nonimmigrant Certificate of Eligibility (F-1) Form I-20, or Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Students, is required for academic and language students (M-1) Form I-20, Student Status for Vocational Students. Once your information has been submitted into the SEVIS database, your school will issue you a Form I-20. The Form I-20 must be signed by both you and a representative from your school. The Student and Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS) requires that all students be registered. Your spouse and/or minor children will each obtain a separate Form I-20, if you intend to live in the United States with them.
A consular officer will conduct an interview with you to assess your eligibility for a student visa and may ask for further documents.
- Your academic preparation includes transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from all of the schools you have attended; and standardized test scores are required by the school.
- Your intention to leave the United States after completing your studies.
- Your means of paying for all your educational, living, and travel expenses.
What are the steps in applying for an F1 Visa?
There are 5 steps in applying for an F1 Visa.
1. Get admissions documents from your school.
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) approved school you have applied to and been accepted to will have to complete several procedures before you can apply for the F1 visa. Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, is the most significant document you’ll need. You will not be able to apply for an F1 student visa or attend your interview if you do not have this form.
What is a SEVP Approved School for F1 Visa Students?
A Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) Approved School for F1 Visa Students is a school certified by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). ICE was given responsibility for school certification by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) allocated it to its Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
Following admission to a program of study, SEVP certification authorizes institutions to issue Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status to prospective international students. Form I-20 is then used by prospective overseas students to apply for a visa to enter the United States.
The following academic institutions are eligible to petition SEVP for F1 student enrollment:
- Colleges and universities (i.e., educational institutions that grant recognized bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, or professional degrees)
- Junior colleges are often known as community colleges (i.e., institutions providing instruction in liberal arts or in the professions and awards-recognized associate degrees)
- Seminaries
- Conservatories
- High schools with a focus on academics (grades 9–12)
- Private elementary schools (kindergarten through eighth grade)
- Institutions that teach language training, if a nationally recognized accrediting authority has approved the language training
- Liberal arts or fine arts education
- Profession-specific training
2. Register and pay for SEVIS.
After the SEVP-approved school confirms your registration, you will be enrolled in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee.
What are the fees for an F1 visa?
The F1 Visa application fees are non-refundable and need to be paid before the interview.
- SEVIS I-90 application fee ($350) – This fee must be received by the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System before the DS-160 can be completed.
- DS-160 application fee ($160)
- You are required to pay visa issuance costs, the amount of which varies by nationality. This fee in your home country is accessible on the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will apply.
- Other costs may be required in your home country.
3. Apply online through the DS-160 form.
Form DS-160, Nonimmigrant Visa Application, should be filled out online. After completing the DS-160, print and keep the DS-160 barcode page. It is not necessary to print the full application, but the barcode page will be required at different stages of the process.
4. Schedule your F1 visa interview.
Make an F1 student visa appointment by contacting the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. You will be asked about your F-1 Visa application to determine your eligibility for a student visa during the interview. Prepare for your interview by familiarizing yourself with the common F1 Visa Interview Questions and readying your answers beforehand.
5. Attend the student visa interview
The interview will take place at the nearest embassy or consulate. A decision on the application will be given at the interview.
Do I Need to Hire an F1 Visa Attorney to Obtain a US Student Visa?
Yes, an F1 Visa Attorney (Lawyer) is essential when applying for your US Student Visa. An F1 Visa Attorney (Lawyer) is a legal professional specializing in the application, extension, and renewal processes for an F-1 Student Visa. An F1 Visa Lawyer helps international students understand US immigration laws and makes the process simpler and more understandable. An F-1 Visa Lawyer helps organize your documents and prepares you for your interview to reduce the chances of denial or rejection.
What is the F1 Visa interview process like?
The F1 Visa Interview process, in most cases, requires the applicant to attend an interview in a United States embassy or consulate. The consular official will ask you questions during your interview to assess whether or not your F1 Visa will be approved. Because you will be under oath, be sure your responses are comprehensive and accurate. You’ll need to bring:
- A passport that is valid for at least six months beyond the date of proposed arrival into the United States.
- The confirmation page for Form DS-160.
- Proof that payment of the application fee has been received.
- A photo that meets the requirements of the US State Department.
- Form I-20 which your academic institution provided you with
- Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from the colleges or universities you attended.
- Standardized test scores if required by your school.
- Proof of ties to your home country is required, as well as proof of financial resources to support you and pay for your education while in the US.
Your fingerprints will be taken by the consular official, albeit this may depend on your location. The consular officer may conclude that your application requires additional administrative processing after your visa interview. The consular official will inform you if this is required. You will be notified of the outcome of your interview and, if successful, will be given a visa to study in the United States.
What is the F1 Visa processing time?
The F1 Visa processing time is ultimately determined by your school or institution. Allow for a minimum of five to six weeks for your F-1 processing time, including your I-20 and consular interview. To learn more about your petition, contact your school and find out what their specific processing time is.
Appointments for a student visa interview could take up to two months for the consulate to respond with an interview appointment time after you submit your DS-160 application. See Visa Appointment Wait Times.
What are the reasons for rejecting an F1 Visa application?
These are the reasons for rejecting an F1 Visa application.
- Lack of Financial Resources – Inability to show that you have enough money to meet the expenses listed on your I-20 form for at least the first academic year, including tuition and living expenses.
- Financial evidence must show liquid assets, which are assets that may be used right away, such as cash, as opposed to real estate or fine art.
- Lack of sufficient evidence of a desire to return home – One of the most prevalent reasons that students are refused student visas to the United States is that consular officers have doubts about their intention to return home after completing their academic program. They may use documentation including the following: bank accounts in the home nation, prospective work possibilities, and written statements from family members indicating future plans to return.
- Late application for an F1 Visa (After the Academic Program Start Date) – You applied for a student visa after the program start date on your I-20 form or late enough that it may not be processed in time.
- Failure to pass the security check – All nonimmigrant visa applicants must have their names checked in various government databases to see whether they have been flagged for any reason. You may be denied a student visa or you may need to pass an additional security clearance before getting your visa if your name appears on this system.
- Inadmissibility to the United States – Your student visa will be refused if you meet one of the grounds of inadmissibility to the United States, including criminal convictions, past use of fraud, and/or prior overstays in the United States of more than 180 days.
- Denial after previous student visa approvals – You must apply for a new visa at a US consulate if you are still enrolled in your academic program and want to travel overseas and return to the United States after your student visa expires. (You can extend your student status from within the United States, but you won’t be able to return if you leave.) Even though your previous F-1 student visa application was approved, your fresh application for a new F-1 student visa could be denied at this point.
Can an F1 Visa application rejection be appealed?
An F1 Visa application rejection can be appealed. The consular official will advise you verbally and in writing of the grounds for the denial if your application is denied. You may be able to reapply for your visa after gathering documents to overcome the denial, depending on the grounds and your consulate. Your Designated School Official (DSO) may be able to help if the issue is directly related to your I-20 Form and admission. You should consult with an immigration lawyer if the denial is for any other reason
How long is an F1 Visa valid?
An F1 Visa is valid for the duration of your study. However, it could be possible that you will need to apply for a visa renewal throughout your studies in some situations. Check with your home country’s regulations to see if you need to renew your visa during your studies.
What are the steps for renewing an F1 visa?
The steps for renewing an F1 Visa are identical to the initial application process. Students may be eligible for an F1 visa renewal if their visa expires before the end of their program. You only need to renew your visa if you intend to leave and return to the United States because you can continue your studies if your student visa expires but your Form 1-20 remains valid. However, you never know when you might need to travel, so an F1 Visa Renewal is safer compared to waiting for your F1 Visa to expire.
- Fill out the online visa form DS-160 and print the confirmation page even if you are renewing your visa.
- Schedule an appointment with your local embassy or consulate to expedite your visa interview. You may be eligible for a waiver of the interview requirement if you meet the exemption criteria.
- Assemble all of the necessary paperwork. You must prepare the original documents that were requested when you applied for your F-1 student visa.
- Pay visa application fees. Pay the fee prior to your interview, as you will be expected to submit a fee receipt.
- Appear for your F-1 visa renewal interview. Your visa will most likely be renewed if you meet the same conditions as when you first applied for your F-1 student visa.
- Stay in the nation where you applied for your F-1 visa renewal until your application is approved and you are not permitted to go to the United States. You must return home if your application for renewal is denied.
What is automatic F1 Visa renewal?
The automatic F1 visa renewal, called Automatic Visa re-validation or the Contiguous Territory Rule, allows a student whose visa has expired to re-enter the US if they travel to Canada, Mexico, or the US neighboring islands (excluding Cuba) for fewer than 30 days. A valid Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, that has been endorsed by DHS is required for re-validation.
How can an F1 Visa be extended?
An F1 visa can be extended by completing a post-graduation Optional Practical Training (OPT). Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a 1-year program for foreign students to work in the United States after their studies through an F-1 visa. An F1 Visa Extension is accomplished in the USA by filing Form I-539 (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status) with USCIS.
You may be deported or prevented from returning to the country if you do not acquire an extension of stay in the U.S. beyond the end date specified on your Form I-20. Those who are unlawfully present in the United States for 180 days to less than one year will be forbidden from reentering for three years, while those who overstay for one year or more will be barred from reentering for ten years.
How can OPT extend an F1 Visa?
An OPT (Optional Practical Training) program is a job program that students can participate in while on an F1 visa. They can be performed while studying or after graduation, but are generally done after studies are completed in order to extend the visa. OPT students can work part-time or full-time for a U.S. business for a period of 12 months.
A science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) student can extend OPT for up to 24 months. STEM OPT is Optional Practical Training Extension for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) Students with degrees under F-1 Visa may apply for a 24-month extension of their post-completion optional practical training (OPT).
After OPT or STEM OPT, the company can then sponsor the worker for an H-1B visa, allowing a change of status.
What is the five-month rule for F1 visa status?
The five-month rule refers to an F-1 student’s record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) being terminated if the student has been absent from classes or has been out of status for five months. These are the students subject to this rule.
- Students whose student records have been terminated (i.e., they have been out of status for more than five months)
- Students who have spent more than five months away from a school outside of the United States, except those who have participated in permitted study abroad programs.
You must get a new/initial Form I-20, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status,” with a new SEVIS ID and pay the I-901 SEVIS Fee if your student record is terminated and you fall under the five-month rule. You may need to apply for and acquire a new student visa only if your present student visa is no longer valid. Contact your designated school official (DSO) or the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you would renew your visa to see if the five-month limit applies to you. Review the details on F1 Visa Rules and Regulations to ensure that you remain compliant with the conditions of your F1 status.
What are the travel regulations for an F1 Visa student?
Travel regulations with an F1 visa allow the student to leave the country and return. Students with F1 visas are not permitted to enter the United States more than 30 days prior to their program’s start date.
Can students in the United States with an F1 Visa visit their country and come back?
Yes, students in the United States with an F-1 Visa can visit their country and come back as long as they have a valid return visa and are otherwise eligible. Check with your school’s DSO and your country of citizenship before any travel.
Which countries can an academic student with an F1 Visa visit?
Academic students with an F1 visa can visit any country that allows for travel with the student’s passport. The following conditions should be noted so the student is allowed to return to the U.S. with their F1 visa.
- A valid Form I-20 is required for the time the student will be traveling. The student will not be able to enter the US with an expired I-20 so if it is close to expiring, it is advisable to apply for a new one prior to travel.
- A student can be out of the U.S. for up to 5 months. The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) records will reflect the absence and a terminated status after 5 months. A new Form I-20 will be required.
- If visiting multiple countries or certain regions, valid visas or transit visas are required. A Schengen Visa, for example, may be required if you are traveling to a country inside the European Union.
Can F1 Visa students travel on the Visa Waiver Program or with Visitor Visas?
Students who travel to the U.S. on the Visa Waiver Program or with Visitor Visas will still need a student visa (F or M) if they plan to study in the United States. Foreign nationals are not permitted to study after entering the country on a visitor (B) visa or through the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), except for recreational (non-credit) study as part of a tourist visit. See Visa Waiver Program for further information on the VWP.
Can F1 Visa Holders Apply for Student Loans in the US?
Yes, F1 Visa holders are eligible for student loans in the US. An F1 Visa Student Loan is a type of loan typically obtained from private lenders that international students in the USA use to cover their education and living expenses. You must be enrolled in an accredited academic program and educational institution and have a good credit history in the US to qualify for an F1 Visa Student Loan. F-1 students who do not have a credit history in the US are eligible for student loans if they have a cosigner who will share the responsibility of repaying the debt.
Are F1 Visa Students Exempted From Taxes?
Yes, F1 Visa Tax Exemption is applicable to international students on F1. F-1 students who have stayed in the USA for less than 5 years are exempt from paying Social Security and Medicare taxes on services rendered while working in the United States. F1 Visa Tax Exemption does not cover the 30% capital gains tax during any tax year in which you are present in the USA for 183 days or more as an F 1 Visa holder.
What other U.S. Visa types are similar to the F1 Visa?
Other U.S. Visa types similar to the F1 Visa are the J1 visa and M1 visa. International students who wish to study in the United States may be granted any of these three. J1 visa status is for students in certain educational exchange programs. M-1 visa is for students who attend vocational programs. Each suits a particular purpose, such as academic studies or vocational training.
What is the difference between an F1 Visa and a J1 Visa?
Listed below are the differences between the F1 Visa and the J1 Visa.
- F1 visa is the most popular student visa status in the United States, because it best suits a student’s needs.
- J1 visa status is for students in certain educational exchange programs, such as the UC Education Abroad Program (EAP), Fulbright, LASPAU, DAAD, Amid East, or others. It may be used by the university for degree-seeking students.
- J1 students must acquire the majority of their financial support from sources other than personal cash to be eligible.
- J1 students and accompanying J-2 dependents must have specialized health insurance coverage for the duration of their stay in the United States.
What is the difference between the F1 and M1 Visa Programs?
The main difference between the F1 Visa and M1 Visa Programs is that F-1 students attend traditional academic programs, and M-1 students attend vocational programs.
Because these two sorts of programs are so dissimilar, the types of perks available to international students and the length of time they can stay in the country change depending on whether they are F-1 or M-1 students. Additionally, F-1 and M-1 students must take separate steps to ensure that their status is maintained throughout their stay. An F-1 student, for example, is entitled to an annual vacation, whereas an M-1 student is not.
Can an F1 Student Change Status to M1 Visa?
Yes, changing status from F1 to M1 Visa allows foreign students to remain legally in the United States to take up vocational or technical courses after finishing their academic studies. The benefits of a change of visa status from F1 to M1 Visa include saving up on travel fees and nonimmigrant visa application costs and reducing the risk of a US re-entry denial.
What is the main difference between an F1 Visa and a Green Card?
The main difference between Green Card and F1 Visa is that a Green Card is a permanent resident card, while an F1 is a non-immigrant Visa.
How to get a Green Card from F1 Visa?
A person can get a Green Card from F1 Visa even though, at the time of applying for an F1 student visa, the student agreed that they would return to their home country after their schooling. In fact, because they are already lawfully residing in the United States and are now educated, they may have an advantage.
What are the Working Requirements for F1 Visa Students in the US?
The working requirements for F1 students are the authorizations that must be obtained from certain U.S. regulatory bodies before starting employment as a foreign student. F 1 students working on-campus have automatic employment authorization except if they are border commuters from Canada or Mexico. You need to verify with your DSO if the job is a qualified on-campus employment and then secure a certification letter from your employer. The F1 Visa Working Requirements for off-campus employment necessitate getting an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS. You must be recommended by your DSO for off-campus work and have a valid I-20 form to apply for a work permit as an F-1 Visa student.