The F1 Visa is for students attending a full-time degree or academic program at a school, college or university approved by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in compliance with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The visa is valid for the duration of study. If they complete the full course of study then they stay that long. If they quit the study program then they leave the country.
An F1 Visa also allows students to work on campus and in some situations even off campus. In addition, F1 visa students are eligible to apply for employment-authorised practical training after the completion of their academic program. This training is usually limited to 12 months but may be extended to as much as 29 months for students who are pursuing a degree in science, technology, engineering or mathematics.
F1 visa students are able to change schools and switch their focus of study while pursuing a degree in the U.S. Once they have completed their course of study or practical training (if applicable), they have 60 days in which to depart the U.S.
Qualifications for F1 visa student status
The student must be enrolled in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program. This must be proved to the U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) in the application process and they must also approve of the school.
Aside from this, the student must be enrolled as a full-time student at the institution. They must be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency, and have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay.
Quite importantly, the student must maintain a residence abroad which he/she has no intention of giving up. This is to make sure you adhere to the nature of the visa as non-migratory.
For professional support in attaining a US study visa please click our FREE online assessment tool for expert assistance.
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