F-1 Visa (Academic Student)
F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued to a foreign individual who plans to come to the United States to pursue full-time studies at an accredited college, U.S. educational school or institution.
Requirement:
- Have a foreign residence and have no intention of abandoning it.
- Be a bona fide student that is qualified to pursue a full course of study.
- Seek to enter the U.S. as a student temporarily and solely for the purpose of pursuing such a course of study at an established institution of learning or other recognized place of study in the United States.
- Only study at an institution designated to him/her and approved by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in compliance with the SEVIS program
Employment:
F-1 students are not legally permitted to work off-campus during the first academic year, but may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions. After the academic year F-1 students may engage in off-campus employment.
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
- Optional Practical Training (OPT) (pre-completion or post-completion)
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training Extension (OPT)
Duration:
A foreign individual who enters the United States on a student visa will usually be admitted for the duration of your student status, means the individual can stay as long as you are a full time student.
Dependents:
The spouse and unmarried, minor children of F-1 holders can accompany them through F-2 visa, the family members are not permitted to work and also to enroll in full-time course. The child F-2 holder may attend elementary school through 12th grade.