A U.S. student visa is a requirement for international students wishing to study at accredited educational institutions in the United States. The most common type of student visa is the F-1 visa, which allows students to pursue academic studies or language training programs. This article reviews what an F-1 visa is for and how to apply for a student visa for international students.
What’s an F-1 visa?
The F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa for students seeking to attend an accredited college or university in the United States. It allows you to move to the United States for the duration of your academic program, as well as extend during your optional practical training period.
Explore Immigration Tips
Have questions about the visa process? MPOWER’s immigration resources are for students like you.
USA student visa requirements: The process
Acceptance to a SEVP-approved school
Before applying for an F-1 visa, you must be accepted into a program at a school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Upon acceptance, the school will provide you with a Form I-20, which is required for the visa application process.
Pay the SEVIS fee
You must pay the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee at least three days before your visa interview. This fee helps cover the costs of maintaining the SEVIS database, which tracks students and exchange visitors in the U.S.
Complete the DS-160 form
You must complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160) form. This form is available on the U.S. Department of State’s Consular Electronic Application Center (CEAC) website.
Schedule and attend a visa interview
Schedule a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country. Visa interview wait times vary, so it’s important to book an appointment as soon as possible. During the interview, a consular officer will determine your eligibility for the F-1 visa.
Required documents for the visa interview:
Common reasons for visa rejections and how to address them
Insufficient financial evidence
One of the most common reasons for visa rejections is the failure to demonstrate sufficient financial resources to cover your education and living expenses in the U.S.
Lack of ties to home country
Visa officers must be convinced you intend to return to your home country after completing your studies. Your visa may be denied if you fail to demonstrate strong ties to your home country.
Incomplete or inaccurate documentation
Submitting incomplete or inaccurate documents can lead to a visa denial. This includes inconsistencies in your application or missing documents.
Poor interview preparation
Failure to adequately prepare for the visa interview can result in a denial. This includes not being able to clearly explain your study plans, your choice of school or your financial situation.
Navigating your F-1 visa obligations
To ensure you remain in compliance with your F-1 visa status throughout your stay in the United States, it’s crucial to understand and adhere to several key requirements and responsibilities.
Reporting to your designated school official (DSO)
Upon arrival in the U.S., you must report to your designated school official (DSO). The DSO will confirm your arrival and update your status in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
Keeping your personal information up to date
Maintain accurate personal information in SEVIS. This includes updating your DSO with any changes to your address, major or contact details within 10 days of a change.
Enrolling in a full course of study
You’re required to enroll in a full course of study each academic term. This typically means a minimum number of credit hours as defined by your institution. Failure to maintain full-time status can jeopardize your visa.
Seeking employment authorization
Before seeking any form of employment, ensure you have the necessary authorization. On-campus employment is generally permitted, but off-campus employment, including internships and practical training, requires prior approval from your DSO and, in some cases, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Applying for program extensions
If you need more time to complete your program than initially granted, apply for a program extension before your current Form I-20 expires. Extensions must be processed through your DSO and SEVIS.
Transferring schools or changing programs
If you decide to transfer to another institution or change your program of study, notify your current DSO and follow the proper transfer procedures. This includes obtaining a new Form I-20 from the new school and ensuring SEVIS is updated accordingly.
Complying with grace periods
Upon completion of your program, you have a 60-day grace period to prepare for departure from the U.S., transfer to another institution, or change your visa status. Use this time effectively to ensure a smooth transition.
Benefits beyond funding
MPOWER Financing believes funding a student’s education is only the first step to success. That’s why MPOWER offers every loan customer access to free career, visa and financial resources through its Path2Success program.
Visa support
MPOWER helps students understand and navigate elements of the U.S. student visa process, including their visa interview.
MPOWER’s visa support services include:
Visa support upgrades
Also, MPOWER offers personalized mock interviews and live Q&A webinars for students who want additional support (US$99 fee).
For an additional fee, MPOWER students also have access to speak with former U.S. visa officers.
MPOWER recognizes the significance of securing a professional career in the United States. Students are not alone in this journey – MPOWER Financing is here to support a student’s internship and full-time job search.
MPOWER offers exclusive career services including:
Financial services
Through its partners, MPOWER enables students to access U.S. currency as soon as they arrive in their country of study, which allows students to hit the ground running.
Financial services include:
MPOWER Financing Student Loan
A loan based on your future earnings
FAQs
What’s the SEVIS fee, and why do I need to pay it?The SEVIS fee supports the maintenance of the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, which tracks international students and exchange visitors in the U.S. You must pay this fee before your visa interview.
Can I work while on an F-1 visa?Yes, F-1 students can work up to 20 hours per week on-campus during the school term and full time during breaks. Off-campus work is allowed through OPT and CPT under certain conditions.
What documents do I need for the visa interview?As part of your USA student visa requirements, you’ll need a valid passport, Form I-20, DS-160 confirmation page, visa application fee payment receipt, SEVIS fee payment receipt, passport-sized photos, financial evidence, academic transcripts, and proof of ties to your home country.
How do I maintain my F-1 visa status?To maintain your F-1 visa status, you must enroll full time in your academic program, adhere to work and other restrictions, and ensure your travel documents are valid for re-entry if you leave the U.S.
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