What are the Requirements for a Student Visa?
To obtain an F-1 visa you must have:
- Form I-20 completed by the school you plan on attending and showing that you will be pursuing a "full course of study";
- Evidence that you have completed a course of study equivalent to that which is normally required to pursue the intended course of study;
- Demonstrated proficiency in English or evidence that you will receive language training and/or that English proficiency is not required for the selected course of study;
- Sufficient financial support to cover academic and living expenses for the first year of study and access to such support for subsequent years (e.g. you must be able to show that you are unlikely to become a public charge or have to resort to unauthorized U.S. employment for financial support); and
- Non-immigrant intent (e.g. strong social and economic ties to your country of origin).
What is a Full Course of Study?
A full course of study is generally described as follows:
Postgraduate study or postdoctoral study at a college or university, undergraduate or postgraduate study at a conservatory or religious seminary certified by a designated school official as a full course of study; or
Undergraduate study at a college or university which consists of at least twelve semester or quarter hours per term, where all undergraduate students enrolled for such hours are charged full-time tuition or are considered full-time students; or
Postsecondary language, liberal arts, fine arts or other non-vocational study in a program which:
- confers upon its graduates an associate degree or credits which are unconditionally accepted by at least three qualified academic institutions of higher learning; or
- consists of at least 18 clock hours a week for classroom dominant instruction or 22 clock hours a week for laboratory work; or
Private elementary or middle or public or private high school study at an approved academic institution for no less than the minimum number of hours per week as prescribed by the institution for normal progress toward graduation.
Can an F-1 Student Accept Employment?
An F-1 student may accept employment, but only one of the under limited circumstances:
On-campus employment
F-1 students may be employed on-campus under the following guidelines:
The enterprise which will employ the student is operated by or on behalf of the school;
The employment will not result in the displacement of a U.S. resident;
The employment is on-campus or at an off-campus location which is educationally affiliated with the curriculum and an integral part of the students educational program;
The employment does not exceed 20 hours per week while school is in session;
The student is enrolled on a full-time basis (i.e. maintain a full course of study) during such employment.
Off-campus employment
F-1 students may be eligible to apply to USCIS for off-campus employment authorization where:
The student has completed one full academic year in F-1 status;
The student is carrying a full course of study and is in good standing at the academic institution;
The student demonstrates that the employment will not interfere with his/her course of study;
The employer submits a labor and wage attestation or the student demonstrates the necessity due to severe economic hardship resulting from unforeseen circumstances.
Curricular practical training
Curricular Practical Training is employment that is an integral part of the student’s curriculum. Curricular Practical Training must be authorized by the academic institution. The training must be:
- alternative work-study;
- an internship;
- cooperative education; or
- other type of required internship or course offered by a sponsoring employer through a cooperative agreement with the school.
Optional practical training
Optional Practical Training is training which is directly related to the student’s major area of study and intended to provide practical experience during or after completion of his/her degree program. F-1 students may be eligible after the student has completed one full academic year in F-1 status at an approved college-level institution. Authorization for Optional Practical Training is requested from USCIS by the academic institution.
This type of training may be authorized in during the following times:
- During vacation periods or other times when the school is not in session, if the student is currently enrolled, eligible for registration and intends to register for the next session;
- While school is in session a long as the training does not exceed 20 hours a week;
- Within the 14-month period after completing all course requirements for the degree.
How Long is the F-1 Visa Valid?
F-1 visas are valid for duration of status, meaning for as long as you continue to fulfill the requirements for the visa.
How Can I Get an F-1 Visa?
You must first apply and be accepted at an approved school. The school will issue you Form I-20. You must then apply and undergo a rigid screening process by the U.S. State Department. Application is usually made through the U.S. consular office where you live by submitting a Form DS-156 with your Form I-20. The consular officer may require additional documents to verify the legitimacy of your application and that you intend to return after completion of your studies in the U.S. The visa may be issued on the same day you submit your application in the form of a stamp in your passport.
F-2 Visa: Spouse or Child of Student
An F-2 visa may be issued to the spouse and/or child of an F-1 visa holder. Application may be made on Form DS-156 submitted to the U.S. consular office where you live. The consular officer may require additional documents to verify the purpose for obtaining the visa. Subject to verification, the visa may be issued on the same day that you apply and is in the form of a stamp in your passport.
What are the Requirements for an F-2 Visa?
There are three basic requirements: (1) proof of the relationship to the F-1 applicant; (2) sufficient funds to cover expenses while in the U.S.; and (3) intention to leave the U.S. upon the termination of the F-1 visa.
Can F-2 Dependents be Employed?
No.
How Long Is the F-2 Visa Valid?
An F-2 visa is valid for as long as the F-1 student's visa is valid.
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