If you are interested in US education, the F-1 Student Visa is your ticket to enter the US for academic study. You will learn how to apply, eligibility, and how to make a good visa interview in this article.
What Is The F-1 Student Visa?
Foreign Students: F-1 Visa: International students may enter the U.S. temporarily to study. Whether you will be studying in a university, college, or specialist institution like a seminary or conservatory, this visa is meant for those who will be studying full-time in an accredited educational institute.
No one gets this visa to come to the U.S. to immigrate. Rather, it is for students who want to intern in the US for a few months. There are also some limitations on the F-1 visa, which you should know about.
Eligibility Criteria for the F-1 Visa.
The eligibility requirements to apply for the F-1 Visa: You must be eligible in order to apply for the F-1 Visa.
Admission to a US College/University: You will have to be admitted to a school sanctioned by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). It can be colleges, high schools, seminaries, conservatories, and the like.
Academic Program Full-time Enrollment: You must be full-time in your course of study.
English Skills: You should be good in English. Otherwise, you’ll have to take English courses before starting your program.
Income Support: Provide proof that you will have the money to attend school, live in the country, etc. while here in the U.S.
Reason for Study: Because F-1 is a non-immigrant visa, you need to show that you will return home after graduation.
Out of the United States: You need to be outside the United States for the F-1 visa.
If you’re qualified for such, then you can begin to apply for the F-1 student visa.
How To Apply For F-1 Visa?
If you have been accepted to a SEVP-approved school, you can then go to the steps below to get your F-1 visa:
Incorporate yourself into SEVIS: Once your school accepts you, you will be incorporated into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). It is a tracking system of foreign students in the U.S.
SEVIS Fee to Pay: You will be required to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee which is typically $350 for most applicants. That supports SEVIS.
Form I-20: You will be issued a Form I-20 by your school which states you are approved for the F-1 visa. You can’t get a visa if you don’t have this form.
Fill In The Application Form DS-160: This is a lengthy application form you must fill in online. Make sure you do it very carefully and leave yourself enough time to fill it out.
Pay Visa Application Fee: There is a $185 visa application fee payable to the U.S. government in advance of your interview.
Plan and Attend a Visa Interview: You will need to plan an interview at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. You don’t have to get interviewed if you are less than 13 years old, or older than 80 years old. During the interview, you’ll have to bring all these documents including your Form DS-160 confirmation, passport, and Form I-20.
What to Wear to the F-1 Visa Interview?
Preparing for the F-1 visa interview: Gather the following documents:
Passport with at least 6 months validity after your intended entry date to the United States.
A confirmation page for the DS-160 Form.
Proof of visa fee payment.
One recent passport-size photo certified by the U.S. State Department.
Copy of Form I-20 from your SEVP school.
Copy of your transcripts, diplomas, or certificates from your previous school.
English level proof (if needed).
Lack of financial ability to finance your studies in the US.
The consular officer will interview you about your background, education, and if you intend to go back home at the end of your studies. Be open and detailed in your answers.
F-1 Visa Interview Tips
Keep It Straight and Honest: Reply to all the questions honestly and explain everything. The officer will check to see if your plans are compatible with the F-1 visa.
Show That You Have Connections With Your Home Country: Establish that you have a reason to go home once you graduate from school (family, job, etc.).
Be Still and Don’t Fear: If you’re prepared for it, then you’ll have no fear in the interview. If the consular official asks you for more information, bring it in right away.
How Long Does It Take For My F-1 Visa To Get Reopened?
F-1 visas are available up to 365 days before the beginning of your studies. However current F-1 visa holders can get extensions or renewals as long as they are enrolled in a SEVP-approved school.
What Happens After the Interview?
: The consular officer will approve your application after the interview. Your visa will be approved or delayed, you will be notified. Sometimes, some extra administrative work needs to be done and that can take longer.
Can My Family Travel With Me On An F-1 Visa?
Your spouse and children can come with you to the U.S. on F-2 visas, of course. But they won’t be allowed to work when you are there, though your kids can go to school. Your wife and children will need your school’s own Form I-20 and will also have to meet some visa criteria.
Is It Possible To Work With An F-1 Visa?
3) Off-Campus Work: You can work off-campus while you are studying (you can work up to 50 hours per week, for a maximum of 60 hours per year as an F-1 student).
Work Off-Campus: After a year, you can get paid to work off campus via:
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
STEM OPT extension (for STM, EE, and math graduates)
How Long Can I Live in the United States Once I Complete My Courses?
We have ways to stay in the U.S. once you graduate such as OPT or another visa type, if you wish to work or continue to study in the U.S.
Your entrance ticket into US university life is an F-1 Student Visa, but it can be a bit confusing. But the good news is you don’t have to go it alone. From application to visa interview, Law and Visas can help you every step of the way.
So apply for an F-1 visa now with ease and make that dream of studying in the United States a reality. Call us today and let’s talk about how we can help you apply and get yourself ready for the visa interview.
