F1 Student Visas
The F-1, or student visa, allows students to enter the U.S. to pursue their education. For a person to qualify for an F-1 student visa, he or she should be accepted for enrollment in an established SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) certified school in the U.S. All SEVP schools are designated as legitimate schools approved to issue visas to foreign nationals. With an F-1 visa, a student can study at an accredited institution in the U.S. and is also eligible to work on campus. Upon completion of most educational programs, the student is allowed to obtain optional practical training, where he or she is authorized to work with an employer for approximately one additional year. For more information regarding the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), please refer to http://www.ice.gov/sevisWHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR OBTAINING AN F-1 VISA? A prospective F-1 visa applicant must provide the completed Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant (F-1) Student Status for Academic and Language Students or I-20 form. This form must be completed on behalf of the student by their approved school. A prospective F-1 visa applicant should also be prepared to provide:
- Transcripts and diplomas from previous schools attended by the student;
- Scores from standardized tests required by the educational institution, e.g., TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT, etc.;
- Financial evidence that shows that the prospective student or parents who are sponsoring the student have sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses during the period of the student’s intended study in the U.S.
