F-1 Visa USA for International Students: Requirements, Rules, Status

The United States remains one of the most sought-after destinations for students planning to pursue their bachelor's degrees. According to the latest stats by Open Doors, approximately 1.6 lakh Indian students enrolled in US colleges in the 2020–21 academic year.

Want to study in the US? You’re not alone! Thousands of international students come to American universities every year for world-class education. But before you can hit the books in the States, there’s one big obstacle to get past: the F-1 visa. The F-1 visa USA is the key that allows you to study at accredited US colleges and universities.

In this blog, you will learn everything about the F-1 visa USA such as its eligibility, application process, documents required, interview questions and answers.

What is an F-1 Visa USA?

An F-1 visa USA is your ticket to studying in the US as an international student. It’s a non-immigrant visa that allows you to enter the US to pursue a full-time academic program at an accredited educational institution. Whether you’re looking for a language program, high school, college or graduate degree, the F-1 visa is your key to unlocking educational opportunities in the US.

The F-1 visa USA duration depends on the length of the academic program. Your school will give you an I-20 form that shows when your program ends. After you finish school, you can work in the US for a bit. This is called Optional Practical Training (OPT). Regular OPT lets you work for one year in a job related to what you studied. STEM graduates can ask to work for two more years.

Talking about F-1 visa USA cost, the primary expenses are the non-refundable visa application fee of $160 and the SEVIS I-901 fee of $350.

Also read: Different Types of US Visa

F-1 Visa USA Eligibility

Before you can apply for an F-1 visa USA, you must meet the following eligibility criteria.

• You must be enrolled in an academic or language program or a vocational program.
• Your school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
• You must be enrolled as a full-time student.
• You must be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency.
• You must have sufficient funds to support yourself during your entire proposed course of study.
• You must maintain a residence abroad that you have no intention of giving up.

Also read: Tips To Improve Your English Language Skills

F-1 Visa USA Application Process

The F-1 visa USA application process can be overwhelming, but breaking it down into smaller steps makes it more manageable. Here’s a more detailed look:

• Acceptance and I-20 Form: After you get accepted to a SEVP-approved school, they will issue you an I-20 Form.
• SEVIS Fee Payment: The SEVIS fee for F-1 visa must be paid at least 3 days before your visa interview. Keep the receipt as proof of payment.
• DS-160 Form: This online form collects necessary information about you. Be honest and thorough when filling it out. You’ll need to upload a photo that meets the requirements.
• Visa Interview Scheduling: Contact your local U.S. Embassy or Consulate to schedule your interview. Wait times can be long, so do this as soon as possible.
• Document Preparation: Prepare all your documents well before your interview.
• Visa Interview: This is your chance to prove your eligibility and intentions. Be confident, honest and clear about your plans.
• Visa Issuance: If approved, you’ll be told how and when your passport and visa will be returned to you.

Throughout this process, patience and attention to detail are key. Double-check all information you provide and keep copies of all documents and receipts.

Documents Required for F-1 Visa USA

Proper documentation is key to a successful F-1 visa USA application. Here’s what you need to prepare:

1. Valid passport: Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended period of stay in the U.S.
2. Non-immigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160 confirmation page
3. Application fee payment receipt
4. Photo: A recent photograph meeting the required specifications
5. Form I-20: Issued by your SEVP-approved school
6. SEVIS fee payment receipt
7. Transcripts and diplomas from previous institutions attended
8. Standardised test scores: Such as TOEFL, IELTS, GRE, or GMAT, if required by your U.S. school
9. Financial evidence: Bank statements, scholarship letters, or other proof that you can cover your expenses in the U.S.
10. Proof of ties to your home country: This could include property ownership, family ties, or job offers after graduation
11. Intent to depart the United States upon completion of the course of study

Having these documents well-organised and readily available will help your application process go smoothly and demonstrate your preparedness to the visa officer.

Also read: SOP for USA Student Visa

F-1 Visa Interview Questions and Answers

The visa interview is a big part of your F-1 visa USA application process. This is your chance to convince the visa officer that you are eligible and that you have good intentions. Here are some common questions you might get and how to answer them:

Q. Why do you want to study in the US?
Tip: Be specific about the program you are applying to and how it aligns with your career goals. Mention any unique opportunities or resources at your chosen school.
Q. How will you finance your studies?
Tip: Explain your financial plan clearly, and mention any scholarships, family support or personal savings. Be prepared to show documents.
Q. What are your plans after you finish your studies?
Tip: Emphasise that you will return to your home country. Discuss how your US education will benefit your career back home.
Q. Why did you choose this particular school?
Tip: Highlight the programs, faculty or resources that attracted you to this school. Show that you have done your research.
Q. How will this program help your career?
Tip: Connect your study plans to your long-term career goals. Be specific about the skills or knowledge you will gain.

Students can download our sample USA F-1 Visa interview questions and answers pdf.

Also read: How To Prepare For Your F-1 Visa Interview?

F-1 Visa Denials

While you should approach your visa application positively, you also need to be aware of the reasons for denial. Here are some common reasons for F-1 visa denial:

• Insufficient financial resources: Failure to demonstrate that you can cover your expenses in the U.S.
• Lack of strong ties to your home country: If the consular officer isn’t convinced you intend to return home after your studies.
• Inadequate English proficiency: If your English skills are deemed insufficient for your proposed program of study.
• Incomplete or inaccurate application: Errors or omissions in your application can lead to denial.
• Failure to qualify for the program of study: If your academic background doesn’t align with your chosen program.

If your visa is denied, you will receive a reason for the denial. In some cases, you may be able to reapply, addressing the specific reason for denial. However, each application is considered fresh, and there’s no guarantee of approval on subsequent attempts.

Also read: Top 15 US Student Visa Rejection Reasons

How to Maintain Your F-1 Visa USA Status?

When entering the US-

• Ensure you’re entering the U.S. no more than 30 days before your program start date.
• Get in touch with your Designated School Official (DSO) when you arrive in the US.

While Studying in the US-

• Maintain full-time enrollment: This typically means at least 12 credit hours per semester for undergraduates and 9 for graduates.
• Make normal progress towards completing your program.
• Engage only in authorised employment. On-campus employment is generally allowed, but off-campus work requires specific authorisation.
• Keep your passport valid at all times.
• Maintain accurate and updated information in SEVIS. Report any changes in address, major, or program end date to your DSO.
• Do not stay beyond the period of stay authorised by the Department of Homeland Security.
• Apply for extensions, if necessary, before your current status expires.

Difference between F-1 Visa and J-1 Visa

The table below shows the difference between F-1 visa and J-1 visa.

High Chances of F-1 Visa USA Approval with The WorldGrad

Benefit from our 2x visa success rate with our unique study model. Through our All American Undergraduate Program and All American Graduate Program, you will start your first semester in India and then progress to a US university campus to complete your degree. This demonstrates your genuineness about studying in the US to the visa officer. Through this study route, you can study at leading US universities starting from INR 13L while saving up to INR 25L.

Want to know more? Get in touch with academic counsellors to guide you and make your study abroad dreams a reality!

Conclusion

Obtaining and maintaining an F-1 visa USA may seem challenging, but it’s your ticket to a world-class education in the US. By understanding the application process, preparing for your visa interview and following the rules of your student status, you’re setting yourself up for a successful academic journey.

F-1 Visa USA FAQs

Q1. Can I work with an F-1 visa in the USA?
A1. You can work on campus up to 20 hours a week during the academic year and full-time during breaks. You can also do CPT to gain work experience related to your major. After you graduate, you are eligible for OPT, which is 12 months in your field of study; STEM degree holders can do 24-month extension.

Q2. How to extend an F-1 visa in the USA?
A2. To extend your stay in the US on an F-1 visa, get in touch with your DSO to update your SEVIS and get a new I-20 with a new program end date. Show proof of academic progress and financial resources.

Q3. Is it easy to get an F-1 visa for the USA?
A3. Getting an F-1 visa USA is not easy, but it is possible. Success rates depend on your country, program and individual circumstances. It’s competitive and tough, but many students get F-1 visas every year.

Q4. What is the validity of an F-1 visa in the USA?
A4. Typically, F-1 visas are issued for the duration of your study program plus 60 days, known as the grace period.

Q5. What is the F-1 visa USA cost?
A5. As of 2024, the primary expenses are the non-refundable visa application fee of $160 and the SEVIS I-901 fee of $350. So, the total F-1 visa USA costs are $510 per application.

Author: Stanley Lazarus Chelli

Stanley is our seasoned writer known for his deep knowledge of the ed-tech industry. He delivers insightful and impactful content that resonates with readers. Beyond his exceptional writing abilities, he is a die-hard petrolhead with a profound love for the automotive industry. Additionally, Stanley is a soon-to-be professional keyboardist.