Your gateway to world-class education in the United States
The F-1 visa is the primary nonimmigrant visa category for international students who wish to pursue academic education at an accredited U.S. institution. This visa is issued to students enrolled full-time in an academic program at a college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or other academic institution or language training program.
Unlike many other nonimmigrant visas with fixed expiration dates, F-1 status is granted for "Duration of Status," meaning you can remain in the U.S. for the entire length of your academic program, plus any authorized Optional Practical Training (OPT) periods and grace periods.
Essential criteria you must meet to qualify for F-1 student status
You must be accepted by a school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). The school will issue Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status, which is essential for your visa application.
You must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover tuition, fees, and living expenses for your entire program duration without needing unauthorized employment. This is typically shown through bank statements, scholarship letters, or sponsor affidavits.
You must maintain a residence in your home country that you have no intention of abandoning. The consular officer must be convinced that you will return home after completing your studies. Strong ties include family relationships, property ownership, job prospects, and community connections.
You must enroll as a full-time student at the institution, which typically means at least 12 credit hours per semester for undergraduate students. Part-time study is generally not permitted except in specific circumstances authorized by your Designated School Official (DSO).
Most institutions require proof of English proficiency through TOEFL, IELTS, or equivalent tests. Your school may have specific score requirements.
Step-by-step guide to obtaining your F-1 student visa
Apply to and receive acceptance from an SEVP-approved school. Once admitted, the school's Designated School Official (DSO) will issue Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.
Pay the required SEVIS I-901 fee online to activate your record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The current fee is $350 for F and M students.
Fill out the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160) on the Consular Electronic Application Center website. Print the confirmation page with barcode after submission.
Pay the Machine Readable Visa (MRV) fee for your F-1 visa application. The current fee is $185. Payment methods vary by country.
Schedule your visa interview appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Appointment wait times vary by location and season, so schedule as early as possible.
Appear at the embassy or consulate for your visa interview. Bring all required documents including your passport, I-20, DS-160 confirmation, fee receipts, and supporting financial and academic documents.
If your visa is approved, you may enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the program start date listed on your Form I-20. Upon arrival, you'll go through CBP inspection and receive an I-94 arrival/departure record.
Comprehensive checklist for your visa interview
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay in the U.S.
Printed confirmation page with barcode from online application
Original I-20 issued by your SEVP-approved school (signed on page 1)
Proof of payment ($350) from fmjfee.com
Proof of MRV fee payment ($185)
One 2x2 inch photo meeting State Department requirements (taken within 6 months)
Employment authorization options for F-1 students
F-1 students may work on campus after completing their first academic year, up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during breaks.
CPT allows F-1 students to engage in off-campus employment that is an integral part of their curriculum, such as internships, cooperative education, or practicum.
The most popular post-graduation work authorization for F-1 students, allowing up to 12 months of employment in your field of study (36 months for STEM graduates).
All degree levels
STEM degree holders
Flexible timing
Graduates with degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) fields may qualify for an additional 24-month OPT extension, for a total of 36 months. Requirements include working for E-Verify employer and submitting Form I-983 training plan.
F-1 students may apply for off-campus work authorization if they experience severe economic hardship due to unforeseen circumstances beyond their control.
During post-completion OPT, you can be unemployed for a maximum of 90 days total (120 days for STEM OPT). Exceeding this limit terminates your F-1 status.
You must report changes in employer, address, or legal name to your DSO within 10 days. STEM OPT students must also submit Form I-983 updates.
Unauthorized employment (working without proper authorization or working more hours than allowed) violates F-1 status and can result in deportation.
Common questions about F-1 student visas
Yes, your spouse and unmarried children under 21 years of age may apply for F-2 dependent visas to accompany you to the United States. F-2 dependents may:
Yes, but with significant restrictions. F-1 students have limited work authorization options:
F-1 status is granted for "Duration of Status" (D/S), which means you can remain in the U.S. as long as:
Note: Your visa stamp expiration date is different from your status duration. Even with an expired visa, you can remain in valid F-1 status as long as your I-20 is current and you maintain full-time enrollment.
| Feature | F-1 Visa | M-1 Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Program Type | Academic (universities, colleges, high schools) | Vocational or non-academic (trade schools, flight schools) |
| Duration | Duration of Status (D/S) | Fixed time period (program length + 30 days) |
| Program Changes | Can change programs/schools relatively easily | Limited ability to change programs |
| OPT | 12 months (36 for STEM) | 1 month per 4 months of study (max 6 months) |
| On-Campus Work | Allowed after first year | Very limited |
Yes, you can change your major within the same school. You must:
You can transfer to another SEVP-approved school by:
Recommended Timeline:
Tip: Apply as early as possible, especially if you need to start classes at a specific time. Some consulates offer expedited appointments for students starting soon.
Yes, F-1 students can travel internationally, but you must ensure you can re-enter the U.S. by having:
Yes, transitioning from F-1 to H-1B is a common pathway for international students. The typical process involves:
Important: H-1B requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent, and the position must be in a specialty occupation. The annual H-1B cap lottery is highly competitive.
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Other visas that may interest you
For students pursuing vocational or non-academic studies at certified institutions.
For exchange visitors including students, scholars, interns, and researchers.
Common post-graduation work visa for F-1 students seeking specialty occupation employment.