US Students Visa

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FAQ's

FAQ's

General Questions About US Student Visas

The F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa for individuals who wish to study in the United States. It is issued to international students enrolled in US academic programs or US colleges and universities. Anyone planning to study full-time in a U.S.-based educational institution requires an F-1 visa.

  • Step 1: Apply to and be accepted by a SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program)-approved school.
  • Step 2: Receive Form I-20 from the institution.
  • Step 3: Pay the SEVIS fee (via the SEVP portal).
  • Step 4: Complete the DS-160 online visa application form.
  • Step 5: Schedule and attend a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
  • Step 6: Bring necessary documents (passport, Form I-20, DS-160 confirmation, proof of financial support, and others) to the interview.
  • A valid passport.
  • Form I-20 from a SEVP-approved institution.
  • Completed DS-160 form.
  • Proof of financial ability to cover tuition and living expenses.
  • Proof of ties to your home country.
  • SEVIS fee payment receipt.
  • A recent passport-sized photograph.
  • Other documents, such as academic transcripts, standardized test scores (e.g., TOEFL, GRE), and proof of English proficiency.
  • F-1 Visa: For students pursuing academic or English language studies.
  • M-1 Visa: For students enrolling in non-academic or vocational programs (e.g., technical training).
  • F-1 Visa: You can stay for the duration of your program plus a 60-day grace period after completing your studies.
  • M-1 Visa: You can stay for the duration of your program (up to 1 year) plus a 30-day grace period.
What documents are required for a US student visa application?
  • Valid passport (valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the US).
  • Form I-20 issued by your SEVP-approved school.
  • Confirmation of DS-160 application form submission.
  • SEVIS fee receipt.
  • Recent passport-sized photograph.
  • Proof of financial support (bank statements, affidavits of support, etc.).
  • Academic transcripts, diplomas, and standardized test scores (e.g., TOEFL, GRE, SAT).
  • Proof of ties to your home country (e.g., property, family, employment).
  • Visa interview appointment confirmation.
  • Visit the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country.
  • Pay the visa application fee as per their instructions.
  • Use the embassy/consulate’s online scheduling system to book your interview.
  • Provide details like your passport number, DS-160 confirmation number, and SEVIS ID.
  • DS-160 is an online non-immigrant visa application form used to gather information about your travel plans, background, and eligibility for a visa.
  • To fill it out:
    1. Visit the Consular Electronic Application Center.
    2. Complete all sections, including personal details, travel information, educational background, and security-related questions.
    3. Upload your photo (as per specifications).
    4. Submit the form and save the confirmation page.
  • No, a confirmed admission letter is required as the institution must issue a Form I-20, which is necessary to apply for an F-1 or M-1 visa.
  • The visa officer will ask about:
    • Your educational background and reasons for studying in the US.
    • Details about the institution you plan to attend.
    • Proof of financial ability to support yourself during your stay.
    • Ties to your home country to show your intent to return.
  • Bring all required documents and answer confidently and truthfully.
Can I change my course of study on an F-1 visa?
  • Yes, you can change your course of study while on an F-1 visa, provided the new course aligns with your visa requirements. Inform your Designated School Official (DSO), and if necessary, you may need a new Form I-20 reflecting the change.
  • Failing to maintain status (e.g., not enrolling full-time, unauthorized work) can lead to termination of your SEVIS record, making you out of status. This may require you to leave the U.S. or apply for reinstatement to regain legal status.
  • Yes, you can transfer schools. Notify your current school’s DSO and provide them with the details of the new SEVP-approved school. The DSO will assist in transferring your SEVIS record and issuing a new Form I-20.
  • While health insurance is not a federal requirement for F-1 visa holders, most schools mandate it for enrollment. Check your institution’s policies and ensure you have adequate coverage for your stay in the US.
  • Generally, F-1 visa holders must maintain full-time enrollment. Exceptions include:
    • Medical conditions (with DSO approval and a doctor’s note).
    • A final semester before graduation, where fewer courses are required.
Can I work on campus with an F-1 visa?
  • Yes, F-1 visa holders can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during breaks (e.g., summer vacation). The job must be at your school or an affiliated facility.
  • OPT allows F-1 students to work in their field of study for up to 12 months after completing their program. You can apply for:
    • Pre-completion OPT: During your studies.
    • Post-completion OPT: After graduation.

STEM graduates can apply for a 24-month extension (see Question 10).

  • CPT allows F-1 students to gain practical work experience as part of their curriculum. It must be related to their major and authorized by their DSO. CPT can be full-time or part-time, but full-time CPT for 12 months disqualifies you from OPT.
  • Yes, internships are possible under CPT or pre-completion OPT. Both require prior authorization and must be directly related to your field of study.
  • On-campus employment: Limited to 20 hours per week during the academic term; full-time during breaks.
  • CPT/OPT: Can be full-time or part-time, depending on the authorization.
Can I travel outside the US on an F-1 visa?
  • Yes, F-1 visa holders can travel outside the US during program breaks or authorized periods. You must have all the required documents to re-enter the US.
  • A valid passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond your re-entry date).
  • A valid F-1 visa stamp.
  • Form I-20 with a valid travel signature from your DSO (must be signed within the last 12 months or 6 months for students on OPT).
  • Proof of financial support and current enrollment (optional but recommended).
  • Your visa stamp’s expiration does not affect your stay as long as your I-20 and SEVIS status are valid. However, if you leave the US, you will need to renew your visa to re-enter.
  • No, visa renewal must occur at a US embassy or consulate outside the US. You cannot renew a visa from within the US.
  • Immediately report the loss to local authorities and your country’s embassy to obtain a new passport.
Can I apply for a US student visa without TOEFL or IELTS scores?
  • Yes, it’s possible if the institution you are applying to does not require TOEFL or IELTS for admission. Some universities accept alternative proof of English proficiency or waive the requirement. However, you must meet the admission criteria of the institution to receive a Form I-20.
  • No, there is no specific age limit for applying for a US student visa. However, older applicants may need to justify the reason for their studies, particularly if they have been out of formal education for a long time.
  • Yes, you can apply, but you should be prepared to explain the gap during your visa interview. Valid reasons (e.g., work experience, family commitments, or health issues) can help justify the gap.
  • The US student visa itself does not have a GPA requirement, but you must meet the academic standards of the institution to which you are applying. Most schools have minimum GPA requirements for admission.
  • F-1 visa holders are generally required to take the majority of their courses in-person. You may take one online or distance-learning course per term, but it cannot count toward your full-time enrollment requirement.
What is the purpose of the US student visa interview?
  • The purpose is to determine whether you meet the requirements for a student visa, verify your intent to study in the U.S., ensure you have the financial means to support your education, and confirm you intend to return to your home country after completing your studies.
  • Be ready to provide evidence of sufficient funds for tuition, living expenses, and travel. Bring bank statements, scholarship letters, affidavits of support, or sponsorship documents. Practice explaining how these funds will cover your entire duration of study.
  • Be honest and concise in your responses.
  • Show confidence and maintain eye contact.
  • Prepare documents like your I-20 form, SEVIS fee receipt, acceptance letter, and financial proof.
  • Clearly articulate your educational goals and plans to return home.
  • Yes, in some cases, you can bring an interpreter, but you should confirm this with the U.S. embassy or consulate where your interview is scheduled. They often prefer applicants to communicate in English, as language proficiency is part of the evaluation.
  • Dress formally or in smart business attire to create a positive impression. Avoid overly casual clothing, such as jeans and T-shirts, and present yourself professionally.
What do I do after receiving my US student visa?
  • Verify your visa details for accuracy.
  • Book your travel arrangements to the U.S. within the allowed timeframe.
  • Pay the SEVIS fee if not already done.
  • Prepare all necessary documents, including your I-20 form, passport, and acceptance letter.
  • Familiarize yourself with U.S. customs and immigration rules.
  • No, F-1 visa holders can only enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the program start date listed on their I-20 form, regardless of the visa’s issuance date.
  • Contact your designated school official (DSO) immediately. They can issue an updated I-20 form with the new start date, which you must use for travel and immigration purposes.
  • After arriving in the U.S., visit your DSO in person or follow the specific instructions provided by your school. Many schools require uploading copies of your visa and I-94 form online or visiting their international student office.
  • No, you cannot enroll full-time in multiple schools. However, you may take some classes
What is an F-2 visa, and how do my family members apply for it?

An F-2 visa is a dependent visa for the spouse and unmarried children under 21 of an F-1 student. To apply, your family members need:

    • An I-20 form issued by your school for each dependent.
    • Proof of your financial support to cover their stay.
    • Completed DS-160 form, passport, and visa fee receipt.
    • Supporting documents like marriage or birth certificates for relationship proof.
  • No, F-2 visa holders are not permitted to work in the U.S. under any circumstances.
  • Yes, children on an F-2 visa can attend elementary and secondary (K-12) school without restrictions.

 Provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover your and your dependents’ living expenses. Documents may include:

    • Bank statements.
    • Sponsor letters.
    • Scholarship details (if applicable).
    • A detailed financial affidavit showing how expenses will be met.
  • Yes, dependents on F-2 visas can travel to the U.S. separately, but they must carry their own I-20 forms, passports, and valid visas.
What should I do if I lose my I-20 form?
  • Contact your designated school official (DSO) immediately. They can issue a new I-20 form, which you’ll need for travel, status verification, and any other official processes. Keep copies of your I-20 as a precaution in the future.
  • No, studying on a B-2 visa is not allowed. However, you can apply to change your status to an F-1 visa while in the U.S., but you must not begin classes until the change is approved.
  • Inform your DSO and provide medical documentation to support your request for a reduced course load or temporary leave of absence. This will help maintain your F-1 status while addressing your medical needs.
  • Administrative processing can take weeks or months. Stay in contact with the consulate and check the status online using the case number provided. Avoid making non-refundable travel plans until the visa is issued.
  • Yes, if you are in the U.S. on another non-immigrant visa, you can apply to change your status to an F-1 visa through USCIS. However, you cannot travel internationally on the new status until you obtain the F-1 visa stamp from a U.S. embassy or consulate.

Are there student visa options for short-term study programs in the US?
  • Yes, you can apply for an M-1 visa for vocational or non-academic programs or an F-1 visa for short-term academic programs, provided the school is SEVP-certified. For programs under 18 hours per week, a tourist (B-2) visa may suffice, but this doesn’t allow full-time study.
  • Yes, you can apply using the passport of the country where you prefer to have your visa issued. During the application, disclose all citizenships and provide additional documentation if requested.
  • A 221(g) refusal means your application requires additional processing or documents. Follow the instructions provided by the consulate to submit the missing documents or wait for the administrative review. Stay patient, as this process can take time.
  • Yes, the F-1 visa is available for students enrolling in intensive English language programs at SEVP-approved schools. Ensure the program is full-time and meets the visa requirements.
  • Refugees and asylum seekers already in the U.S. typically do not need an F-1 visa but may apply to study at an institution if they meet admission and financial requirements. Refugees outside the U.S. must follow the standard F-1 visa application process.
How does dual enrollment work with a US student visa?
  • Dual enrollment allows F-1 visa holders to take courses at a secondary institution (like a community college) while enrolled at their primary institution. The secondary school must also be SEVP-certified, and the courses should count toward your full-time status or degree requirements. Your primary DSO must approve the dual enrollment arrangement.
  • You can change your major, but you must inform your DSO and obtain a new I-20 reflecting the updated major. Ensure the new program is consistent with your educational goals and that you maintain full-time enrollment.
  • Yes, you can pursue a second degree under the same F-1 visa if it is at the same school or if you transfer to another SEVP-certified institution. A new I-20 must be issued for the second program.
  • Work closely with your academic advisor to improve performance.
  • Inform your DSO if probation impacts your enrollment status.
  • Take advantage of academic resources, such as tutoring or counseling, to regain good standing and maintain your F-1 status.
  • F-1 students may count only one online course or 3 credit hours per semester toward their full-time enrollment requirement. Additional online courses are allowed as long as full-time in-person enrollment is maintained.