United States•North America

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F-1 Student Visa

Study Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

Varies

Application Fee

185 USD

Stay Duration

Duration of studies

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Allowed

PR Pathway

This visa does not offer a direct route to permanent residency.

Remote Work

Not Required

Overview

Academic student visa for full-time study at SEVP-approved schools, colleges, universities, or English language programs.

The F-1 visa is for academic students enrolled in full-time study at a SEVP-approved institution. Students can work on-campus part-time and may qualify for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after graduation for up to 12 months (36 months for STEM fields).

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Requirements

Personal

Passport Validity

6 months

Criminal Record Policy

case_by_case

Education

High School or higher

Professional

Required Skills

Full-time enrollment in an SEVP-certified academic or language training programProof of sufficient financial resources to cover tuition and living expensesIntent to depart the U.S. upon completion of studies (non-immigrant intent)

Language

English

Intermediate

Documentation

Applicant Documents

Valid passport

6 months beyond stay

Form I-20

Issued by SEVP school

SEVIS fee receipt

Proof of I-901 payment

DS-160 confirmation

Passport photo

Financial evidence

Proof of funding for tuition and living

Academic records

Transcripts, diplomas

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Advantages

Can work on campus part-time
OPT work authorization after graduation
STEM OPT extension available
Can transfer schools
Multiple entry visa

Considerations

Must maintain full-time enrollment
Limited off-campus work
Must demonstrate ties to home country
No direct path to green card

Application Process

Apply to SEVP school

Get accepted to approved institution

Receive Form I-20

School issues I-20 after SEVIS registration

Pay SEVIS fee

USD 350 I-901 fee

Complete DS-160

Online visa application

Schedule interview

At US Embassy or Consulate

Attend interview

Bring I-20 and supporting documents

Receive visa

If approved

Application Forms

Form DS-160

Form ID: DS-160

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Living in United States

Cost of Living

Baseline

Avg Salary$51,000

Quality of Life

186/200

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