Must Know Information Regarding F1 Student Visa
In this post, I wanted to share some important information regarding F1 Student Visa. I suggest students who are already in the US on F1 Visa and prospective students planning to apply for F1 Visa to read this post. This blog includes some basic information about F1 Visa.
General Information:
- To qualify to receive F1 Visa, you must have a valid educational purpose for coming to the United States and be a full time student. A student must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours of courses in an undergraduate program and a minimum of 9 credit hours in graduate program.
- It is possible to change schools and universities while being on an F-1 Visa without leaving the country.
- It is not possible to be a part-time student on an F-1 Visa.
- The student can stay in the United States for as long as he/she is enrolled in school.
Entering the U.S.
- When you arrive at the port-of-entry, you will provide Form I-20 to the Border Protection official. The official will review your documents and authorize your entry into the U.S. It is important that the F-1 Student Visa holders have all the necessary documents and signed authorizations to avoid any problems at the U.S. port of entry.
- You will be granted I-94 document by an immigration officer at the port of entry. DO NOT lose this form, as it is the only record of your arrival in the country.
- You cannot arrive in the U.S. more than 30 days before your study start date. If you need to come sooner than this, you must obtain a visitor visa.
It is not advisable to choose this route because you will need to file for an adjustment from visitor status to student status. This will require an additional fee, and you can't begin your studies until the adjustment has been approved.
Travel Abroad or Going Back Home:
- Plan well in advance! Like always.
- You can leave and return to US multiple times on F1 Visa.
For travel outside the United States keep the following documents in-hand:
- Passport valid six months into the future
- Valid F-1 visa stamp in your passport
- Original documentation financial support
- I-20 signed for travel (within 12 months of return date)
- You will be asked to surrender the I-94 card at the U.S. border/port of exit.
What if travelling with Expired F-1 Visa:
Prior to departure date, have I-20 endorsed for travel, and obtain a “good standing letter” from your international counselor. Apply for a new visa at a US Embassy. Then you know the drill!
Duration of a Student Visa
- If you have been admitted for the full duration of your studies as an F-1 visa holder, you may remain in the U.S. until your studies are completed.
- Even if your visa expires, you may remain in the States as long as you continue your full-time studies.
- Once your studies are complete, you are allowed some additional time before you must exit the country. F-1 students may stay for an additional 60 days.
- Students may take advantage of Optional Practical Training (OPT) once the degree is completed. OPT allows you to work fulltime for one whole year in your field of study.
- If you do not file for OPT, you should either receive a new I-20 to continue with further education or leave the country.
Working on F-1 Student Visa:
- Students may work on campus as long as they are enrolled in school.
- Students may apply for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) to gain work experience in their field of study while being a full time student. CPT allows you to work part time while remaining a fulltime student.
Most Important Tip: Plan ahead!
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Smita
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