F-1 Student Visa

The F-1 visa is the primary student visa for studying at accredited academic institutions in the United States.

Requirements

• Acceptance by a SEVP-approved institution
• Receipt of Form I-20 from the institution
• Payment of the SEVIS I-901 fee ($350)
• Proof of financial support
• Proof of intent to return home (ties to home country)

Documents for the Consular Interview

• Form I-20 (signed by the DSO)
• SEVIS fee receipt
• Financial documents (bank statements, sponsor letters)
• Transcripts and diplomas
• DS-160 confirmation

Maintaining F-1 status requires strict compliance with a set of rules.

Core Requirements

• Full-time enrollment — a full course load every semester
• Academic standing — meeting the institution's academic standards
• No unauthorized employment — off-campus work is prohibited without an EAD
• Report changes — notify your DSO of any change of address, major, or institution

Authorized Employment

• On-campus — up to 20 hours per week while school is in session
• CPT — curricular practical training (with DSO authorization)
• OPT — after completing studies (12 months, +24 for STEM)

Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows you to work in your field of study after completing your academic program.

Standard OPT

12 months for all fields of study. File Form I-765 no earlier than 90 days before your program end date and no later than 60 days after.

STEM OPT Extension

An additional 24 months for graduates of STEM programs (36 months total). The employer must be enrolled in E-Verify.

The 90-Day Unemployment Rule

During OPT, you may not be unemployed for more than 90 days in the aggregate. During the STEM OPT extension, the limit is 150 days. Exceeding either limit results in loss of status.