F-1 Visa
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      1. The White Paper for F1 Students
      2. F-1 Visa and Status
      3. F-1 Visa

      What is F-1 Visa?

      For international students studying in the US, obtaining an F-1 visa is an essential step. This article introduces the nature of the F-1 visa as well as its requirements and benefits.

      What is F-1 Visa?

      An F-1 visa serves as a ticket for international students to legally enter the U.S. However, once you are within the country, as long as you maintain your F-1 status (meaning your I-20 is still valid), you can continue to stay in the U.S. even if your F-1 visa has expired. You will need to reapply for a visa only if you plan to leave and re-enter the country.

      The F-1 is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreign students to pursue academic studies or practical training in the U.S. In addition to undergraduate and graduate programs, the F-1 visa also applies to language training programs and certain vocational courses. So whether you are aiming to get a Ph.D. in astrophysics, improve your English skills, or pursue a vocational degree while working part-time, the F-1 visa can accommodate your goals.

      An F-1 visa is typically valid for 5 years, but it may also be issued for the length of your program.

       

      Requirements for F-1 Visa Application

      • Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in the U.S. If your passport is valid for less than a year, you should renew it before applying for the F-1 visa.

      • Acceptance from an SEVP-Certified School: Before applying for the visa, you must be accepted by a school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and obtain an I-20 from that school.

      • Financial Proof: Studying in the U.S. can be expensive. The total tuition for a four-year undergraduate program may exceed $150,000. Therefore, you need to prove that you have sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses in the U.S. If you have a scholarship, you can provide a copy of the scholarship letter.

      • Permanent Residence Outside the U.S.: You need to prove that you have a permanent residence in your home country and intend to return after completing your studies. The student visa is a non-immigrant visa, so showing intent to stay in the U.S. long-term could result in a visa denial.

      • No Serious Criminal Record: When applying for an F-1 student visa, you must disclose your criminal history. A serious criminal record will disqualify you from obtaining an F-1 visa.

      • Academic Records: You need to provide transcripts and diplomas from your undergraduate or graduate studies, unless you are going to the U.S. for primary or secondary education.

      Q: Will a passport valid for less than 5 years shorten the validity period of my F-1 visa?

      A: No, it won't. As long as your passport is valid for more than 1 year, you can obtain an F-1 visa valid for 2-5 years.

       

      Benefits of F-1 Visa

      • On-Campus Part-Time Work: You can apply for on-campus jobs and obtain a Social Security Number (SSN). The SSN is necessary for paying taxes in the U.S. and can also be used as an ID number for working, buying a car, and purchasing health insurance.

      • CPT Work Authorization: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) allows students to undertake off-campus internships during their studies. These internships can be paid or unpaid, full-time or part-time.

      • OPT Work Authorization: Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows international students to work full-time in the U.S. for 1 year after graduation. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) graduates can obtain a 3-year OPT.

      • AVR (Automatic Visa Revalidation) Rule: This policy allows F-1 students to travel to Canada, Mexico, or adjacent islands and return to the U.S. with an expired visa after a brief stay. Your F-1 status must remain valid during this period.

      • F-2 Visa for Spouses and Children: Spouses or children of F-1 students can apply for F-2 visas to stay with the student in the U.S. F-2 visa holders under 21 years old are allowed to attend primary or secondary schools in the U.S.