study in usa

F-1 Visa for International Students

F-1 Visa Requirements

There are several F-1 visa rules to keep in mind if you plan to apply for a F-1 student visa. You must meet these requirements for your application to be accepted:

  • Institution certification—The college or the university where you plan to study needs to 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 have a residence in your home country to return to following the completion of your degree.

How to Apply for F-1 Visa

Before you begin your F-1 visa application, you must take the following steps:

  1. Get accepted by a SEVP-certified institution before submitting your visa application. When you are accepted, you will receive your I-20 form, which you will need to apply for your F-1 visa.

  2. Pay your SEVIS fee.

  3. Complete your DS-160 visa application.

  4. Schedule your visa interview.

  5. Attend your visa interview.

If you are applying for a F-1 visa from India, Sumit Travels F-1 visa for Indian students guide is for you.

Once these steps are completed, you will be ready to complete and submit your F-1 student visa application.

F-1 Visa Admission Requirements

Before you attend your visa interview, make sure to have the following documents ready for evaluation by the consular officer:

  • A valid passport
  • A copy of the photo you will use for your visa
  • Printed copies of your DS-160 and I-901 SEVIS payment confirmations
  • I-20 form
  • School transcript and official test scores cited on your university application
  • Diploma (if applicable)
  • Bank statements or other proof of finances

During your interview, the consular officer may request additional documents. To prepare, consider bringing the following documents:

  • Academic records such as transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you attended
  • Standardized test scores required by your US institution
  • Evidence of your intent to depart the United States upon completion of your course of study
  • Statements proving your ability to pay all educational, living, and travel costs

Maintaining F-1 Visa Status

As an international student, you must actively maintain your F-1 status to continue studying in the US. To do this, you must comply with both university regulations and codes of conduct, as well as with the requirements and conditions set out in your F-1 visa requirements. 

When entering the US:

  • Make sure to enter the US no more than 30 days before your program begins.
  • As soon as you arrive in the country, contact your designated school official (DSO).
  • When you arrive at your university, contact your DSO again before the start date listed on your I-20 form.

While studying in the US:

  • Attend all your classes and maintain good academic standing. If you require support with any of your classes, your Sumit Travels advisor can direct you to academic resources to help you improve.
  • If you need extra time to complete your program which would exceed the end date specified in your I-20, speak with your DSO to discuss your options for possible extensions.
  • Make sure to enroll for a full course of study when your academic term is in session.
  • If you want to drop a class or change classes, make sure to speak to your DSO first.

If you want to take a break and/or go on vacation, remember to first complete at least one full academic year at your institution.  After your holiday, you must also register for classes in the next academic term.

Can F-1 International Students Work in the US ?

Yes, you will be able to work in the US on a F-1 student visa. However, you will have to follow certain F-1 visa rules and restrictions:

  • You can only work part time on campus while your academic term is in session
  • You can only work a maximum of 20 hours per week
  • You may be able to work off campus with the approval of your university

During academic breaks, you will be permitted to work full time, if your university allows it. You can learn more about working as a F-1 international student by referring to USCIS.gov.

When searching for work while you study, make sure to seek approval from your DSO first. 

Keep in mind, once you finish your program, you will have a grace period of 60 days to leave the US. If you wish to extend your stay, you can speak to a Sumit Travels advisor to explore your options, such as transferring to another school or pursuing further education.

Now that you know how US non-immigrant visas work for international students, create a checklist of next steps and get started. The sooner you begin fulfilling the USA study visa requirements, the better chance you will have of securing your spot at an American university.

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