Not All International Students Are F1 Visa Holders

International students who wish to study in the United States need to obtain an F-1 student visa. This visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows international students to enter the US and study at institutions certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). To obtain an F-1 visa, students must meet certain criteria, such as being enrolled as a full-time student at an accredited institution, having sufficient funds to support themselves during their studies, and maintaining a residence abroad. In addition, F-1 students must follow certain rules and regulations during their stay in the US, including restrictions on employment and maintaining their immigration status. The F-1 visa is the most popular type of student visa for international students seeking to study in the US, with over one million students currently studying in the country under this visa category. However, the acceptance rate for F-1 visas has seen a decline in recent years, with a 10-year high rejection rate of 41% in 2023-24.

F-1 visa requirements

The F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows international students to enter the US and enrol full-time at institutions certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). It is the most popular type of student visa for students seeking to study at a US academic institution. To apply for an F-1 visa, you must first be accepted by an accredited US institution.

• Institution certification: The college or university where you plan to study must be approved by SEVP Immigration & Customs Enforcement.
• Full-time enrollment: You must be enrolled as a full-time student at the institution while your academic term is in session.
• English language proficiency: You must meet the required English language proficiency score of the institution you are attending or be enrolled in courses that will help you improve your English proficiency.
• Sufficient funding: You must prove you have sufficient funds available to finance your studies and living expenses while in the US.
• Valid passport: Your passport should be valid for US travel for at least six months after your program completion date.
• Home country residency: You are required to maintain a residence in your home country with the intention of returning after the completion of your degree.
• DS-160 visa application: You must complete the online DS-160 visa application form and schedule an interview at a US Embassy or Consulate.
• Form I-20: Your school will send you a Form I-20 once they have entered your information in the SEVIS database. This form is required to apply for your visa and must be signed by both you and a school official.
• SEVIS fee: You must pay the SEVIS fee before your visa interview.
• Employment restrictions: F-1 students may not work off-campus during the first academic year. Any off-campus employment after the first year must be related to the student's area of study and must be authorized by the Designated School Official and USCIS. On-campus employment is limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session.

It is important to note that the F-1 visa application process can be complex and may vary depending on individual circumstances. It is recommended to review the requirements and guidelines provided by the US government and the specific institution you are applying to.

F-1 visa rules

The F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows international students to enter the US and study at institutions certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). It is the most popular type of student visa for students seeking to study at a US university or college.

To be eligible for an F-1 visa, you must meet the following criteria:

• You must be enrolled in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program.
• Your school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, 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.

In addition to the above criteria, you must also obtain a valid passport and a SEVIS I-20 form. The I-20 should have been signed on the back by the DSO within the past six months. Your passport should be valid for US travel for at least six months after your program completion date.

It is important to note that the F-1 visa is not an immigrant visa. You must demonstrate ties to your home country and an intent to return after completing your studies. Additionally, your spouse and children can accompany you on F-2 visas, but they will not be permitted to work.

During your time in the US on an F-1 visa, you may be able to work, but there are restrictions. In your first year, you are only permitted to work on-campus for no more than 20 hours per week during the academic term. During academic breaks, you may work full-time if your university allows it. After your first year, you may be eligible for off-campus employment under certain conditions, such as through Optional Practical Training (OPT) in STEM fields or due to special situations like economic hardship. Any off-campus employment must be related to your area of study and authorized by the Designated School Official and USCIS.

F-1 visa application process

The F-1 student visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows international students to enter the US and study at institutions certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). It is the most popular type of visa for students seeking to study at a US university or college.

To apply for an F-1 visa, you must first be enrolled as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, or other academic institution. Your school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, Immigration & Customs Enforcement. You must also be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency, and you must have sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies.

Once you have been accepted to a US institution, you can begin the F-1 visa application process. This process includes:

• Completing the online nonimmigrant visa application, Form DS-160, and printing the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview. You will also upload a photo that meets the Photograph Requirements when completing the form.
• Paying the application fee (if required before your interview).
• Scheduling a visa interview at your nearest US embassy or consulate. Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so it is recommended to apply early.
• Attending the visa interview and bringing the required documents, including your passport, academic records, test scores, evidence of your intent to depart the US after completing your studies, and statements proving your ability to pay all educational, living, and travel costs.
• Paying the visa issuance fee (if applicable).
• Providing digital fingerprint scans for records.

It is important to note that even with the above steps completed, visa issuance is not guaranteed. You should never make final travel plans until your visa has been approved. If your visa is denied, you will be given a reason based on the relevant section of the law.

F-1 visa interview

The F-1 student visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows international students to enter the US and study at institutions certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). It is the most popular type of student visa for students seeking to study at a US university or college.

The F-1 visa interview is a crucial part of the application process, and it is conducted in English. It is designed to establish your reasons for travelling to the US and confirm your status as a legitimate student. The interview is a formal process, and it is recommended that you dress professionally and be well-groomed.

Documents to Prepare:

• Form DS-160: This is the nonimmigrant visa application form, which must be completed and submitted online, along with a photo that meets the specified requirements.
• Form I-20: This is the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status, issued by the SEVP-approved school you plan to attend. It confirms your enrolment and is signed by both you and a school official.
• Academic documents: Transcripts, certificates, standardised test scores (SAT, TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, IELTS, etc.), and diplomas.
• Financial documents: Evidence of your ability to pay educational, living, and travel costs, including tuition fees, housing, food, transportation, and health insurance.
• Proof of ties to your home country: Documents that demonstrate your intention to return to your home country after completing your studies in the US.

Interview Questions:

The interview questions will be specific and personal, covering various categories. They will primarily focus on your plans for studying and living in the US, including your reasons for choosing a US university, your academic qualifications and capabilities, and your financial situation. You may also be asked about your ties to your home country and your intentions to return there after graduation.

Additional Tips:

• It is essential to remain calm during the interview and be open and honest in your responses.
• Practice answering potential interview questions beforehand, and consider participating in mock interviews to increase your comfort level with the process.
• Be well-prepared with all the required documents, as this will help you focus on the interview questions.
• Remember that first impressions are important, so dress appropriately and maintain good hygiene and grooming.
• Schedule your interview appointment as early as possible, as wait times can vary by country and may take months.

F-1 visa rejection

The F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows international students to enter the US and study at institutions certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). It is the most popular type of student visa for students seeking to study at a US university or college.

However, the F-1 visa rejection rate is relatively high, with an estimated 47.04% of applications denied in 2023. The rejection rate for the 2023-24 fiscal year was even higher, with 41% of applications denied. This is almost double the rejection rate for the 2014 fiscal year.

There are several reasons why an F-1 visa application may be rejected. One of the most common reasons is a lack of proof of sufficient finances. Applicants must demonstrate that they have access to funds for their entire program, including tuition, insurance, dining, living expenses, books, and other costs. Another common reason for rejection is the failure to demonstrate ties to the applicant's home country and their intent to return after completing their studies. During the visa interview, the consular officer will ask questions about the applicant's family, social circles, property, and career plans in their home country. Nervousness or a lack of confidence during the interview may also lead to visa rejection.

If an F-1 visa application is rejected, applicants will receive a letter stating the reason for the denial, including the relevant section of the law. It is important to carefully read and follow all instructions when re-applying for the visa. Applicants should spend time understanding the reasons for their initial rejection and take the necessary steps to address these issues before re-applying.

Frequently asked questions