Heading Back to School? Here's What Every International Student Should Know About F-1 Visas
By Andres Diaz, Senior Immigration Attorney
What is an F-1 Visa?
The F-1 visa is a temporary nonimmigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to enter the United States to pursue a full course of study at an approved academic institution. F-1 students may attend universities, colleges, high schools, conservatories, seminaries, and language training programs certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). For many international students, the F-1 visa serves as the gateway to educational opportunities in the United States. Although the process can appear daunting, understanding the requirements is essential for maintaining lawful status and achieving your academic goals.
Under current regulations, F-1 students are generally admitted for the duration of their academic program, followed by a 60-day grace period to prepare for departure or pursue another immigration status. However, on July 17, 2026, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a final rule replacing duration-of-status admissions with fixed admission periods. If the rule takes effect as scheduled on September 15, 2026, most F-1 students will be admitted for a maximum of four years, followed by a 30-day grace period. Students enrolled in programs lasting longer than four years, such as many Ph.D. or medical programs, will need to apply for an extension of stay with USCIS before their authorized stay expires or depart the United States and seek readmission.*
*Because DHS classified the regulation as a major rule subject to congressional review, the effective date may still change. DHS must publish a notice in the Federal Register if the rule is delayed, withdrawn, or assigned a different effective date.
Importantly, F-1 students must maintain full-time enrollment to preserve their F-1 status. Failure to do so may result in the loss of status and, in some cases, removal proceedings.
Who is Eligible?
Before applying for the F-1 Student Visa, an international student must meet specific eligibility requirements.
1. Enrollment in an SEVP-Approved Institution.
Not all American academic institutions are authorized by the U.S. government to enroll international students. Thus, to apply for an F-1 visa, international students must first gain admission and be enrolled in an SEVP-approved institution. Once admitted, the school will issue the Form I-20, which is required for an F-1 visa application.
2. Proof of English Proficiency (When Required)
Students enrolling in academic programs typically must demonstrate sufficient English proficiency to succeed in their studies. This requirement is often met through standardized tests such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
Students enrolling in English language training programs are typically exempt from this requirement because the purpose of the program is to develop English language skills.
3. Proof of Sufficient Financial Support
Applicants must show they have sufficient financial resources to cover tuition, living expenses, and other costs associated with studying in the United States. Evidence may include personal bank statements, scholarship awards, or sponsorship letters.
4. Intent to Return Home
Because the F-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa, applicants must demonstrate that they have a residence abroad and intend to depart the United States upon the completion of their studies.
How do you apply for an F-1 Visa?
For students applying from outside the United States, the F-1 visa application process is a multi-step procedure that involves both the U.S. Department of State and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and generally follows these steps:
Step 1: Obtain Admission to an SEVP-Approved School
The first step is to gain acceptance to an SEVP-certified educational institution. Once admitted, the school will issue the Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. This document contains important information about the student, the school, and the academic program, and is required to apply for an F-1 visa
Step 2: Pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee
Students must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee prior to attending their visa interview and retain proof of payment.
Step 3: Complete and Submit the Form DS-160
The applicant must then complete and submit the DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application and pay any applicable visa application fees. This form functions as your actual application for the F-1 Visa, and it is crucial that all information included within this form is accurate.
Step 4: Schedule a Visa Interview
The applicant will then need to schedule a visa interview at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate in their home country. Students should schedule their interview as early as possible, as appointment availability may be limited.
Step 5: Attend the Visa Interview
During the interview, a consular officer will review the applicant’s eligibility and supporting documentation, including the Form I-20, passport, financial evidence, and proof of ties to the home country. This is the most critical junction of the process, and it is highly recommended that the student consult with their attorney to prepare for their interview.
Step 6: Visa Approval and Travel to the United States
If the visa is approved, the student may make travel arrangements to the United States. F-1 students generally may not enter the country more than 30 days before the program start date listed on their Form I-20.
Is it Possible to Apply for an F-1 Visa While Already in the United States?
In some circumstances, individuals already in the United States may be eligible to change their status to F-1 without leaving the country. Generally, applicants must be maintaining a valid nonimmigrant status at the time the request is filed.
Step 1. Obtain Admission to an SEVP-Approved School
The applicant must first gain acceptance to an SEVP-certified educational institution. Once admitted, the school will issue the Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.
Step 2: Complete and Submit the Form I-539
The aspiring F-1 student must then file the Form I-539, Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status with USCIS, alongside evidence of financial support and eligibility eligibility for F-1 Visa classification.
Not all immigration statuses are eligible for a change to F-1 status, and maintaining lawful status throughout the process is critical. Because eligibility may vary depending on the applicant’s circumstances, consulting with an experienced immigration attorney before filing is strongly recommended.
Can I Work With an F-1 Visa?
Though primarily meant to facilitate education, the F-1 visa does allow for certain limited employment opportunities, subject to restrictions and school authorization requirements.
On-Campus Employment
F-1 students may not work off-campus during the first academic year but may accept eligible on-campus employment for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time while on breaks.
Curricular Practice Training (CPT)
CPT allows eligible students to participate in employment, internships, or cooperative education programs that are directly related to their field of study and form an integral part of the academic curriculum.
Optional Practice Training (OPT)
OPT allows eligible students to gain temporary work experience directly related to their major field of study. Students become eligible to apply for OPT after completing their first academic year. Students may qualify for pre-completion or post-completion OPT. Certain STEM graduates may be eligible for an extension of their OPT authorization.
In limited circumstances, F-1 students may qualify for off-campus employment authorization based on special situations, such as severe and unforeseen economic hardship. These benefits are discretionary and available only to students who meet specific eligibility requirements.
Because unauthorized employment can jeopardize a student's immigration status, F-1 students should obtain the appropriate authorization before accepting any employment.
Get Help with Your F-1 Visa.
The F-1 student visa process is highly detailed and requires careful attention to eligibility requirements, documentation, deadlines, and maintenance of status. Whether applying from abroad, seeking a change of status from within the U.S., applying for an extension, or exploring employment options as a student, experienced legal guidance can make all the difference.
At Sanabria & Associates, we are here to help you every step of the way. Our team can help you understand your options, prepare your application, and avoid costly mistakes throughout the process.
From admission through graduation, let us help make your dream of an American education a reality. Schedule your free appointment today.