If you’re dreaming of studying in the United States, the F-1 visa is your ticket. It’s one of the most common student visas for international students coming to the U.S. to attend a college, university, high school, language school, or other academic institution.
But what exactly is an F-1 visa? How do you get it? And once you have it, how do you make sure you keep it? Here’s a breakdown in simple terms.
What is an F-1 Visa?
The F-1 visa is for international students who want to study full-time at a school in the U.S. that’s been approved by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). These schools include universities, colleges, high schools, elementary schools, seminaries, conservatories, and accredited language training programs.
To qualify for an F-1 visa, you must:
- Have a foreign residence you don’t plan to give up.
- Be accepted by a DHS-approved school.
- Be a full-time student.
- Be able to pay for your education and living expenses.
- Show that you plan to return home after finishing your studies.
How Do You Get F-1 Status?
There are two ways to become an F-1 student: through consular processing (if you’re outside the U.S.) or change of status (if you’re already in the U.S. in another visa category).
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Consular Processing (You’re Outside the U.S.)
- Here’s what you need to do:
- Get accepted to a U.S. school.
- The school will issue you a Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status).
- Pay the SEVIS fee.
- Apply for an F-1 visa at a U.S. consulate in your home country.
- Attend a visa interview.
- If approved, travel to the U.S. and show your I-20 and F-1 visa at the border.
Once you’re admitted, you’ll be in F-1 status.
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Change of Status (You’re in the U.S. Already)
If you’re already in the U.S. in a different visa category (like B-2 visitor), you can:
- Get accepted to a U.S. school.
- Receive your Form I-20.
- File Form I-539 with USCIS to change your status to F-1.
- Stay in the U.S. while your application is pending (but don’t begin school until you’re approved unless otherwise permitted).
Important: Not everyone can change status in the U.S., and USCIS processing can take months. Sometimes, it’s better to leave the U.S. and apply for an F-1 visa through a consulate instead.
How to Maintain F-1 Status
Once you’re in F-1 status, you must follow the rules to stay legal:
✅ Attend the school listed on your I-20
✅ Be a full-time student (usually 12 credits per semester for undergrads)
✅ Don’t work off-campus without permission
✅ Keep your passport valid
✅ Update your DSO (Designated School Official) about changes in address or academic program
✅ Leave the U.S. within 60 days after your program ends (unless you transfer, change status, or apply for work authorization)
Can F-1 Students Work?
Yes, but with restrictions:
- On-campus employment is allowed up to 20 hours per week during school, full-time during breaks.
- Off-campus work (like CPT or OPT) needs special authorization.
- Unauthorized employment can get your visa revoked.
Bringing Your Family: F-2 Dependents
Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can come with you on F-2 visas.
F-2 dependents cannot work, and spouses can’t study full-time (though children can attend school). If your spouse wants to study full-time or work, they’ll need to apply for their own appropriate visa, like F-1 or H-1B.
What Happens After You Finish Studying?
After you complete your program, you get a 60-day grace period to:
- Leave the U.S.
- Transfer to another school
- Apply for a different visa status
- Apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) to work temporarily in your field of study
