From Application to Arrival Studying in the USA on an F-1 Visa
TheF1 visa is an essential piece of documentation for those wishing to study in the US or participate in an exchange program. It allows holders to gain a qualification in the country, which is home to some of the world’s most prestigious educational colleges. Canadian citizens are usually exempt.
Find out more about this visa below. If you need further help getting an F1 visa, visit the Total Law website or contact us to be guided through the entire application process.
Eligibility Requirements for the F1 Visa
Making sure you are eligible is the first step to obtaining any visa. The following eligibility criteria apply to F1 visa applications:
You have been accepted into a course at an institution that has been approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
You will be a full-time student.
You have strong English language capabilities.
You are financially able to support your studies and maintain your upkeep in the USA.
You have non-immigrant intent, meaning you will not remain in the USA after your visa expires.
You will need to provide a number of documents to show that you fit the eligibility criteria. Examples include the following, although US immigration authorities can demand additional documentation as they see necessary:
A completed application form.
A passport that will remain valid for at least six months after your stay in the US.
Receipt of application fee payment.
An admission letter.
Academic documents proving you are sufficiently qualified to study the course.
A passport-style photograph.
Submitting Your F1 Visa Application
Once you have been accepted into a suitable course in the USA, you will be issued the I-120A-B form. The institution will have filled this in with your programme’s dates, any fees you will pay, how you will fund your studies, and your personal information based on the information you gave in your application. Make sure to check that all the information is correct.
Then pay the F1 visa application fee, which is currently $185. Make sure to retain the receipt. You will then be ready to fill out the DS-160 Form, Non-Immigrant Visa Application, which must be submitted to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
The final stage of the application is attending an interview at your nearest US Consulate or Embassy. This process is designed to double-check that the information you have provided is correct and affirm that you match the eligibility criteria. The interview is also where you will submit your documentation and demonstrate your willingness to return home after your studies.
Coming to the USA
If your application is successful, you will be issued the visa up to 120 days before your course starts. You won’t be able to enter the USA until 30 days before the start of your course. When you cross the border, carry evidence of financial support, your SEVIS fee receipt, and school admission documents. You should also be prepared to answer questions about your studies from immigration officers.
Graduation will not mean you have to immediately leave the USA. You will be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) for up to 12 months. Outside of this program and after the 12 months have expired, you will have to apply for a work visa if you want to live and work in the USA.
Working in the US
The US has strict rules surrounding foreign students’ paid work. F1 visa holders are only allowed to access part-time employment for up to 20 hours a week. The work also needs to be conducted on campus.
You will only be allowed to work off-campus if you experience unexpected financial hardship and receive proper approval from the college. Causes of your financial hardship can be the termination of your on-campus job, a reduction in financial aid given to you, an increase in your study costs, or costs from medical treatment. However, you will still have to follow the 20-hour weekly limit.
Renewing Your F1 Visa
Unless you make use of the OPT program, you will have 60 days to leave the country after your course finishes. In some cases, you could need more time to finish your studies than the initial end date given by your institution, such as if you haven’t completed your coursework. Medical issues could also mean you need to remain in the country.
If this applies, write a letter to the relevant designated school official (DSO) and explain the circumstances that have led to you needing to remain in the USA. The DSO will then verify the reason and make sure that you have been properly maintaining your F1 status. Make sure you avoid the following actions to protect your F1 status:
Working illegally.
Overstaying your visa.
Transfer courses without properly receiving official approval and a new Form I-120A-B.
Missing too many classes.
The DSO giving you approval to remain in the US as a student isn’t the final step. Instead, you will need to submit Form DS-160.
How Can Total Law Help?
Fulfilling your dream of studying in the US hinges on your ability to successfully complete your visa application. Any mistakes could lead to a rejection, meaning you will have to start over. The delays could prevent you from starting your course on time.
Many F1 visa applicants get help from immigration lawyers and advisers, such as the expert team at Total Law. We can help you to understand if you are eligible, and then ensure that your documentation is comprehensive. Attending a US visa interview can be stressful, but we lighten the load by helping you to prepare for it. Finally, should your visa application be rejected, we will guide you through the US visa appeals and reapplication process.
Visit our website to learn more about the US visa application services we offer, or call us to get started today.
