F-1 | Student Visa

The F1 Visa is a student visa that is given to international students who want to attend educational institutions in the United States. It covers levels from elementary school to university and graduate school, including other degrees. If one of these institutions accepts you, then you apply for the F1 visa.

Qualifications

  • You must be accepted and enrolled in an "academic" SEVP (Student Exchange Visitors Program) educational program, a language training program, or a vocational program
  • Your school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program (SEVP), Immigration & Customs Enforcement
  • You must be enrolled as a full-time student at the institution
  • You must be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency
  • You must have sufficient funds available for self-support during the entire proposed course of study
  • You must maintain a residence abroad which you have no intention of giving up

What You'll Need

  • Passport (valid)
  • Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160
  • Two (2) passport style photographs
  • Form I-20 (financial form)
  • Documents that prove your previous education and current qualifications
  • Proof of purchases health insurance for international students

Questions? Contact us.

Whatever your immigration issue may be, we are here to help. Our team of attorneys and staff work hard to help you reach your goals.

FAQs

Can I work on an F-1 Visa?

Yes, you may work in the U.S. on an F-1 visa, but only for short periods of time as your visa is for students and not workers. You are allowed to work part-time on campus while school is in session and full time during breaks.  If you want to work outside of campus, you have two options:

  • Curriculum Practical Training (CPT) – Designed for when working is part of your institution’s curriculum. You have to complete the practical training in order to graduate. This training or practical work must be in your field of study and must be approved by your Designated School Official (DSO).
  • Optional Practical Training (OPT) – Designed for students to get practical experience working in their field here in the U.S. You can start your OPT before or after graduation, but the maximum amount you can work is 12 months. Your work must be related to your field of study. If you are in a STEM-related subject, you can file for an OPT extension of another 24 months.
Is there a fee to file the F-1?

Yes, there is a $510 filing fee. If you apply online, you can also pay online. If you pay by mail, then you can pay via money order, personal check, cashier’s check, or by credit card using Form G-1450, Authorization for Credit Card Transactions. If you pay by check, you must make your check payable to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

How can I file my F-1 form?

You can file your form online or by mail. Filing online allows you to:

  • Pay your filing fee online
  • Check the status of your case
  • Receive notifications and case updates
  • View personalized case completion date estimates
  • Respond to requests for evidence
  • Manage your contact information, including updating your address

 

You can create an account to file online. You can also mail your form to your region’s designated USCIS office.

Of course, you can choose to manage your case independently. However, working with immigration experts can help you navigate the process and provide guidance throughout.

You may be represented, at no expense to the U.S. government, by an attorney or other duly authorized representative. Your representative must submit Form G-28, Notice of Entry or Appearance as Attorney or Representative. Your representative may also submit Form G-28 at the time of your interview.

Why should I work with ImmigrationUSA?

Immigration issues can be quite complicated. Combine that with the current rate of change in U.S. policies, it can be hard to keep up. Our team puts their experience to work for you and your particular situation. We work hard to stay on top of policy changes and are prepared for changes down the line. We offer patented online software, MyEsq, that streamlines the filing process and makes our knowledgeable team of lawyers just a click away.

Latest News

Stay up-to-date on the latest developments in U.S. Immigration.

The U.S. Supreme Court overturned the 1984 landmark case, Chevron v. Natural Resources Defense Council, which established what is known as “Chevron deference.” For forty years, the Chevron doctrine required courts to defer to a federal agency’s interpretation of the law if the interpretation was considered reasonable, severely limiting meaningful judicial review.

Since three weeks ago, when President Biden ordered a pause on processing asylum claims when illegal border crossings hit certain levels, the number of arrests at the border has dropped by more than 40%, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

A recent court decision by the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned an earlier ruling by a district court that required the U.S. Department of State to process diversity visas for fiscal years 2020 and 2021. The circuit court found that the lower court did not have the authority to mandate this processing.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that U.S. citizens do not have a constitutional right to challenge the rejection of spousal visa applications.