The F1 visa is a nonimmigrant student visa designed to allow foreign students to pursue an education in the United States. The F class of visa is for students pursuing an academic mode of study and the M class of student visa is for students attending vocational or nonacademic schools or institutions. Please note however that the F class of visa does not allow you to work full-time on or off campus while in the United States so you\’ll need a way of supporting yourself during your college education years. You are permitted to work on-campus for 20-hours or less per week however.
Prospective students must first apply to the school or university they intend studying at and as part of that the student will receive an I-20 which is then used to apply for the full F-1 visa. The university or school you\’re applying to will let you know what they need from you in terms of documentation to process your application, the process varies from school to school so it\’s almost impossible to provide any real detail here. Please do your very best to apply only to schools and colleges who are participating in the SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) program – this simplifies the entire visa application process for you.
An F-1 visa is also only issued by the US Embassy or US Consulate in the country of origin or its closest neighbor, plus it\’s worth mentioning that almost 30% of all F-1 applications are refused for a variety of reasons. There are several thousand applications waived every year also but refusal is a distinct possibility.
You are also expected, as a student, to maintain your full academic study and class load – you do need to attend the college you applied to. It\’s also important to understand that you are expected to return to your country of origin once your studies are completed, unless of course you\’ve become a full US citizen in the meantime.
If an F-1 applicant has dependents either under or over the age of 21 they are provided with an F-2 visa but anyone with an F-2 visa is not allowed to work in the United States while residing there.
Here are some other points to be aware of:
- You can only study at the school or college for which and through which your visa was granted
- You must be able to support yourself financially during your studies
- You must have proof that you have strong ties to your home country such as bank accounts, job offers on completion of course/degree and existing immediate family members still living there
- An F-1 visa can be converted to a temporary work visa when you\’ve completed your studies and particularly if you\’re beginning an internship in an area of academic or professional excellence
- You must attend an interview in your local US Embassy or US consulate as part of the application process
- It is wise to apply for your F-1 visa well in advance of when you\’ll actually need it
- There is also a non-refundable fee required as part of the visa application process
- You must have a passport valid for travel to and from the United States and one which is also valid for a period of at least 6-months past your final intended departure date from the United States
- You must provide a color, full-face photograph minus any head covering which has been taken against a light background with appropriate lighting also used