Study in the United States
The F-1 visa allows international students to study full time at an accredited US university, college, high school or language program certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
Key requirements
- Acceptance by an SEVP-certified school, which issues Form I-20
- Full-time enrollment in an academic or language program
- Proof of funds for tuition and living expenses
- Ties to your home country and intent to return after your studies
- English proficiency, or enrollment in English courses
The process
- Admission and Form I-20 from your school
- SEVIS fee payment
- DS-160 visa application and consular interview
- Travel, up to 30 days before your program start date
Working as an F-1 student
- On-campus jobs, limited during the academic year
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT), work that is part of your program
- Optional Practical Training (OPT), up to 12 months of work after graduation, with a possible extension of up to 24 more months for qualifying STEM degrees
After graduation
Many students move from F-1 and OPT to a work visa such as the H-1B or O-1, or later to a green card. We help you plan the transition so there is no gap in status.
Talk to a student visa attorney
Book a Zoom consultation with our student visa lawyer for visa refusals, status problems, reinstatement or planning your next step after graduation.
This page is general information, not legal advice.