So, whether you are just starting out or you have already begun your journey to study in the US, our goal is to help make your experience as smooth and successful as possible.
What is the F1 Student Visa?
International students around the world who want to pursue their education in the United States can only do so after receiving any one of the three nonimmigrant US student visas. Which are the F-1, J1, or M1 nonimmigrant visas.
Of these US student visas, the most commonly sought student visa is the F1 student visa. And for a good reason.
In the year 2020, there were over 1 million international students studying in the United States on an F1 student visa.
Like all other nonimmigrant US visas, the F1 visa is granted on the basis that the intending immigrant would live in the United States on a temporary basis.
And in the case of the F1 visa, it is presumed that at the end of your studies in the United States, you will depart the United States.
Who Can Get an F1 Student Visa?
To be eligible for an F1 student visa, you must first apply for an admission and be accepted by a US educational institution that has been approved by the United States government.
After obtaining an admission to study in any of these approved US educational institutions, you will be required to provide proof to the institution that you can cover the cost of your studies in the United States.
In most cases, this is done by showing evidence of funds to cover the cost of one academic year of studies at the institution.
After satisfying this requirement, the institution will then grant you a document called the Form I-20 - formally called the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.
With this document, a prospective international student can then begin the F1 visa application process.
You can learn more about the Form I-20 by watching this engaging YouTube video below.
What is the F2 Dependent Visa?
An F1 international student who wishes to bring his or her dependents - such as a spouse and child/children - to the United States can do so by sponsoring these dependents for an F2 visa.
This type of visa is called a dependent visa, as the immigration status of the dependents are tied to the immigration status of the primary F1 nonimmigrant.
What is the F1 Student Visa Application Process
The steps to apply for an F1 student visa can be summarized as follows:
- Receiving a signed Form I-20 from a Designated School Official
- Checking the requirements of your nearest US Embassy or Consulate
- Completing an Electronic Application for a US Visa (also called a Form DS-160)
- Paying the SEVIS Fee
- Attending a visa interview
Entering the US on an F1 Student Visa
It is important to understand that an F1 student visa like all other nonimmigrant US visas does not grant one a right to be admitted into the United States.
Upon arriving the United States with an F1 student visa, you will be inspected by a US Port of Entry Officer. It is this government official(s) who can determine if you can enter the United States.
So, it is important to be in possession of the proper documents anytime you travel to the United States with an F1 student visa.
Working in the US on an F1 Visa
International students actively studying in the United States can pursue employment after receiving approval.
These forms of authorized work include on-campus employment, authorized off-campus employment due to economic hardship, Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and STEM OPT (granted to students with US degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
To learn more about the different ways F1 international students can work in the United States, check out our blog on how to work in the US as an International Student.
