The Guide to the F1 Student Visa

What is an F1 Student Visa ?

An F1 Student Visa is a form of expressed permission allowing a foreign individual to legally and lawfully enter the United States on a temporary basis upon participation in an academic and/or educational program; this permission is granted by the governmental immigration department controlled by the United States. Although F1 Student Visa differ in description, duration of time allowed for temporary residence, participating educational institutions, as well as the stipulations listed within the Visa itself, the satisfaction of specific Visa applications and requirements are mandatory prior to obtaining aF1 Student Visa .

F1 Student Visa Allowances

An F1 Student Visa can be granted to those individuals who have been approved to participate in international study programs, which are also considered ‘study abroad’ programs – all F1 Student Visa s must be approved by the USCIS:

The individual applying for an F1 Student Visa must be qualified and approved to attend the specific institution of study

The individual applying for an F1 Student Visa can attend full courses in order to better understand and master the English language

The individual applying for an F1 Student Visa can be employed in the event that the employment is instrumental in the respective study program

F1 Student Visa Prohibitions

An F1 Student Visa applicant cannot:

Become gainfully and independently employed

Change immigration status without proper and validated governmental approval from the USCIS

Independently terminate enrollment in the educational program for which they are applying

Remain in the United States subsequent to the termination of an F1 Student Visa

F1 Student Visa Required Forms

The following are the forms required to be completed upon applying for an F1 Student Visa ; these forms can be attained at the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Bureau by contacting them at their toll-free telephone number (800) 375-5283.

Form I-20A-B: This form is required to begin the application process for an F1 Student Visa ; it reflects the educational intent, as well as the educational program for which the applicant is participating

1. Form Size: 4 pages

2. Filing Location: United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Bureau

3. Filing Fee: Varies upon circumstance

Form DS-156: This form must be completed by applicant wishing to apply for all non-immigrant Visa s.

1. Form Size: 2 pages

2. Filing Location: United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Bureau

3. Filing Fee: Varies upon circumstance

Form DS-157: This form must be completed by all male individuals between the ages of 16 and 45 years of age who wish to obtain an F1 Student Visa through non-immigrant, temporary residence.

1. Form Size: 1 page

2. Filing Location: United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Bureau

3. Filing Fee: None

Form DS-158: This form must be completed by applicant wishing to apply for all non-immigrant Visa s; it illustrates all work history in which the non-immigrant applicant participated.

1. Form Size: 2 pages

2. Filing Location: United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Bureau

3. Filing Fee: None

F1 Student Visa Requirements

The following requirements are necessary upon applying for a F1 Student Visa :

1. A copy of a valid passport

2. 2 single color photographs, identical in appearance

3. Documentation of any and all standardized tests taken by the applicant

4. Description of the school, academic institution, and/or educational program

F1 Student Visa Assistance

The parameters and protocols surrounding both the application and approval process vary in the case of every F1 Student Visa application; all government forms should be completed to the fullest extent in a meticulous fashion. In the event that an individual experiences difficulty completing – or understanding – the requirements of an immigration form, they are encouraged to consult an attorney specializing in immigration, education, and government programs.