The F-1 Visa (Academic Student) allows international students to study full-time at a recognized college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or other academic institution in the United States, or to take part in a language training program. They must be enrolled in a program or course of study that leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate, and the institution must be approved to accept international students by the US government.

During the first academic year, F-1 students may not work off-campus but may work on-campus under certain conditions.

F-2 visas allow F1 visa holders' spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21 to enter the United States. Dependents are not allowed to work in the United States, however, they are allowed to attend school.

Requirements

SEVP(The Student and Exchange Visitors Program) approved institutions

International students in the US must attend a SEVP-approved school.

• Colleges or universities (i.e., institutions of higher learning that award recognized bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate or professional degrees);

• Community colleges or junior colleges (i.e., institutions providing instruction in liberal arts or in the professions and awards recognized associate degrees);

• Seminaries;

• Conservatories;

• Academic high schools (grades 9–12);

• Private elementary schools (grades kindergarten–eight);

• Institutions providing:

  • Language training, if accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body;

  • Instruction in liberal arts or fine arts;

  • Instruction in the professions;

  • Instruction or training in more than one of these disciplines;

Full-time study

The international students must be enrolled in a full-time program of study.

English proficiency 

To be accepted to the university, students must either meet the university's minimal English language proficiency requirement or enroll in courses that will help them improve their English language abilities.

Sufficient funds

Students must demonstrate that they have enough money to pay for their education and living expenses while in the United States.

Intent to depart 

An F-1 visa needs proof that a student's stay in the United States is short-term and that he or she will return home after finishing school. The consular official may verify nonimmigrant intent by examining the documentation. Consular officials think they'll come back to their country if they have a lot of money, work, or family in their home country.

Maintaining status 

If the Department of State gives a student an F-1 visa, it means that the student wants to study in the United States. He or she should not do anything that could potentially harm that goal. Maintaining status includes the following things:

• Satisfying the Department of State's goal for giving the visa.

• Following the rules that apply to that goal.

Transfer of F-1 student

Transfers are allowed for F-1 students. The transfer process allows students to move their SEVIS (The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) data online while keeping their SEVIS ID number.

The student must be accepted by another SEVP-certified school. The student must also contact the new DSO (Designated School Official)  and register for coursework within 15 days of the start date of the new program so that they can start taking the classes. The students must start taking classes at the new school within five months of leaving their old school, or within five months of the program's end date, whichever comes first.

Withdrawal of F1 students

If an F-1 student has an emergency that forces him or her to leave the United States and stop going to school, he or she can ask for an "Authorized Early Withdrawal" (AEW) from the DSO. This means that the DSO has approved the request.

Training for F1 students 

During Optional Practical Training (OPT), an F-1 student can work for a short time in a job that is directly related to his or her major field of study.  They can do this before they finish their studies (pre-completion) or after they finish their studies (post-completion).

If they’ve been a student at a college, university, conservatory, or seminary full-time for one academic year, they can apply for pre-completion OPT. It can only be used for 20 hours a week during the school year, but it can be used for full-time work during breaks and vacations.

Students can apply for post-completion OPT after they finish their studies. Work part-time (20 hours or less per week) or full-time if they are approved for OPT after they finish college.

Change of status

They may be able to change their nonimmigrant status to H-1B if F-1 students are done with school and want to stay in the United States and work there. H-1B status allows a nonimmigrant to work for a limited amount of time in a special field. A U.S. company can use the H-1B visa program to hire foreign workers for jobs. Scientists, engineers, and computer programmers are some examples.