STUDENT VISA TO THE UNITED STATES

ACADEMIC STUDENT (F-1) VISA

The Academic Student Visa allows foreign students to come to the United States to attend a high school, college, university, or post-secondary non-vocational school. Foreign students may remain in the US with an Academic Student Visa as long as they continue to engage in full-time studies.

Spouses and unmarried children under age 21 of foreign students with the Academic Student Visa may accompany the applicant to the United States for the remainder of the applicant’s stay.

DO I QUALIFY FOR AN ACADEMIC STUDENT VISA (F-1) TO THE US?

Our Free Visa Eligibility Assessment is designed to instantly determine if you are eligible to apply for an Academic Student (F-1) Visa to the US. This assessment uses the criteria set by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. It is the most comprehensive and technologically advanced online Migration Assessment tool available.

ACADEMIC STUDENT VISA (F-1) BASIC REQUIREMENTS

To obtain an Academic Student Visa, foreign students must apply for and be accepted by an academic institution in the US. The applicant must apply for the visa prior to their entry and show that the purpose of their stay is for full-time studies, which is 18 hours or more per week of study. Students must show proof of sufficient funds to cover the costs of schooling and living expenses. Students must maintain their residence abroad and show proof of binding ties to ensure their return home. Students may also be required to meet certain health and character requirements.

ACADEMIC STUDENT VISA (F-1) ENTITLEMENTS

An Academic Student Visa allows the applicant to remain in the US as long as the applicant is a full-time student. Once full-time studies are completed, the applicant may further remain in the US for an additional 60 days to prepare for departure. Spouses and unmarried children under age 21 may accompany the applicant to the US, upon approval of an F-2 visa. The applicant’s spouse may not accept employment or engage in study, but the applicant’s children may attend primary and secondary school during their stay in the US.

During the academic year, Academic Student visa holders may engage in on-campus employment, off-campus employment of no more than 20 hours per weeks or, if severe economic hardship, apply for off-campus employment authorization so that the holder can work more than 20 hours per week. In addition, Academic Student visa holders can engage in Optional Practical Training (OPT), which is temporary employment that is directly related to the student’s major area of study, for one year after completion of full-time studies or after completing the initial year of studies.

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