Students Visa (F-1)

 

F Visa

 

OVERVIEW

The F-1 Visa is granted to allow international students to enter into America to study as a full-time student in the United States at an accredited college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or other academic institution or in a language training program. F-1 students may not work off-campus during the first academic year, but may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions. There are various programs available for F-1 students to seek off-campus employment, after the first academic year.

ELIGIBILITY

 

In order to qualify for an F-1 Visa, an applicant must meet the following criteria:

1.      Be enrolled in an “academic” educational program

2.      Be enrolled as a full-time student

3.      Be proficient in English, or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency.

4.      Be financially self-sufficient during the entire proposed course of study.

5.      Maintain a residence abroad

6.      Attend a program offered by a school approved by USCIS

 

PETITION PROCESS

As part of the visa application process, an interview is required for visa applicants from age 14 through 79. Persons age 13 and younger, and age 80 and older, generally do not require an interview.

Applicants should submit:

·         Form I-20A-B, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status-For Academic and Language Students

·         Online Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application, Form DS-160.

·         A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the United States.

·         One (1) 2x2 photograph. 

·          A MRV fee receipt to show payment of the visa application fee.

·         The SEVIS I-901 fee receipt.

Since each student’s situation is different, additional paperwork maybe requested by the USCIS.