F-1 Student Visa

In General, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence.

You must have a student visa to study in the United States. Your course of study and the type of school you plan to attend determine whether you need an F-1 visa (University or college or High School or a language training program) or an M-1 visa (Vocational or other recognized nonacademic institution).

Note:
1. For short periods of recreational study, a Visitor (B) visa may be appropriate Enrollment in a short recreational course of study, which is not for credit toward a degree or academic certificate, is permitted on a visitor (B) visa.
2. Study leading to a U.S. conferred degree or certificate is not permitted on a visitor (B) visa, even if it is for a short duration.

– How to Apply

1. Before you can apply at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate for an F or M student visa, you must first apply to and be accepted by a SEVP approved school.

2. When you are accepted by the U.S. school you plan to attend, you will be enrolled in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

3. You must pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee.

4. The U.S. school will provide you with a Form I-20 to present to the consular officer when you attend your visa interview.
Note: Be careful to make sure that the name and spelling on your passport is exactly the same as the name and spelling on your application for acceptance to the school and on your passport on the I-20.

5. Complete the Online Visa Application, Form DS-160 You must: 1) complete the online visa application and 2) print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview, 3) upload your photo while completing the online Form DS-160. 4) pay the visa fee.
Note: If you will be an Exchange Visitor, the organization or U.S. Government agency that is sponsoring you will send you a DS-2019 form, which is the application for a J-1 visa.

6. Schedule and appointment for your visa Interview, at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. The following documents are required for your F-1 visa interview:

A. A printed copy of your appointment letter,

B. Your DS-160 confirmation page

C. Your current and all old passports

D. Supporting Documents as per your visa type

E. The application fee payment receipt

F. A passport photo

G. A Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status (Form 1-20)

7. F1 visa approval

Note:
1. Children under 14 years of age are not required to attend the appointment at the Visa Application Centre or visa interview at the Embassy/Consulate.
2. The visa officer needs to know your specific objectives, both academic or professional, for studying in the U.S. Be prepared to explain why it is better to study your specific field in the U.S. than to study at home.
3. If your spouse and/or children intend to reside with you in the United States while you study, they must obtain individual Form I-20s, but they do not pay the SEVIS fee.

– Employment

F-1 students may not work off-campus during the first academic year, but may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions. After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment:
1. Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
2. Optional Practical Training (OPT) (pre-completion or post-completion)
3. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training Extension (OPT)

– Optional Practical Training (OPT)

F-1 visa holders may be eligible for up to 12 months of optional practical training following completion of all course requirements for graduation (not including thesis or equivalent), or after completion of all requirements.
If you are already in the U.S. with a nonimmigrant visa such as visitor visa (B2), you can also change your nonimmigrant visa to student visa. Please see change of status or extension.