Student Visas: F1 Visa Requirements

May 04, 2011

Student Visas: F1 Visa Requirements

The F1 visa allows students from around the world to study full time in the United States at accredited primary, secondary or postsecondary academic institutions. The F1 is a nonimmigrant visa, meaning it is intended for temporary visitors who do not intend to become permanent residents.

However, F1 recipients are usually eligible for 12 months of practical training (employment authorization or permission to work) during and after completing their studies. Students who take advantage of this training or other similar opportunities may in essence use F1 visas as the first step in their journeys toward permanent residence.

F1 Visa Requirements

To be eligible for an F1 visa, foreign students must possess all of the following:
-An offer of study from an approved educational institution in America
-Intent to travel to America for the purpose of enrollment in a full course of study (as certified by the academic institution in postgraduate or postdoctoral level study or at least 12 semester hours on the university level or equivalent)
-A valid passport
-Ability to prove they have sufficient funds to pay for tuition and costs for the duration of the program, although in certain circumstances the student may be given permission to work
-Fluency in English or enrolled in an immersion course or other course that will lead to proficiency
-Intent to return to their country of abode after expiration of the visa

Other Foreign-Student Opportunities

Students may additionally participate in the Optional Practical Training program that allows temporary paid work "directly related" to their fields of study. This work normally does not exceed 12 months in total. After a year at school, the student can utilize OPT part time when school is in session, full time when it is not or after graduation.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services estimates about 70,000 foreign graduates currently participate in this practical training program.

Students with degrees in certain science and technology fields (officially Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics fields or STEM) may be eligible for additional 17-month extensions of OPT.

During the OPT period, if a student works for an employer willing to sponsor them, he or she may begin the process of obtaining an H-1B nonimmigrant work visa or a green card leading to permanent residence in the U.S.

Get a Legal Advocate

A foreign student contemplating study in the United States should contact an immigration lawyer for advice and assistance. Once study in the U.S. has begun, if the student would like to stay and work after completing the educational program, an immigration attorney can help with practical training status, a potential H-1B nonimmigrant work visa or green-card acquisition.

Although a visa denial is not permanent, subsequent applications may also likely be denied unless there is new evidence to present. An experienced attorney can discuss ways to minimize risk of denial and can aid in reversing denials both in the U.S. and at consulates abroad.

Article provided by Teplen & Associates PLLC
Visit us at www.teplenlaw.com