Understanding F-1 Student Visas In The United States

If you are an international student hoping to begin your studies in the US, you will have to apply for a temporary (student) visa to enter the country. The most common student visa that international students apply for is an F-1 student visa. If the school grants your application, an F-1 student visa allows you to study at any US college, university, or high school.

However, your school in the US needs to be approved by SEVP. Once you have an F-1 student visa, you can travel anywhere in the US and abroad without fear of losing your status.

Over one million international students are currently studying in the United States, and with a little preparation and the help of an immigration lawyer, you may be able to join them. If you are a first-year international student looking to enter the United States for the first time, you may find the F-1 student visa process confusing and challenging.

But don’t worry, Gehi and Associates are here to help! In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through every step of the F-1 student visa application process so you can get the approval to begin your academic journey in the United States.

What is an F-1 student visa?

F-1 student visas are non-immigrant student visas that allow international students to study in the United States. They are the most common type of student visa used by students who want to study at an accredited US university or college. You can apply for an F-1 student visa only after an accredited US institution has accepted you.

Your stay as an F-1 student will depend on the program you enroll in. Your I-20 form from the university you want to attend will list your program’s expiration date. You will need to finish your degree before the stated expiration date, which will give you an idea of how long you can stay in the US.

The purpose of the F-1 visa

The F-1 student visa is designed to permit international students to live and study in the US until the end of their degree programs. It generally does not allow you to work off-campus during your studies. However, there may be opportunities for training that relate to your degree through the OPT program.

The F-1 student visa is not a dual-intent visa, meaning it will not allow you to live permanently in the US. You will be expected to return to your home country once you have completed your degree program unless you adjust to another type of visa.

Who is eligible?

The F-1 visa may be issued to applicants who meet the following five criteria:

1.       You are living outside the US.

You cannot stay in the United States for the duration of your F-1 student visa application. After completing your academic program in the United States, you must return to your country of residence. Therefore, you must have an official domicile in another country to apply for the F-1 student visa.

2. You must have been admitted to a US school approved by SEVP.

To be eligible for an F-1 student visa, a US school approved by SEVP must accept you. The admissions process must be completed before submitting your F-1 student visa application. Many of the F-1 student visa application steps require forms to be completed by the school. Many of these steps will not be possible if you are not accepted to the school.

3.       Proof of funds.

Applicants for F-1 student visas must prove that they have sufficient funds to live in the United States. This requirement does not apply to other student visa types. Applicants must provide evidence of their financial support, such as a scholarship notice, bank statements, or tax returns from the preceding year.

This shows that your living and education expenses will be covered during your stay in the United States, as you cannot legally work there.

4.     You must have strong reasons to return to your home country after your studies.

If you are applying for an F-1 student visa, you will only be allowed to stay for a limited period. To get one of these visas, you must prove that you have “strong ties” to your home country, meaning you intend to return there after your academic program ends.

If your visa interviewer thinks you don’t intend to return to your home country following your academic program, your visa application will most likely be rejected. However, proving strong ties is not as difficult as it seems. You can do this by proving that you have family members or relatives who need to be looked after in your home country.

You can also prove that you have an offer for a job in your home country or that you own a property there (e.g., a home) where you plan to live after your academic program is over. If none of the above applies to you, you can demonstrate how your US education will be used in your country of residence.

5.       You must be good at English.

If you are applying for an academic program, you will need to demonstrate that you can read and write proficiently in English. English proficiency tests, such as the TOEFL or IELTS, can do this.

If you come from an English-speaking country, you may be eligible for some of the waivers available for F-1 student visas. The best way to find out if you are eligible is to talk to an immigration lawyer.

How to apply

The first step to apply for an F-1 student visa is to apply and be accepted into one of the US schools approved by SEVPs. The US government must approve the program. A list of F-1 student visa enrollment programs can be found on the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) website.

Once you have been accepted into one of these schools, you must be enrolled in the SEVIS program and will be charged a processing fee. After you pay the processing fee, an F-1 visa I-20 form will be mailed to you from the school you plan to attend.

You will need to fill out and submit the I-20 form to the US embassy or consulate where your F-1 student visa interview will take place. Remember to keep a copy of your completed I-20 form, as you will also need to show it to your consular officer at your interview.

You will then need to fill out and submit the DS-160 form quickly. You will receive a printed acknowledgment form with a bar code attached. Don’t lose this form. You will need to attach supporting documents to your application. An immigration lawyer will help you sort through these documents.

The next step is to book your visa interview at the nearest US embassy or consulate to your location to ensure everything goes as smoothly as possible. It is recommended that you consult with an immigration lawyer for more information about the interview process.

You will need to provide evidence of your legitimate student status, sufficient funds to cover your expenses, and a plan to return home after completing your studies. You should not attend this interview alone. If you pass the interview and stay in the United States, you may be eligible for your visa renewal.

However, there are exceptions for certain age ranges or certain requirements. Once you pass your interview and are approved for a visa, you will be issued an F-1 student visa, which permits you to enter the US to begin your studies.

Tips to help your application

Make certain to start the visa application process early. If you apply for your F-1 student visa shortly before the start date of your program, your application will most likely be rejected. Try to submit your application as soon as you receive the Form I-20 and your notice of acceptance from your university or college.

If you apply to several colleges and universities, wait to apply for your F-1 student visa until you have heard from all of them or have been accepted by your top choice school. Do not purchase your plane tickets until you have received your F-1 student visa. There is no guarantee even if you are certain you will be approved.

If you buy a plane ticket before you are approved for your F-1 student visa and are subsequently denied the visa, your airline tickets are unlikely to be refunded. Finally, contact the embassy or consulate if you have questions.

Your embassy or consulate may have a process that slightly varies from the general steps described. The embassy or consulate conducting your interview is the best resource for any questions.

Next step after an F-1 student visa denial

If you are denied an F1 visa, you will most likely be able to apply for a new F-1 student visa. However, you will need to start from the beginning again. You will no longer be required to pay a SEVIS fee. You will still be required to pay the application fee.

You can file an F-1 student visa application three times per year. If you have issues with your application being approved, speak with an immigration lawyer before filing a new application.

Next step after an F-1 student visa approval

Once approved, you can travel to your US-based university or college to study. However, you won’t be able to enter for at least 30 days before your program’s commencement date. Plan your flights so you do not land in the United States more than thirty days before your academic program begins.

Once you arrive in the United States, immediately contact your designated school official at your University or College to inform him or her that you have arrived there. You must call your designated school official again before the commencement of your classes.

Once you arrive in the US, you will need to maintain your status as an F-1 student. Violations of this status will prevent you from re-entering the US after you have left, and you will not be able to participate in the OPT. Your passport should be valid for at least six months after your degree program ends.

If you lose your passport before you complete your degree, contact your home country’s embassy or consulate to renew it. When traveling in the United States, bring a copy of both your passport and I-94 for proof of identity. Let your school know if you change your address, visa status, or study plans.

Get help!

If you are a student from a foreign country who wants to study in the United States, our immigration attorneys are here to assist you. Deciding what to include in your F-1 student visa application can be difficult, so make sure you don’t forget any important information or documents. Failing to do so can seriously affect your F1 visa chances.

Gehi and Associates will ensure your application is completed and you have all the necessary documentation. We will review your case and decide if you are eligible. Our skilled immigration lawyers will guide you through the entire process and be available to answer all your questions. Connect with us today!