Savanna Hoffman
International students in the United States are typically on F or M visas, which are non-immigrant visas. F-1 and M-1 visas are for full-time students enrolled in academic or vocational programs respectively. To maintain their status, international students must fulfil the purpose for which the visa was issued and follow associated regulations. Students may be required to verify their immigration status when applying for government benefits or when stopped by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials. It is important to carry original immigration documents when travelling internationally or within the US. Students can obtain a Form I-20, which acts as proof of enrolment in a program of study and is required for certain benefits.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Student visa type | F or M |
| Visa category | F-1 or M-1 |
| Purpose | Study |
| Criteria | Enrolled in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program |
| School approval | Approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, Immigration & Customs Enforcement |
| Enrollment type | Full-time student |
| Language proficiency | Proficient in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency |
| Funds | Sufficient funds for self-support during the entire proposed course of study |
| Residence | Maintain a residence abroad with no intention of giving up |
| Work | F students may work when authorized by a DSO or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) |
| Form I-20 | Required for any eligible dependents; signed by student and DSO; important document to keep safe |
| SEVIS fee | Paid using information from Form I-20 |
| Visa issuance | Issued up to 365 days in advance of the course start date |
| Visa interview | Original Form I-20 required at the visa interview |
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What You'll Learn
Student visa requirements
To study in the United States as an international student, you must obtain a student visa. The type of visa you need depends on your course of study and your student status. The most common student visas are F-1 and M-1 visas. F-1 visas are for full-time international students pursuing academic studies, while M-1 visas are for those in vocational or other non-academic programs.
To obtain an F-1 or M-1 visa, you must meet certain requirements. Firstly, 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 Visitor Program (SEVP) of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Additionally, you must be enrolled as a full-time student and be proficient in English or be taking courses to improve your English proficiency. Furthermore, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself financially throughout your studies and maintain a residence abroad with no intention of giving up.
Once you have been accepted into an SEVP-approved school, you will need to register for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. The school will then issue you a Form I-20, which is a Certificate of Eligibility for your specific visa category. Both you and your school official must sign this form. You will need to present the Form I-20 during your visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
It is important to note that visa applicants typically require an interview. You should schedule this interview in the country where you live, as applying outside of your home country may make it more difficult to demonstrate your eligibility for the visa. During your interview, you will need to provide various documents, including your passport, which must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in the U.S. You will also need to submit a photo that meets specific requirements, and you may be required to pay a visa application fee before your interview.
Maintaining your status as an international student in the U.S. is crucial. This means fulfilling the purpose for which your visa was issued and following associated regulations. For example, F-1 students may be eligible to work in certain circumstances, but they must obtain authorization before doing so. Failure to comply with the terms of your visa status can result in serious consequences, including being forced to leave the country immediately. Additionally, you may be required to verify your immigration status when applying for certain benefits, such as a driver's license, or when stopped by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials. It is also recommended to carry your original immigration documents when traveling internationally or within the U.S.
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Immigration status verification
International students need to maintain their immigration status by fulfilling the purpose for which the Department of State issued their visa and following the associated regulations. F and M students must attend all classes and maintain academic progress, and they may need to work to maintain their status. Students should speak to their DSO if they have any questions or concerns about their legal requirements.
Students who are pending permanent residency or on non-immigrant visas such as E1, E4, H-1B, H4, L1, L2, O1, or R1 and are currently in the US must complete Immigration Status Verification (ISV). This involves activating a USC NetID Account and logging into Trojan International to upload immigration documents. These documents include the I-94 and, if the website does not load your I-94, a photo of your I-94 entry stamp in your passport.
F-1 students who have graduated from USC and are maintaining their F-1 status while starting a new degree program at USC must submit the New F-1 Student Request in Trojan International. After receiving the COEL I-20, they must submit the Validation of New Program Request to remove the STU50 hold, which restricts course registration.
Students who are continuing from a leave of absence, reinstatement, or change of status will have an STU55 hold on their USC account. This hold is lifted once students arrive in the US and complete ISV.
Checking Application Status
Students can also check their application status online by creating a secure account and linking it to their existing application. They may need to wait until they receive an acknowledgement of receipt (AOR) letter or email before status updates will show up. Students can then receive alerts and messages about their application and be asked to provide additional documents or information.
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International travel document requirements
International travel can be an exciting experience, but it is important to ensure that you have the correct documents in place to avoid any last-minute challenges. The documents you will need will vary depending on your destination country, so it is important to research the specific requirements for your chosen destination. Here is a checklist of the most common documents required for international travel as an international student:
- Passport: A valid passport is one of the most important documents when travelling internationally. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned return date. Carry a copy of your passport and keep it separate from the original.
- Visa: Check if your destination country requires a visa and apply in advance if necessary. Some countries provide visas on arrival, but it is always good to be prepared.
- Travel Insurance: Invest in a good travel insurance plan that covers medical insurance and other benefits like baggage cover.
- COVID-19 Documents: During the COVID-19 pandemic, additional documents like a negative COVID-19 test report and vaccination certificates may be required. Check the specific requirements for your destination country and carrier company.
- Local Currency: Carry a considerable amount of local currency of your destination to save time on exchange rates and conversion charges.
- Proof of Enrollment: If you are a student, you may need to provide proof of your student status. A certificate of enrollment or a transcript can be used as proof.
- Proof of Financial Support: Bring copies of documents mentioned on your funding letter or bank statements to demonstrate financial support.
- Travel Advisories: Review specific travel advisories and local requirements for your destination. Check with the foreign embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information.
Remember to always make multiple copies of your travel documents and keep them separate from the originals. Leave a set of copies with a trusted friend or family member, and keep a set with you during your travels.
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Work eligibility
International students in the United States can obtain work authorization under specific circumstances, either during their studies or after graduation. However, the United States has strict rules for international students who want to work during their studies.
F-1 Visa
The F-1 Visa (Academic Student) allows you to enter the United States as a full-time student at an accredited academic institution. F-1 students may not work off-campus during their first academic year but may accept on-campus employment. After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment:
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT): This is employment that trains you in your field of study and for which you fulfill academic credit or part of your degree requirement. CPT may be a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience related to your field of study.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): OPT is work authorization that allows F-1 students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year either before or after graduation.
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) OPT Extension: F-1 students in STEM fields may be eligible to work off-campus for a longer period.
To work off-campus, F-1 students must meet eligibility requirements and obtain official authorization. They must also have a Social Security Number (SSN), which is obtained by providing specific documents to the Social Security Office.
M-1 Visa
The M-1 visa (Vocational Student) includes students in vocational or other non-academic programs, excluding language training. M-1 visa holders are subject to similar work restrictions as F-1 students during their first academic year.
Other Visa Options
There are other visa options that may allow international students to work in the United States, such as the O-1 status for individuals with "extraordinary ability" in certain fields, the E-3 status for Australians in professional positions, and the H-1B1 visa for citizens of Chile and Singapore.
Work-Study Programs
Federal work-study programs are school-sponsored and provide part-time employment opportunities for students with financial need. While these programs are generally not open to international students due to federal funding, some schools have special policies that allow international students to participate.
Working in Canada
International students in Canada may be able to work off-campus without a work permit for up to 24 hours per week, provided they meet certain eligibility requirements. To work in Canada, individuals need a Social Insurance Number (SIN).
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Changing visa status
Changing your visa status as an international student in the United States involves several steps and considerations. Here is a guide to help you through the process:
Understanding Your Current Visa Status
Before initiating any changes, it is essential to understand your current visa status and its purpose. For instance, if you hold an F or M student visa, it means you are in the United States specifically for studying. The F-1 visa is for those enrolled in academic or language training programs, while the M-1 visa is for vocational programs.
Reasons for Changing Visa Status
You may wish to change your visa status if your circumstances or intentions change. For example, if you initially entered the U.S. for a different purpose but now want to become a student, or if you want to switch from studying to working.
Options for Changing Visa Status
There are two primary ways to change your nonimmigrant visa status:
- Travel and Re-entry: This option involves leaving the U.S. and applying for a new visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country or another foreign country. You will then re-enter the U.S. with your new visa and gain your new status upon admission. This option is generally faster than the alternative. However, you must plan your travel timeline carefully, as you cannot enter the U.S. in your new status earlier than 30 days before your program start date.
- Applying for a Change of Status from Within the U.S.: If you prefer to remain in the U.S. during the process, you can submit an application to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to request a change of status. This option allows you to avoid the time and expense of international travel. However, USCIS processing times can be slow, and you must stay in the U.S. during the processing period, as exiting the country will cancel your application.
Steps for Changing Visa Status
Now, let's outline the steps for each option:
Travel and Re-entry:
- Gather all the documents related to your new status.
- Leave the U.S. and apply for a new visa at a U.S. consulate outside the country. Canadians and citizens from countries with visa-free entry, such as Canada, do not need to apply for a new entry visa.
- Re-enter the U.S. with your new visa and other relevant documents.
Applying for a Change of Status from Within the U.S.:
- Ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria for a change of status, including having a valid nonimmigrant visa and not violating any conditions of your current status.
- Submit an I-539 application to USCIS for a change of status, along with the required fee.
- Wait for USCIS processing. If approved, they will provide official documentation of your new status.
- Until you receive approval, do not assume your status has changed, and do not engage in any activities related to your new status.
Special Considerations
- If you are an M-1 student, you cannot change to F status while in the U.S. You must leave the country, apply for a new visa, and re-enter as an F-1 student.
- Always consult official government websites, such as .gov websites, for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
- Remember that changing your visa status may impact your eligibility for certain benefits, activities, and the duration of your stay in the U.S.
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Frequently asked questions
An F or M student visa is a nonimmigrant visa that allows the holder to enter the United States as a full-time student. F-1 visas are for those enrolled in academic or language training programs, while M-1 visas are for those in vocational programs.
To obtain an F or M student visa, you must meet the following criteria:
- Be enrolled in an approved full-time academic, language-training, or vocational program.
- Have sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies.
- Maintain a residence abroad that you do not intend to give up.
- Be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses to achieve English proficiency.
To maintain your status as an international student in the US, you must fulfil the purpose for which the Department of State issued your visa and follow the associated regulations. This includes complying with any work restrictions and maintaining your enrolment in an approved program.
You may be required to verify your immigration status when applying for government benefits, such as a driver's license or Social Security Card, or when travelling internationally or within the US by air, rail, or bus. It is recommended to carry your original immigration documents during these situations.
