F-1 Student Visas: An Immigration Law FAQ
Are you interested in studying in the United States but need help determining which visa you are eligible for? You may qualify for an F-1 student visa.
Here, an experienced immigration lawyer answers a few common questions about F-1 student visas.
Am I eligible for an F-1 Student Visa?
To study in the US, you must have a student visa. The type of visa you need depends on your intended course of study and the type of school you’ll be attending. You are eligible for an F-1 visa if you are planning to attend any of the following:
- University or college
- High school
- Private elementary school
- Seminary
- Conservatory
- Other academic institutions, including language training programs
If you plan to attend a vocational or nonacademic institution, you need an M-1 visa instead.
Can I work with an F-1 Student Visa?
As an F-1 student, you cannot work off-campus during your first academic year. However, you can work an on-campus job that meets specific requirements.
After your first year, you can work the following three types of off-campus jobs:
- Curricular Practical Training
- Optional Practical Training
- Optional Practical Training Extension for STEM Students
You may be allowed to work off-campus in the case of a unique circumstance on a case-specific basis, including severe economic hardship or student relief. Your school and USCIS must approve all off-campus work before you can start working.
How do you apply for an F-1 Student Visa?
Before applying for the visa, you must apply to a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-approved school in the U.S. Once accepted, you can register for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System and pay the SEVIS 1-901 fee. You will then receive a Form 1-20 from your school. Then, you can apply for the F-1 visa.
When applying for an F-1 visa, the order in which you complete the following steps can vary at each U.S. Embassy and Consulate. Please check the instructions on the embassy or consulate website for your country of residence.
Complete the Online Application
To apply for an F-1 student visa, you will first complete the online visa application, Form DS-160. You need to complete the application and bring a printed copy of the confirmation page to your interview. You must also upload your photo during this online application process.
After completing the application, you will also pay the non-refundable application fee.
Schedule an interview
Next, you will schedule a visa interview at your country’s U.S. embassy or consulate.
Before your interview, you must gather the following documents to bring with you:
- Valid Passport for travel to the U.S.
- The Form DS-160 confirmation page
- Application fee payment receipt
- Photo
- Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status For Academic and Language Students, Form I-20
Estimated processing times are always changing. You can check the status of your application here.
Talk to the Immigration Lawyers at JAD Law
The U.S. Immigration process can be lengthy and confusing, but an experienced immigration lawyer can help you navigate the student visa application process. JAD Law is here to help. Contact JAD Law today to schedule an appointment.
JAD Law serves several counties across Metro Detroit, Michigan, including Macomb, Oakland, St. Clair, and Wayne counties. JAD Law also serves counties across Northern Michigan, including Grand Traverse, Charlevoix, Benzie, Leelanau, and Antrim counties.
