F-1 Student Visa

The F-1 visa allows foreign nationals to pursue a full course of academic study at a school approved by the Attorney General for foreign students. However, it is not necessary to have an F-1 visa to attend school. Spouses and dependents of E visas, L visas, H-1B visas, and J visas may also attend school on a full or part-time basis. To qualify for the F-1 visa, a prospective student must:

• Enroll in an academic program at a school approved by the Attorney General;
• Enroll for a full course of study and not part-time study;
• Establish proficiency in English or be enrolled in an English language course;
• Establish that they have sufficient funds to support themselves; and
• Show maintenance of ties to their home country and that they intend to leave the U.S. upon completing their studies.

To obtain an F-1 visa, a prospective student first must apply to a school and be admitted. The admitting school will provide a form for the student to present at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad. If determined to be eligible for the F-1 visa, the U.S. Embassy or Consulate will issue an F-1 visa. Upon entry to the U.S., the F-1 student should be admitted for the duration of their studies (D/S on the I-94 card).

A prospective student who enters on a visitor's visa to look at schools will not be allowed to change their status to F-1 status in the U.S. and begin school, unless they explained this upon entering the U.S. and a notation was made on the prospective student's I-94 card.

Spouses or parents of F-1 students are not authorized to work.

F-1 students can work in an on-campus job up to 20 hours a week during the school year. Students can also undertake practical training either during studies, or upon graduation, for a total period of time not to exceed 12 months. The training should be related to the student's course of study.

Recent regulations now require schools to register all foreign students in a database accessible to government agencies.

Full-time or part-time students who reside in either Canada or Mexico and commute to the U.S. to attend school are eligible for a specific border commuter non-immigrant classification.