Lori Meadows
International students are required to obtain a student visa to study in the United States, with the type of visa depending on the course of study and the school they plan to attend. The two main types of student visas are F and M visas, with F-1 visas for academic and language students and M-1 visas for vocational students. To maintain legal status, F and M students must fulfil certain requirements, such as enrolling as full-time students, demonstrating English proficiency, and maintaining sufficient funds for self-support. Additionally, students on F-1 visas must complete at least one full academic year at an SEVP-certified school to be eligible for annual vacation. International students in the US may also need to obtain a Form I-20, which serves as proof of legal enrolment and is necessary for applying for certain benefits. It is important for international students to maintain their visa status and comply with any legal requirements to avoid complications during their stay in the host country.
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What You'll Learn
Student visa requirements
International students who wish to travel to the United States must obtain a student visa. The type of visa depends on the course of study and the type of school the student plans to attend. There are three primary student visa types: F, J, and M.
F-1 Visa (Academic Student)
The F-1 visa is for students enrolled in an academic educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program at an accredited college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or another academic institution. F-1 students are eligible for curricular practical training (CPT) and optional practical training (OPT) during or following their program of study.
J-1 Exchange Visa
The J-1 visa is for participants in an exchange program, including high school and university study.
M-1 Visa (Vocational Student)
The M-1 visa is for students enrolling in a technical program at a vocational or other recognized non-academic institution, excluding language training programs.
- Enrolment in a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school.
- Payment of the I-901 SEVIS Fee and presentation of the receipt when applying for the visa.
- Presentation of Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," issued by the SEVP-certified school.
- Sufficient funds for self-support during the entire proposed course of study.
- Proficiency in English or enrolment in courses leading to English proficiency.
- Maintenance of a residence abroad with no intention of giving it up.
- Presentation of other required documents, such as a valid passport, at the U.S. port of entry for admission by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials.
It is important to note that a student visa does not guarantee entrance into the United States. The CBP official will determine whether to admit the student and provide an admission stamp or Form I-94, specifying the permitted duration of stay. Students must maintain their visa status by fulfilling the purpose of their visa and following associated regulations. Failure to comply with the requirements may result in immediate departure from the country and potential difficulties in re-entry.
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Immigration status maintenance
As an international student, your immigration status is dependent on your visa. In the United States, for example, non-immigrants are issued with either an F or M visa. F-1 students enrol in traditional academic programs, while M-1 students enrol in vocational programs.
To maintain your immigration status as an international student, you must follow the rules and regulations determined by your visa status. Failure to do so may result in the loss of benefits and potential removal from the country. Here are some ways to maintain your immigration status:
- Maintain academic progress: Attend all your classes and maintain normal academic progress. If you are struggling, speak to your designated school official (DSO).
- Full-time study: Enrol as a full-time student and maintain a full course of study each term. If you cannot study full-time, contact your DSO immediately.
- Employment restrictions: F and M students must only work when authorized. F-1 students are generally only permitted to work on-campus up to 20 hours per week. Off-campus employment requires prior authorization from the relevant authorities. Working without authorization may result in immediate removal from the country.
- Valid immigration documents: Carry your immigration documents with you at all times. Keep electronic copies for convenience and security, and always bring the originals when travelling out of town.
- Report changes: Promptly report any changes to your address, academic major, degree level, or personal circumstances to the relevant authorities within the required timeframe.
- Income Tax Return: Complete an Income Tax Return annually by the deadline established by the IRS.
- Entry and exit: Enter the country within the timeframe specified for your visa. For F and M students, this is usually no more than 30 days before your program of study begins. After completing your studies and any authorized practical training, F students have 60 days to leave the country.
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Work eligibility
International students in the US can obtain work authorization under specific circumstances, whether during their studies or after graduation. The most common visa types for international students are F-1 and J-1, and there are several rules and restrictions around working on and off-campus for students with these visas.
On-campus employment
F-1 students can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week when classes are in session and up to 40 hours per week when classes are not in session. The job must be physically located on the school's campus or off-campus at an educationally affiliated organization, such as a company that contracts with the school to serve students directly. Students must be enrolled full-time and in valid F-1 status. To get an on-campus job, students will need a Social Security Number (SSN).
Off-campus employment
Off-campus employment is only allowed in certain circumstances for F-1 students. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is a common type of off-campus employment, which trains students in their field of study and counts for academic credit or is a degree requirement. CPT can be a paid or unpaid internship, cooperative education job, practicum, or other experience related to the student's field of study. Students can choose to work full or part-time during their CPT internship. Another type of off-campus employment is Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows students to work in areas related to their major for up to one year either before or after graduation. To be eligible for OPT, students must have been enrolled for at least one academic year and have active F-1 student status.
To apply for off-campus employment, students must first explain their economic hardship situation and receive approval from their Designated School Official (DSO). If approved, the student must then file a Form I-765, "Application for Employment Authorization", with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). If USCIS approves the application, they will send the student a Form I-766, "Employment Authorization Document" (EAD), with the dates they are allowed to work off-campus.
Work-study programs
Federal work-study programs are school-sponsored and provide part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial needs. While work-study positions are typically only available to domestic students, some schools have policies that allow international students to take advantage of these opportunities.
Other visa options
There are other visa options that allow for temporary work in the US, such as the O-1 visa for foreign nationals with "extraordinary ability" in certain fields, the E-3 visa for Australians working in professional positions, and the H-1B1 visa for citizens of Chile and Singapore.
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Changing your status
If you are an international student in the United States, you are most likely to have a nonimmigrant F or M visa status. F-1 students enrol in more traditional academic programs, while M-1 students enrol in vocational programs.
If you want to change your status while in the United States, you (or in some cases, your employer) must file a request with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before your authorised stay expires. You may apply to change your nonimmigrant status if you were lawfully admitted to the U.S. in an eligible nonimmigrant status, your nonimmigrant status remains valid, you have not violated the conditions of your status, and you have not committed any crimes that would make you ineligible.
You can change your nonimmigrant status if you are already in the U.S. on a valid nonimmigrant visa for a purpose other than attending school and want to study at a U.S. Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school. To do so, you must submit an application with USCIS to change your nonimmigrant status. You must apply to and receive acceptance from an SEVP-certified school, and obtain an initial Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," from the SEVP-certified school.
If your nonimmigrant status is unexpired when filing the application to change status to F-1 nonimmigrant, and you otherwise remain eligible for a change of status, you are not required to obtain status all the way up to the date that is 30 days before your program start date. If approved, your change of status to F-1 will be effective as of the date of adjudication.
USCIS permits a change of status to H-1B if you are holding a status in most visa categories. J-1 exchange visitors who are subject to the two-year home residency requirement cannot change status to H-1B unless they request a waiver.
If you are an international exchange visitor (J-1), you may not change your nonimmigrant status if you were admitted to the U.S. to receive graduate medical training, unless you receive a special waiver. If you do not receive a waiver, you may only apply to change to a diplomatic or other government official (A visa) or representative to international organizations (G visa).
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Health insurance
As an international student in the US, you will need to navigate a complex healthcare system that lacks a national or universal healthcare program. This means that you will need to choose from individual private care providers and their plans. The good news is that there are many health insurance plans that cater specifically to international students. These plans are designed to meet visa requirements and provide key coverage that schools require, such as mental health, sports, and maternity.
Before you begin your studies in the US, it is important that you research health insurance options to ensure that you are covered as soon as you arrive. The cost of medical care in the US can be very high, with a simple doctor's visit or prescription medication incurring expenses that may be too much for an international student to cover.
There are several companies that offer health insurance plans for international students in the US. These include IMG, ISO, Compass, and International Student Insurance. These companies offer comprehensive and affordable plans that meet the insurance requirements of most US colleges and universities, as well as different visa categories. For example, IMG and ISO offer plans for F1 visa holders, while Compass offers plans for F-1, J-1, M-1, and H-1B visa holders.
When choosing a health insurance plan, it is important to fully research each plan and cross-check that it offers the coverage you need. The cheapest choice might not cover everything, so it is important to check all the details. You should also consider whether you can include dependents, if applicable. Additionally, you can check if your university has a plan that covers your needs and whether the cost is included in your tuition payments or if there is an additional charge.
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Frequently asked questions
As an international student, you will have nonimmigrant status. There are two types of visas available for international students: the F-1 Visa and the M-1 Visa. The F-1 Visa is for academic students and allows you to enter as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, school, or other academic institution. The M-1 Visa is for vocational students and includes students in vocational or other non-academic programs.
To obtain a student visa, you must meet certain criteria. You must be enrolled in an academic, language-training, or vocational program, and your school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program. You will also need to submit unmounted and unretouched photos with your application.
Maintaining your immigration status as an international student is important. For F-1 students, you may not work off-campus during your first academic year, but you may accept on-campus employment. After the first year, F-1 students may engage in off-campus employment, such as STEM Optional Practical Training Extension. Additionally, be mindful of your online presence, as visa-vetting procedures may consider your social media activity.
