F-1 / F-2 Student Visas
The F-1 visa allows international students to pursue full-time academic studies at approved U.S. institutions, with F-2 status available for qualifying dependents. This category supports a wide range of academic programs, from secondary education to postgraduate study.
Applicants must demonstrate acceptance by a designated school, sufficient financial support, and nonimmigrant intent. F-1 students must comply with enrollment, employment, and reporting requirements, and may be eligible for limited practical training during or after their studies.
Cohen Visa advises students and families on eligibility, application strategy, compliance obligations, and long-term planning for work authorization or permanent residence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the F-1 Visa process and requirements
An F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreign students to enter the United States to study at an academic institution certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). This includes colleges, universities, private high schools, and language training programs.
Key requirements include: Original Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility), proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses, SEVIS fee payment (I-901), completed Form DS-160 (Non-Immigrant Visa Application), proof of ties to your home country, and a valid passport valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
No, Canadians do not need a visa stamp to enter the U.S. as an F-1 student. They can go directly to a U.S. port of entry with their supporting documents (Canadian passport, Form I-20, proof of SEVIS fee payment, proof of financial means, and proof of ties to Canada). A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer will review their documentation and issue an I-94 record granting F-1 status.
Yes, but with strict limitations. F-1 students can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time during breaks. They may also be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows work experience related to their field of study.
OPT allows F-1 students to gain work experience in their field of study, usually after graduation. OPT can last for up to 12 months, and students in a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) field can apply for a 24-month extension.
F-1 students are generally admitted for the duration of their studies (D/S), plus any period of authorized practical training (OPT). The D/S on your I-94 record means you are allowed to stay as long as you are maintaining your student status. After completing your studies or OPT, you have a 60-day grace period to either depart the U.S., transfer to a new school, or change your visa status.
Yes, you can travel outside the U.S. and re-enter, provided your visa stamp and I-20 are still valid. For absences of more than five months, you may need a new Form I-20.
The cost is comprised of two parts: a non-refundable visa application fee of $185 and the I-901 SEVIS fee of $350. Keep in mind that these fees are subject to change, so always check the latest information on the official government websites.
No, you cannot renew a visa stamp inside the United States. If your visa stamp expires and you need to travel outside the U.S., you will have to apply for a new visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad before you can re-enter.
The F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa and does not provide a direct path to a Green Card. However, there are several ways to adjust your status while in the U.S., such as through employer sponsorship, marrying a U.S. citizen, or qualifying for a specific immigrant visa category like the EB-1 for individuals with "extraordinary ability."
The difficulty of obtaining an F-1 visa varies greatly depending on your individual circumstances. The most common reasons for denial are the inability to prove sufficient funds or, more often, a failure to demonstrate strong ties to your home country.