Lana Oconnell
International students with an F1 visa are eligible to work in the US, but only under certain conditions and in accordance with complex guidelines and restrictions issued by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS). F1 students can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during classes and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. However, off-campus employment is highly restricted and must be authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO) and USCIS. F1 students may be eligible for off-campus work in cases of severe economic hardship, or they may be able to undertake Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT).
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa type | F-1 or M-1 |
| Student status | Non-immigrant |
| Eligibility | Enrolled in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program |
| School | Must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, Immigration & Customs Enforcement |
| Enrollment | Full-time student |
| Proficiency | Proficient in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency |
| Funds | Sufficient funds available for self-support during the entire proposed course of study |
| Residence | Must maintain a residence abroad which you have no intention of giving up |
| Work | May be eligible to work off-campus on a case-by-case basis due to special situations |
| Training | Entitled to one year of practical training |
| Tax | Not eligible for a Social Security Number |
| Visa cost | $535 |
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What You'll Learn
F-1 visa eligibility criteria
The F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows international students to enter the US and study at accredited colleges, universities, seminaries, academic high schools, elementary schools, or other academic institutions. It is the most popular type of 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 (SEVP), Immigration & Customs Enforcement.
- You must be enrolled as a full-time student at the institution.
- You must meet the required English language proficiency score of the institution or be enrolled in courses that will help you improve your English proficiency.
- You must demonstrate sufficient financial support for your studies and living expenses while in the US.
- You must have a valid passport for US travel for at least six months after your program completion date.
- You must maintain a residence abroad which you have no intention of giving up and intend to return to after your studies.
The F-1 visa application process involves several steps, including getting accepted by a SEVP-certified institution, paying the SEVIS fee, completing the DS-160 visa application, scheduling and attending a visa interview, and submitting the application.
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F-1 visa interview
To study as a full-time student in the United States, you will need a student visa. The F-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa for academic and language students. To obtain 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 that you do not intend to give up.
To apply for an F-1 visa, you will need to complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160, and print the application form confirmation page to bring to your interview. You will also need to upload a photo that meets the Photograph Requirements. You must then schedule an interview appointment at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, preferably in the country where you live. Wait times for interview appointments vary by location, season, and visa category, so it is recommended to apply early.
At the interview, you must bring specific documents, including the I-20/SEVIS form issued by the U.S. university you plan to attend, academic documents, transcripts, certificates, standardized test scores, and proof of financial and personal ties to your home country. It is important to prepare for the interview by practising your answers to potential questions and choosing appropriate attire to make a good first impression. The interview will likely be conducted in English, so it is recommended to practice English conversation with a native speaker beforehand. During the interview, the consular officer will determine your qualifications for a student visa and may request additional documents. It is important to remember that your main purpose of coming to the United States should be to study, and you must be able to articulate your plan to return home at the end of your program.
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F-1 visa costs
To study as a full-time student in the United States, you will need a student visa. The F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa for international students who wish to study in the United States. It is required for enrolment in a university, private school, high school, college, or any other training program or education provider.
The F1 visa application process involves several steps and costs. Firstly, you must apply to a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-approved school in the United States. Once accepted, you will be registered for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee, which is $350. Next, the SEVP-approved school will issue you a Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status. This form must be signed by both you and your school official. Your spouse and/or minor children, if intending to live in the United States with you, will each receive their own Form I-20, although they are exempt from the SEVIS fee.
After receiving your Form I-20 and registering in SEVIS, you may apply for the F-1 visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The visa application fee is $185, and you will need to complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160. You must then schedule an interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate, during which a consular officer will determine your qualifications for a student visa and may request additional documents. These may include evidence of standardized test scores required by your U.S. school, your intent to depart the United States upon completion of your studies, and your ability to pay all educational, living, and travel costs. It is important to note that you must demonstrate that you have no plans to remain in the U.S. after your program finishes and that you have the financial means to support yourself during your stay. The F-1 visa interview is conducted in English and typically lasts around five minutes.
In total, the F-1 visa application process, including the SEVIS fee and visa application fee, costs approximately $535. It is recommended to apply at least three months before your intended departure date to ensure sufficient processing time. Additionally, it is important to retain payment receipts to present during your visa interview.
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F-1 visa maintenance
To study as a full-time student in the United States, you will need a student visa. There are two nonimmigrant visa categories: F and M. F-1 students enrol in traditional academic programs, while M-1 students enrol in vocational programs.
To maintain your F-1 visa status, you must follow specific rules and regulations. Failure to do so can result in removal from the United States, inability to seek an adjustment from F-1 status, and inadmissibility to the United States. Here are some key points to maintain your F-1 visa status:
- Register full-time every fall and spring semester. However, under-enrolment is permitted in specific circumstances with prior authorization.
- Maintain a current passport that is valid for at least six months into the future.
- Keep your Form I-20 valid and up to date. If there are any substantial changes to your funding, update your immigration document.
- Do not work off-campus without prior authorization. On-campus work is permitted without authorization.
- You may be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
- If you plan to withdraw from your program, contact ISSS prior for approval.
- You must enter the United States no more than 30 days before your program of study begins.
- After completing your program and any authorized practical training, you have 60 days to leave the United States.
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F-1 visa renewal
To be eligible for an F-1 student visa, you must be enrolled in an academic, language-training, or vocational program at a school approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. You must also be enrolled as a full-time student, be proficient in English or enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency, have sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies, and maintain a residence abroad that you do not intend to give up.
F-1 visas can be renewed, but the process must be completed outside of the United States. Many U.S. embassies and consulates are waiving the interview requirement for visa renewals, but you must be present in the same country as the embassy or consulate to submit your application. You will need to complete the DS-160 form and may be instructed to schedule an interview or submit your documents. If you are an F-1 visa holder, you do not need to pay the SEVIS fee again if you have already paid for the same SEVIS ID number.
It is important to note that if your visa renewal application is denied in a country like Canada or Mexico, you will not be able to re-enter the U.S. Therefore, it is recommended to contact the U.S. Embassy in these countries before travelling there to renew your visa.
During the visa renewal process, you should be prepared to answer questions about the length of your intended stay in the U.S. and how you will use your academic experience when you return to your home country. Consular officials will expect to see evidence of your ties to your home country, such as family, property, employment, or bank accounts. If you have previously worked, studied, or resided in the U.S., you may also be asked to present evidence of maintaining legal immigration status.
Additionally, F-1 students can request a travel signature by completing the Travel Signature Request Form. This is recommended if you plan to travel outside the Boston metropolitan area, as a government official may request to see your visa documents even within the U.S.
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Frequently asked questions
Minimal scholarship aid is available to international students in the US, and most of it is reserved for graduate study. However, merit-based scholarships are granted based on special skills, talents, or abilities. Need-based scholarships are also awarded based on financial need.
F1 students may be eligible to work off-campus on a case-by-case basis as a result of special situations such as severe economic hardship. Any off-campus training employment must be related to their area of study and must be authorized by a Designated School Official (DSO) and USCIS. F1 students may also be eligible for on-campus employment.
No, F1 and M1 students have different benefits because they enroll in different types of programs. F1 students enroll in traditional academic programs, while M1 students enroll in vocational programs.
