Student Visa (F1)

Overview

The "F" visa is a non-immigrant visa for those wishing to pursue academic studies and/or language training programs in the United States.

Period of Stay
An “F1” visa holder is allowed to stay in the United States for the duration of his enrollment as a full-time student in an educational program. If approved, he will be allowed to stay up to twelve more months beyond the completion of his studies to pursue practical training. At the end of his practical training, he will be given sixty days to leave the country.

Eligibility Requirements

* The student must be enrolled as a full-time student in an “academic” educational program or a language-training program;
* The school where the student will be enrolled in must be authorized by the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS);
* The student must be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency;
* The student must have sufficient funds to support his education and stay during the entire proposed course of study;
* The student must maintain a residence abroad which he/she has no intention of abandoning

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Employment

An F-1 student may not accept off-campus employment at any time during the first year of study; however, the BCIS may grant permission to accept off-campus employment after one year. F-1 students may accept on-campus employment from the school without BCIS permission. Except for temporary employment for practical training, an M-1 student may not accept employment.

Family Members

A spouse and unmarried, minor children may also be classified for a nonimmigrant visa to accompany or follow the student. Family members must meet all visa eligibility requirements, including evidence that they will have sufficient funds for their support, and that they will depart the U.S. when the student's program ends. Spouses and children of students may not accept employment at any time.