F Academic Student Visa
Requirements for the F-1 Visa
- Applicant has a foreign residence and does not intend to abandon it;
- Application, acceptance and full-time enrollment (unless on an F-3) to a USCIS-approved educational institution in the U.S. in either an academic or language training program;
- SEVIS I-20 Form and payment of SEVIS fee;
- Proficiency in English or enrollment in courses leading to English proficiency;
- Proof of ability to support oneself during the entire course of study.
Full-Time Studies
Students must attend school full-time as follows:
- Postgraduate-Designated School Official (DSO) certified as full-time;
- Undergraduate college or university-number of semester hours school considers full-time;
- Post-Secondary nonvocational, such as a junior college-12 hours, with credits able to transfer to at least three schools;
- Language, liberal or fine arts programs-18 hours if mostly classroom, 22 hours if mostly lab;
- Online classes are limited to three credits, and no online language study programs are allowed.
F-2 Visas for Spouse and Minor Children of F-1 Student
The spouse and minor children of the F-1 student may join the student in the U.S. The spouse of the F-1 student may not attend school or be employed. Children on the F-2 are eligible to attend school from elementary through 12th grade.
F-3 Student Visas for Canadian and Mexican Nationals
Commuter students from Canada and Mexico may attend school in the U.S. on either a full-time or part-time basis, as long as they do not reside in the U.S. and the school is within 75 miles of the U.S. border. F-3 students are subject to the same reporting and requirement processes as F-1 students. Border commuter students do not receive duration of stay and are not allowed to obtain F-2 status for dependants.
Entry and Duration of Status (D/S) For F-1 Student Visas
Working While on the F-1 Student Visa
Transferring Schools While on an F-1 Student Visa
Changing from B-2 and Other Status
Important Conisderations for the F-1 Visa