The F-1 visa allows foreign students to pursue full-time academic or language programs in the United States at Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified institutions. It is the most common nonimmigrant student visa category administered by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for F-1 classification, applicants must:

• Be accepted by an SEVP-certified school; • Enroll full-time in an approved academic or language training program; • Demonstrate English proficiency or enrollment in courses to gain it; • Show proof of sufficient financial support; and • Maintain a foreign residence with no intent to abandon it.

Application Process

Once admitted by a SEVP-certified institution, applicants receive Form I-20, ‘Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status’. They must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee and complete the DS-160 visa application if applying from abroad. Students can enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the program start date listed on their Form I-20.

Maintaining F-1 Status

To lawfully remain in the United States under F-1 classification, students must fully comply with U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations throughout their program of study.

• Enroll in a full course of study during each required academic term. A Reduced Course Load (RCL) may be authorized only by a Designated School Official (DSO) for limited reasons, such as initial academic difficulty, a medical condition, or final-term completion.
• Engage only in authorized employment. F-1 students may work on-campus (subject to hour limits), participate in Curricular Practical Training (CPT) with DSO authorization, or in Optional Practical Training (OPT) with USCIS approval. Unauthorized employment is a violation of F-1 status.
• Keep SEVIS information current. Students must report any change in name, address, or employment (if on OPT) to the DSO.
• Follow travel and re-entry requirements. When traveling outside the United States, maintain a valid passport, F-1 visa, and a current Form I-20 endorsed for travel by the DSO within the past 12 months (or six months if on post-completion OPT).
• Observe transfer and program-change procedures. Students transferring to another SEVP-certified school or beginning a new program must coordinate the process through their DSO in SEVIS before classes begin at the new school.
• Comply with post-completion rules. After finishing a program (or post-completion OPT), an F-1 student has a 60-day grace period to depart the U.S., transfer to another institution, or apply for a change of status, if eligible.

These requirements ensure continued eligibility under federal immigration regulations and help preserve lawful F-1 status throughout the student’s academic stay.

Practical Training Options (OPT and STEM OPT)

F-1 students may be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which is temporary employment directly related to the student’s major area of study. OPT may be authorized for up to 12 months of full-time employment, either during the course of study (pre-completion OPT) or after completion of the program (post-completion OPT).

Certain F-1 students who have earned degrees in specific Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) fields may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension of post-completion OPT.

OPT authorization must be recommended by the Designated School Official (DSO) and approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before the student may begin employment.

Changing to F-1 Status in the United States

If you are already in the U.S. in another nonimmigrant status that does not permit full-time study, you may apply for a change of status to F-1. You must be lawfully admitted, maintain valid status, and not begin full-time study until the change is approved by USCIS.

Key Takeaways

The F-1 visa remains the main pathway for international students pursuing education in the U.S. To maintain compliance, applicants must carefully follow USCIS regulations, ensure their SEVIS records remain current, and seek timely authorization for employment or training activities. Early preparation and adherence to official requirements are critical to maintaining lawful status and achieving educational goals.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Immigration laws and requirements change frequently. Consult a qualified attorney for advice tailored to your circumstances.