What is an F-1 visa?

An F-1 visa is a type of non-immigrant student visa that allows international students to study in the United States. A student who holds an F-1 visa can attend any school or university, provided that it has been certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). This type of visa is deemed the most popular student visa. You can apply for it once your application has been accepted by an accredited US institution.

Being an F-1 student, you can stay in the United States depending upon the program you have been enrolled in. The expiration date will be mentioned in the I-20 form that the university will provide you with. 

In addition to this, after you have graduated, you will get an opportunity to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT). This will allow you to work in the U.S for the period of 12 months in your particular field. Students of Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) graduates can apply for two more years. In case you do not have additional training or any extension, after graduation, you will have a maximum of 60 days to return back to your home country. 

Eligibility Criteria

Following are certain criteria that you need to meet in order to apply for an F-1 student visa. 

Firstly, it is important that the institution you choose to study is approved by SEVP Immigration & Customs Enforcement. You can check it before applying to the university or college you intend to study. 

Moreover, while your academic term is in session, you need to be enrolled at your institution as a full-time student.

Along with that, you need to show that you have sufficient funds to finance your living expenses and studies in the United States. You also need to have a sufficient English language proficiency score for the university or college you are going to join. 

A valid passport is also a must for US travel for the period of at least six months once your program has been completed. 

Lastly, it is important to have a residence in your home country. It is vital as you will be returning back to your home country after your graduation. 

Employment Options

Around 20 hours per week are allowed for the students in the first year of an academic program, but it must be on campus. From the second year students can either apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). These will also be for maximum 20 hours per week and must be in a student's field of study. 

Benefits of F-1 Visa

There are a number of benefits of having an F-1 visa. Following are a few of these:

1. Convertibility: Students, after graduation, can file to change the status of their visa. For example, if they get a good job opportunity in the United States, they can file to change their status to an employment-based nonimmigrant status. H-1B visa is an example of a nonimmigrant visa reserved for temporary employment in a particular occupation. 

2. Change Program or Institution: By informing USCIS, you can switch your programs or change your institution. 

‍3. Bring Your Spouse and Children: You can bring your spouse and children to the United States on the F-2 visa category.

Application Process

Following are the steps that you need to take during the application process for an F-1 visa: 

• First, you need acceptance from a SEVP-certified institution and an I-20 form that you will be required to fill. 
• Next, you need to pay your SEVIS fee. It can be around $510. 
• After that, you are required to complete your DS-160 visa application. It can cost around $160. 
• Once that has been done, you need to schedule your visa interview with the nearest U.S consulate or embassy.
• Finally, you need to attend your visa interview. 

How Can RB Law Help You? 

As you can see, the entire process of applying for an F-1 visa can get complex and tough. This is especially true if you have never done that before. Therefore, it is vital to take assistance from an expert, and RB Law is there to help you in this regard. For more information, get in touch with us today.