FAQ

Understanding the basic requirements is the first step in the F-1 Student Visa process.

Key Points:

• Eligibility: Must meet specific criteria for this category
• Documentation: Required documents vary by individual circumstances
• Application: Follow proper application procedures
• Timeline: Processing times vary based on various factors

Yes, F-1 students can work on-campus with these rules:

• During school: Up to 20 hours per week
• During breaks: Can work full-time (more than 20 hours)
• No authorization needed: On-campus work is automatic with F-1 status
• Must maintain status: Must be enrolled full-time and in good standing

Additional Information:

• On-campus jobs: Library, cafeteria, bookstore, research assistant, teaching assistant
• Work must be on school premises or for school-affiliated organization
• Can work for multiple on-campus employers (total 20 hours/week)
• Income is taxable - file tax returns
• Off-campus work requires CPT or OPT authorization

No, F-2 dependents cannot work in the U.S.:

• F-2 spouses and children are not authorized to work
• F-2 children can attend school (K-12)
• F-2 spouses can study part-time but cannot work
• To work, F-2 spouse must change to F-1 or other work-authorized status

Exception: F-2 children can attend public school, but F-2 spouse cannot work even part-time.

After F-1 program ends, you have a 60-day grace period to:

• Prepare to depart the U.S.
• Transfer to another school
• Change to another status (H-1B, etc.)
• Start OPT (if approved)

During grace period:

• Cannot work (unless on approved OPT)
• Can travel within U.S.
• Must leave before 60 days expire

Grace period starts from program end date or OPT end date, whichever is later.

Generally no, F-1 requires full-time enrollment:

• Undergraduates: Minimum 12 credit hours per semester
• Graduates: Minimum 9 credit hours per semester
• Exceptions: Final semester (can be part-time if only few credits needed), medical issues (with DSO approval), academic difficulties (first year only)

Summer: Can be part-time if not required term. Always consult DSO before reducing course load.

If you fail to maintain F-1 status:

• Your F-1 status is terminated
• You become out of status (unlawful presence)
• Must leave U.S. immediately or reinstatement may be possible
• May face 3 or 10-year bar if unlawful presence exceeds 180 days

Reinstatement: May be possible if violation was due to circumstances beyond your control, you are pursuing full course of study, and have not worked illegally. Consult DSO immediately.

Yes, your spouse and children can come on F-2 visa:

• Each family member needs separate F-2 visa
• F-2 dependents can live with you in U.S.
• F-2 children can attend school (K-12)
• F-2 spouses cannot work but can study part-time
• Must show sufficient funds to support family

Requirements: Marriage certificate, birth certificates, proof of relationship, financial documents.

F-1 Visa (Academic Student):

• For academic programs (universities, colleges, high schools)
• Can work on OPT after graduation
• Can transfer between schools
• More flexible work options

M-1 Visa (Vocational Student):

• For vocational/non-academic programs (technical schools, trade schools)
• Limited work options (practical training only)
• More restrictive than F-1
• Shorter duration typically

Yes, you can transfer schools on F-1:

• Must be accepted to new school
• New school issues new I-20
• Must transfer SEVIS record within 60 days
• Can transfer during semester or between semesters
• Must maintain F-1 status throughout

Process: Get acceptance, request transfer from current DSO, new DSO issues I-20, update SEVIS. No need for new visa if current visa is valid.

SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) tracks F-1 students:

• Maintains electronic records of all F-1 students
• Tracks enrollment status, address changes, employment
• DSO updates SEVIS for all status changes
• Required for visa issuance and status maintenance

SEVIS Fee: $350 (one-time, paid before visa interview). Must be paid and show receipt at visa interview.

Yes, F-1 students can work on-campus:

• Up to 20 hours/week during school term
• Full-time during breaks (summer, winter)
• Must be enrolled full-time
• Work must be on school premises or for school-affiliated organization
• No special authorization needed (but inform DSO)

Types: Library, cafeteria, research assistant, teaching assistant, etc. On-campus work doesn't count toward OPT time.

I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility):

• Document issued by school (DSO)
• Shows you're eligible for F-1 status
• Required for F-1 visa application
• Must be valid and current to maintain F-1 status
• Can have multiple I-20s (if transferring schools)

F-1 Visa Stamp:

• Sticker in passport from U.S. consulate
• Allows you to enter U.S.
• Can expire while F-1 status remains valid
• Need valid visa to re-enter after travel

To maintain F-1 status, you must:

• Be enrolled full-time in an academic program (minimum 12 credits for undergraduates, 9 for graduates)
• Maintain valid I-20 and keep it updated
• Not work without authorization (except on-campus work up to 20 hours/week)
• Complete your program within the time limit
• Report address changes within 10 days
• Keep passport valid at all times

Always consult your DSO (Designated School Official) for specific requirements and before making any changes.