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Basic Requirements for obtaining the F-1 Visa
To be eligible for an F-1 Visa:
- You must
have completed the required course of study before applying
for the program. You must also be proficient in the English
language (with the following exceptions).
-
You intend to come to the U,S. to participate in an English
training program.
- The
school/university has made special arrangements to teach
you English or teach courses in your native language.
- You must
prove that identifiable funds are available to pay all expenses
incurred while studying in the US; Ø The school/university must
provide you the form I-20 AB.
What
documents do I require?
Required Documentation (to be presented at the consulate when
you go to the consulate for obtaining the visa):
- Non-refundable
$45 application fee (subject to change);
- Form OF-156,
completed and signed (available at the Consulate/Embassy);
- Passport
valid for at least six months beyond end of intended stay;
- One photograph
1" square;
- Form I-20
A-B (from school/university);
- Evidence
of sufficient funds;
- Evidence
of ties to a resident in a foreign country; and
- A statement/promise
that the student will depart the US when they have completed
their studies.
How long does to obtain an F-1 Visa?
The length of time varies from country to country. While some
consulates take only a day or two to issue an F-1 Visa, other
consulates may take considerably longer depending upon the workload,
size of consular staff and even the time of the year.
What legal obligations do I have to fulfill
after entering the United States?
An airline flight attendant will ask you to complete the I-94
(Arrival/Departure Record) in the airplane before you land at
the U.S. port of entry. You will present the I-94 form and your
passport to the immigration inspector when you land. The immigration
inspector will stamp the I-94 form with "D/S" (duration
of status). "D/S" means that you may stay in the U.S.
until you complete your studies. You should keep the I-94 form
with your passport at all times.
What are your obligations as a student
on an F-1 visa?
Students on an F-1 visa must follow the regulations of the U.S.
Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS). According to these
regulations, you must register for classes at the university,
which issued the I-20, and be enrolled as a full-time student
while you are in the U.S.A. follow the required procedures before
working off-campus request assistance from your foreign student
advisor if you wish to transfer from one university to another.
What is the approved length of stay on
an F-1 visa?
Your I-20 document indicates the length of time you can stay to
finish your course of studies. The U.S. Government takes a generous
position toward students who are enrolled full time in a U.S.
university. You are permitted to stay until your studies are finished.
Working at the University while on F-1 Visa
Some universities offer on campus employment and no permission
is required to apply for an on campus employment. However, you
may be allowed to work for a maximum of 20 hours per week during
academic sessions and full time during vacation periods.
Working off campus while on F-1 Visa
You may be allowed to work off campus after fulfilling the following
requirements.
- You must
be a full-time student in the U.S. for at least one academic
year (9 months) before requesting permission to work off campus.
- Both you
and the employer must complete certain forms. These forms may
be obtained from your foreign student advisor.
While school is in session, you may work up to a maximum of
20 hours per week. During vacation periods, you may work full-time
(40 hours per week).
On
completion of your education in United States
You will have up to 60 days after you finish your degree requirements
to leave the U.S. You may stay longer if you begin another degree
program and thereby seek an extension of F-1 for the new program
of study or apply for the optional practical training program.
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