F1 Visa Guide for International Students Studying in the U.S.

Students interested in studying in the United States should consider applying for the F-1 visa. It is a non-immigrant (temporary) visa that allows students to pursue a full course of study for the duration of their program.

F-1 Visa Overview

The F-1 visa is a powerful visa that allows students to attend school in the United States. This visa is especially necessary for those pursuing undergraduate and graduate studies.

To begin the application process for the F-1 visa, you must first apply and be accepted to a school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

After you are accepted, the SEVP-certified school creates your SEVIS record and issues your Form I-20. You must then pay the Form I-901 SEVIS fee.

F-1 Visa Benefits

Ability to Pursue Degree in the United States

You can pursue any number of degrees inside the United States, which boasts some of the best institutions in the world.

Your Family Can Accompany You

Under the F-1 visa, your spouse and children can accompany you as F-2 dependents. They are issued separate I-20s.

Children in F-2 status in grades K-12 may attend kindergarten until 12th grade, full-time. 

F-2 spouses and F-2 children pursuing postsecondary or vocational study may generally study part-time. However, if they want to pursue full-time postsecondary or vocational study, they may need to change to an appropriate student status, such as F-1 or M-1.

Ability to Work

You can pursue work during school and after graduation.

Please note that F-1 work authorization is limited. Before beginning any employment, students should confirm that the work is permitted under F-1 rules and, when required, properly authorized by the DSO or USCIS.

No F-1 Cap

There are currently no restrictions to the number of students that can enter the United States under an F-1 visa. Additionally, you can enter the United States without having to participate in a lottery.

Travel

You can generally travel while holding F-1 status if you have the required documents, including a valid passport, valid F-1 visa unless an exception applies, and a properly endorsed, valid Form I-20. Admission is ultimately determined by CBP at the port of entry.

F-1 Visa Requirements

To qualify for and maintain F-1 status, a student generally must:

• Be accepted by a SEVP-certified school
• Receive a Form I-20
• Pursue a full course of study
• Show sufficient financial resources
• Demonstrate the required intent to depart the United States after the program
• Maintain communication with the DSO
• Follow F-1 rules for work, travel, transfers, and program changes

Immigration rules, filing windows, grace periods, and other timelines described in this guide may change. Students should confirm current requirements with the appropriate government agency and their DSO before taking action.

Full-time course of study

You must pursue a full-time course of study.

For undergraduate students at a college or university, this generally means at least 12 credit hours per term.

For graduate students and certain other programs, the full-course requirement depends on the school’s certified program requirements.

Only one online or distance education course, or the equivalent of three credits, may generally count toward a full course of study each term, and different rules may apply for English language training programs.

You may not reduce your courses without approval from your DSO. A DSO may authorize a reduced course load in limited circumstances, such as certain academic difficulties, a temporary illness or medical condition, or when fewer courses are needed in your final term to complete the program. 

Intention to Depart

You must demonstrate intent to return to your home country at the conclusion of your studies. If the consular officer believes you intend to overstay your F-1 visa, then your application may be rejected.

The F-1 visa is not a dual-intent visa. This means that immigrant intent can create issues for an F-1 visa application, admission to the United States, or continued F-1 travel. Some students may later pursue green card options, but this should be carefully evaluated based on the specific facts. 

Public School Attendance Restrictions

As long as you meet F-1 requirements, you may attend a private school if it is SEVP-certified.

Generally, you cannot attend public elementary or middle school in F-1 status. In limited cases, you may attend a public high school in grades 9–12 for up to 12 months if you reimburse the school for the full, unsubsidized per-capita cost of the education.

Sufficient Funds

You must have sufficient financial resources to support your study for the duration of your time in the U.S. 

Must be Proficient in English

You must be proficient in English unless the school is able to explain why English proficiency is not required.  A common reason to waive this requirement is when you are attending a school for English language training. 

Must have Academic Credentials

You need to possess the correct academic credentials to attend the institution. For example, a college undergraduate must possess a degree equivalent to a U.S. high school degree. 

Must Maintain Communication with DSO

You must contact your Designated School Officials (DSO) to do any of the following:

• Work in the United States
• Apply for a driver’s license
• Apply for a Social Security number
• Change your major, program, or degree level
• Change your education level
• Transfer to a new school
• Be absent from classes
• Take a vacation
• Travel outside the United States
• Move to a new address
• Change your name
• Request a program extension

Entering on a B1/B2

If you are in the United States in B-1 or B-2 status and want to begin a full course of study, you generally must either obtain approval of a change of status to F-1 before beginning your studies, or depart the United States, obtain an F-1 visa if required, and seek readmission in F-1 status. You may not begin the full course of study while remaining in B-1 or B-2 status.

Grace Periods

You have a grace period of 30 days before your program start date to come to the United States and a 60-day grace period to leave the U.S.

Health Insurance

You are not required by law to have health insurance.  However, many schools have their own policies requiring it. 

Changing from One Degree to Another or The Same Degree

You should coordinate with your DSO before pursuing a higher degree or changing to another eligible program. The DSO may need to update your SEVIS record and issue a new Form I-20. A separate USCIS petition is not ordinarily required solely to change programs while you continue to maintain valid F-1 status.

F-1 Visa Process

There are several steps toward obtaining an F-1 Visa. Here is a summary of the steps along with a more detailed explanation:

• Apply to the school and obtain Form I-20
• Complete Form DS-160
• Document Gathering for Visa Interview
• Visa Interview
• Presentation at Port of Entry

Apply to the school and obtain Form I-20

The SEVIS I-20 form has basic biographical information about you, information about the school, program of study and expenses. Your F-2 dependents must obtain their own I-20 forms to accompany you.

Complete Form DS-160

You and your dependents must complete Form DS-160 before scheduling a visa interview. You must upload a picture of yourself or bring one to the interview. You may also need to pay a visa issuance fee depending on the country.

Document Gathering for Visa Interview

You will need the following documents:

• Proof of payment of visa fees
• Passport valid for travel, generally for at least six months beyond the intended period of stay unless an exception applies
• Transcripts, diplomas, degrees, or certificates from schools you previously attended.
• Standardized test scores required by your U.S. school.
• Documents proving intent to depart the United States upon completion of the course of study.
• Proof of funding for all educational, living and travel costs.

Visa Interview

At the interview, the officer will determine whether you are eligible for the F-1 visa. Biometrics may be collected as part of the visa application process, and the timing and procedure can vary by consular post. You will be told if the application is missing any information.

If the interview is successful, you may need to pay an additional visa issuance fee.

Presenting Yourself at Port of Entry

You must go to a Port of Entry and ask permission from Customs and Border Protection to enter the United States.  Ports of Entry include land border crossings and major airports.

When you present your passport, visa, and Form I-20, the CBP official will determine if you should be admitted to the United States.

If they decide to admit you to the U.S., they will provide you with an admission stamp or paper Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record.

F-1 Transfer and Withdrawal

Who Can Transfer

You are allowed to transfer to another school as long as you meet several requirements. These requirements are:

• You must be a bona fide (real) student.
• You must have been pursuing a full-time course of study.
• You must have the funds to transfer schools.
• You must begin classes at the transferred school within 5 months of transferring out of the current school or within 5 months of the program completion date, whichever is earlier.
• You must request the SEVIS record to be transferred to the new school within 60 days of completing the program.
• You must not have worked in unauthorized employment.

How to Transfer

You must inform the DSO, who then releases the SEVIS record to the transfer-to school. Afterwards, you should obtain a SEVIS I-20 from the transfer-to school.

You must notify your new DSO at the transfer-to school within 15 days of your start date. The transfer is only completed once the transfer-to school tells SEVIS that you are enrolled in classes.

If you do not follow these procedures, you will be considered out of status.

Withdrawing from an Institution

You must request formal permission from your DSO to withdraw from the institution, after which you will be given 15 days to leave the U.S.

If you do not request permission from your DSO, you will not receive a grace period.

If you want to return to study, you may need a new Form I-20 and may need to pay the SEVIS fee again, depending on your SEVIS record and the circumstances of your return.

F-1 Employment on Campus

You generally cannot work during your first academic year except for authorized on-campus work. On-campus work may generally begin no earlier than 30 days before your program start date, and students should confirm eligibility with their DSO before beginning work.

On-campus employment may include work for the school, work for an on-campus commercial business that provides direct services to students, or work at an off-campus location that is educationally affiliated with the school. Students should confirm their eligibility and any school procedures with their DSO before beginning employment.

If you transfer schools, your authorization to work on campus at the transfer-out school generally ends on the SEVIS transfer release date. Before beginning employment at the transfer-in school, you should confirm your eligibility and any required procedures with your new DSO.

 You may work off-campus after your year only under specific circumstances. These circumstances include the following: 

• If you experience severe economic hardship caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond your control, you may be eligible to request off-campus employment authorization from USCIS after receiving a recommendation from your DSO. You may not begin this employment until USCIS approves Form I-765 and issues an EAD. Authorized employment is generally limited to 20 hours per week while school is in session and may be full-time during official school breaks.
• If you are from a country covered by an active Special Student Relief notice, DHS may temporarily suspend or modify certain F-1 employment and course-load requirements. Because these notices change over time, students should confirm current eligibility with their DSO and the latest DHS/ICE guidance.
• Specific programs may be put in place for students from countries suffering from the effects of natural disasters or civil unrest.
• If you have a qualifying offer of employment from a recognized international organization, you may be eligible to apply to USCIS for employment authorization. You may not begin employment until USCIS approves Form I-765 and issues an EAD.

F-1 Students Remaining in Status During Summer and Illness

You will be considered to be in status during summer as long as you intend to return to your school for the next term.

If you become ill and need to leave school or reduce your course load, you should contact your DSO right away. A DSO may authorize a reduced course load for a temporary illness or medical condition, which can help you maintain F-1 status while you recover.

F-1 CPT and OPT 

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

CPT is training that is an integral part of your established curriculum, such as an internship, practicum, or other approved practical training opportunity. CPT may be granted on a part-time or full-time basis.

Part-time CPT does not affect OPT, while 12 months or more of full-time CPT makes you ineligible for OPT. In most cases, you must have completed one academic year to qualify for CPT, although limited exceptions may apply for certain graduate programs that require immediate practical training.

You need a job offer to submit a request for CPT to a DSO.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

OPT is temporary employment related to your field of study.  It may be used before completing a program when school is not in session or during the school year as long as it is a part-time job. Pre-completion OPT will count against post-completion OPT.

For post-completion OPT, you may generally apply up to 90 days before your program end date and no later than 60 days after your program end date. You must also file within the required period after your DSO enters the OPT recommendation in SEVIS. No job offer is necessary to apply for OPT.

The DSO must recommend OPT in SEVIS. You will need to file the SEVIS I-20 with OPT along with Form I-765 to obtain a work authorization document (EAD). You cannot work without the EAD.

After completing an eligible program, you may qualify for up to 12 months of post-completion OPT. The authorized post-completion OPT period must end no later than 14 months after the program end date listed on your Form I-20.

The following include the types of employment that are allowed under OPT:

• Multiple employers
• Work for hire
• Changing employers, provided that a new STEM OPT employer is enrolled in E-Verify and all applicable STEM OPT reporting and Form I-983 requirements are satisfied
• Self-employment (unless STEM OPT)
• Agency or consulting firm work
• Unpaid or volunteer work as long as it is 20 hours per week (unless STEM OPT)
• Part-time work (at least 20 hours per week)
• Full-time work

After completing OPT, you generally have a 60-day grace period to depart the United States, transfer to another school, begin a new program level, or take other steps to maintain lawful status if eligible. 

STEM OPT

STEM OPT is a 24-month extension of post-completion OPT for certain F-1 students with qualifying STEM degrees. It applies to students with a qualifying STEM degree listed on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. In some cases, a previously obtained STEM degree may also support eligibility if the requirements are met.

The student and employer must work together to complete and sign Form I-983. The student must submit the completed form to the DSO before the DSO recommends the STEM OPT extension in SEVIS. The employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and must provide the attestations and training information required by Form I-983.

Practical training must include specific goals regarding knowledge, skills, and techniques that will be learned. There must be evaluations and supervision. You must complete the required six-month validation reports through your DSO and report required changes within the applicable deadlines.

You must provide required self-evaluations on Form I-983, signed by you and the appropriate employer official, and submit them to your DSO as required. The I-983 must be kept current regarding any potential changes that have occurred over the course of the year.

Eligible students may receive a 24-month STEM OPT extension beyond the initial 12-month period of post-completion OPT.

Unemployment During OPT

You cannot have more than 90 days of unemployment during your 12-month OPT. If you are a STEM student, you cannot have more than 150 days unemployment during the 36-month period. Any work less than 20 hours a week counts as unemployment. 

Traveling Under OPT

You can travel and re-enter only with DSO endorsement. You may continue your employment as long as the SEVIS I-20 was signed within the last 6 months by your DSO. You must present a valid F-1 visa. You should carry a job offer letter or letter of employment to ensure an easier time re-entering. You must also show your EAD at the port of entry.  

Change of Status 

As an F-1 visa student, you have the freedom to change to a non-immigrant (temporary) visa that you qualify for. One of the most popular visas is the H-1B, which requires a bachelor’s degree or higher.

H-1B

You may consider pursuing H-1B status, which may be available for qualifying specialty-occupation positions that generally require at least a bachelor's degree in a directly related specific specialty, or its equivalent.

H-1Bs are available for the following fields:

Architecture, engineering, mathematics, physical sciences, social sciences, medicine, health, education, business, law, accounting, theology, and the arts.

H-1B and CAP-GAP

If an employer timely files an H-1B cap-subject petition and change-of-status request for an eligible F-1 student, the student may qualify for a cap-gap extension of F-1 status and, if applicable, employment authorization.

Under current rules, an eligible cap-gap extension may continue until April 1 of the fiscal year for which H-1B status is requested, or until the validity start date of the approved H-1B petition, whichever is earlier. The extension may end sooner if the H-1B petition is rejected, denied, revoked, or withdrawn, or if the request to change status is denied or withdrawn. Because cap-gap rules can change, students should confirm current requirements with USCIS or their DSO before relying on this timeline.

If your OPT or F-1 status is expiring around the H-1B filing period, you should confirm whether you qualify for a cap-gap extension of status and employment authorization. Eligibility depends on the timing and type of H-1B filing and your F-1 status at the time of filing.

If the H-1B petition remains pending, your ability to remain in the United States and continue working depends on whether you are covered by a valid cap-gap extension and the current expiration date of that extension.

If the H-1B petition is rejected, denied, or revoked, you may have a grace period to depart or take other action, depending on the reason for the decision and your underlying F-1 status. This should be reviewed carefully with your DSO or an immigration lawyer.

You should not travel while your cap-gap change of status is pending because the change of status may be considered abandoned.

Changing employers during the cap-gap period can affect your work authorization and H-1B petition strategy. You should confirm your options before making an employer change.

F-1 Extension of Stay 

You may request a program extension from your DSO if you cannot complete your program by the end date listed on your Form I-20 because of qualifying academic or medical circumstances. Qualifying academic circumstances may include a change in major or research topic or unexpected research difficulties. You must request the extension before your current program end date and must have continually maintained F-1 status.

Academic probation or suspension is not an acceptable reason for a program extension.

If you cannot complete your program by the end date listed on your Form I-20 and do not obtain a timely program extension from your DSO, you may fall out of status. Depending on the circumstances, you may need to seek reinstatement or take other steps, such as departing and re-entering with a new Form I-20.

Examples of Successful F-1 Visa Cases

F-1 visa cases can look very different depending on the student, the school, the program, and the student’s long-term plans.

A strong F-1 visa case is typically one where the student can clearly show that they have been accepted to a SEVP-certified school, that they have the financial ability to pay for their studies and living expenses, and that they intend to comply with the terms of F-1 status.

Below are some general examples of situations where an F-1 visa may be a good fit.

For example, a student may be accepted into a U.S. master’s program, receive a Form I-20, prepare proof of funding, and explain how the program fits within their educational and career goals. In that type of case, the documentation and interview preparation are both very important.

Another example may involve a student who is already in the United States in F-1 status and wants to transfer to a different SEVP-certified school. In that situation, the student should work closely with the DSO at both schools to make sure the SEVIS transfer is handled properly and that the student continues to maintain status.

Common Reasons F-1 Visa Applications Get Denied

F-1 visa applications can be denied for several reasons. In many cases, the issue is not just whether the student has been accepted to a school.

The consular officer may also look at the student’s finances, educational plans, immigration history, ties outside the United States, and whether the student appears likely to follow the terms of F-1 status.

Some common reasons F-1 visa applications may be denied include:

• The officer is not satisfied that the applicant intends to depart the United States after completing the program
• The applicant does not clearly explain why they chose the school or program
• The applicant does not show sufficient financial resources
• The applicant provides incomplete or inconsistent documents
• The applicant has prior immigration violations or unauthorized employment
• The applicant appears to be using the F-1 visa for a purpose other than full-time study
• The applicant cannot clearly explain their academic or career plans
• The applicant applies for a program that does not appear consistent with their background or goals

A denial does not always mean that the person can never qualify for an F-1 visa. However, it is important to understand why the case was denied before reapplying. Reapplying with the same facts and the same documents may lead to the same result.

How to Strengthen Your F-1 Visa Application

There are several steps that can help strengthen an F-1 visa application. The goal is to present a clear, organized, and truthful case showing that you qualify for the visa and understand the responsibilities that come with F-1 status.

First, the student should be prepared to explain the academic program. This may include why the student chose the school, why the program makes sense, and how the program connects to the student’s prior education, career goals, or future plans.

Second, the student should have strong financial documentation. The applicant should be prepared to show how tuition, living expenses, and travel costs will be covered. The documents should be clear and consistent with the information provided in the visa application and Form I-20.

Third, the student should understand the F-1 rules. F-1 status is for full-time study. Work authorization is limited and must be permitted under F-1 rules. Travel, school transfers, reduced course loads, CPT, OPT, and STEM OPT all have specific requirements.

Why Do You Need an Immigration Lawyer for an F-1 Visa?

Not every F-1 visa applicant needs an immigration lawyer. Some students have straightforward cases and are able to prepare their applications on their own.

However, an immigration lawyer can be helpful when the case involves complications, prior immigration issues, unclear funding, a prior visa denial, a change of status, OPT or STEM OPT issues, or questions about maintaining lawful status.

An immigration lawyer can help identify issues before the application is filed. This can be important because small mistakes, missing documents, or unclear explanations may create problems during the visa process.

For example, a lawyer may help a student understand whether the case is better handled through consular processing or a change of status, whether a prior status issue could affect eligibility, or whether the student’s intended work plans are permitted under F-1 rules.

F-1 status has many rules that can affect a student’s ability to study, work, travel, transfer schools, or remain in the United States. A lawyer’s role is not to guarantee approval.

Rather, the role is to help the student understand the process, avoid preventable mistakes, and prepare the strongest case possible based on the facts.

How Our Immigration Lawyers Help With Your F-1 Visa Case

At Ashoori Law, our team helps students and families understand the F-1 visa process. Depending on the matter, services may include identifying potential issues, developing an application strategy, reviewing supporting documents, and explaining what to expect.

Our team may assist with F-1 visa applications, change of status cases, program extensions, school transfers, reinstatement issues, CPT, OPT, STEM OPT, and related immigration questions. Some matters may be handled directly and others in collaboration with a network of independent immigration attorneys or law firms.

Here are some of the ways we may be able to help:

• Review your immigration history
• Evaluate whether the F-1 visa is the right option
• Review your Form I-20 and school information
• Help identify documents that may support your case
• Help you prepare for the visa interview
• Explain F-1 status rules
• Assist with change of status or extension issues
• Help evaluate CPT, OPT, STEM OPT, and cap-gap questions
• Help address prior denials or complications

Our goal is to make the process as clear as possible. We want clients to understand what they are applying for, what the government may review, and what steps they should take to maintain F-1 status after approval.

A successful F-1 strategy is not just about getting the visa. It is also about understanding how to maintain status after entering the United States.

Meet Our Immigration Lawyer: Michael Ashoori

Michael Ashoori is the founder of Ashoori Law. He has helped clients with a wide range of immigration matters, including nonimmigrant visa cases, student-related immigration issues, family-based immigration, employment-based immigration, investor visas, and other U.S. immigration matters.

For F-1 visa cases, Michael and the Ashoori Law team understand that students are often making major decisions about their education, finances, and future.

The process can feel confusing, especially when the student is applying from outside the United States or trying to understand how F-1 status works after entering the country.

Michael’s approach is focused on clarity, responsiveness, and careful preparation. The goal is to help clients understand their options, prepare a strong case, and avoid unnecessary mistakes.

Working with an immigration lawyer can be especially helpful if the case is not straightforward. This may include a prior denial, prior overstay, change of status issue, prior unauthorized employment, future green card plans, or uncertainty about work authorization.

Why Choose Ashoori Law for Your F-1 Visa Case

Choosing the right immigration law firm can make a major difference in how clearly you understand the process. F-1 visa cases require more than just completing forms. Students must understand the visa requirements, the school documents, the interview process, and the rules for maintaining status after approval.

At Ashoori Law, we focus on making the immigration process easier to understand. We help clients evaluate their options, prepare their documents, and understand what steps may be needed before and after the F-1 visa is approved.

F-1 students often have questions about work authorization, travel, school transfers, OPT, STEM OPT, and future immigration options. Our team can help explain how these issues fit together so that students can make informed decisions.

Contact Our Team

If you have questions about the F-1 visa, we would be happy to help. The F-1 visa process can involve many steps, including school admission, Form I-20, SEVIS, visa interview preparation, travel, work authorization, and maintaining status after arrival.

You may want to contact an immigration lawyer if:

• You are preparing to apply for an F-1 visa
• You were previously denied an F-1 visa
• You are currently in the United States and want to change status to F-1
• You have questions about maintaining F-1 status
• You are considering CPT, OPT, STEM OPT, or cap-gap
• You are unsure whether you can work while in F-1 status
• You have a prior immigration issue
• You are considering future green card options

If you have any questions, feel free to contact our team at contact@ashoorilaw.com.

What Happens After Your F-1 Visa is Approved?

After your F-1 visa is approved, you should carefully prepare for travel and make sure you understand your responsibilities as an F-1 student. Getting the visa is an important step, but it does not automatically guarantee admission to the United States. When you arrive, CBP will make the final decision on whether you may enter.

Before traveling, you should review your documents. This may include your passport, F-1 visa, Form I-20, proof of SEVIS fee payment, financial documents, school admission information, and any other documents that may be relevant to your entry.

Once you enter the United States in F-1 status, you must follow the rules of your status. This generally includes pursuing a full course of study, keeping your Form I-20 valid, communicating with your DSO, and avoiding unauthorized work.

Common FAQs

This section addresses common questions about the F-1 visa to help you better understand the process:

• What is an F-1 visa?
  An F-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa for international students who want to study full time at a SEVP-certified school in the United States. It is commonly used for college, university, high school, seminary, conservatory, language training, and other academic programs.
• Can I work in the United States with an F-1 visa?
  F-1 students may be able to work in limited situations, but employment must be authorized or otherwise permitted under F-1 rules. Common options include on-campus employment, CPT, OPT, STEM OPT, and certain off-campus employment benefits. Unauthorized work can create serious immigration problems.
• Can my spouse or children come with me on an F-1 visa?
  Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 may be eligible for F-2 status. F-2 dependents usually need their own Form I-20 and must follow the rules that apply to F-2 status, including limits on employment and certain study restrictions.
• Can I stay in the United States after my F-1 program ends?
  After completing your program, you may generally have a 60-day grace period. During that time, you may be able to depart the United States, transfer to another school, begin a new program level, apply for OPT if eligible and timely, or take other steps to maintain lawful status.
• Can I apply for a green card while in F-1 status?
  The F-1 visa is not a dual-intent visa, so immigrant intent can create issues for visa issuance, travel, or admission. Some F-1 students may later pursue green card options, but the timing and strategy should be carefully reviewed based on the specific facts.
• What is the difference between CPT and OPT?
  CPT is practical training that is part of the student’s curriculum and is usually authorized through the school’s DSO before the work begins. OPT is temporary employment related to the student’s field of study and generally requires filing Form I-765 with USCIS and receiving an EAD before working.
• Can I travel outside the United States while in F-1 status?
  F-1 students may generally travel, but they should make sure they have the required documents before leaving the United States. This often includes a valid passport, valid F-1 visa unless an exception applies, and a properly endorsed Form I-20. Admission is always determined by CBP at the port of entry.
• What happens if I fall out of F-1 status?
  If you fall out of F-1 status, you may need to seek reinstatement, depart and re-enter with a new Form I-20, or evaluate another option depending on the facts. Because status violations can have serious consequences, students should contact their DSO or an immigration lawyer as soon as possible.

Conclusion

You should now have a much stronger understanding of:

• What the F-1 visa is
• The benefits of the F-1 visa
• F-1 visa requirements
• The role of the DSO
• The F-1 visa process
• F-1 transfer and withdrawal rules
• F-1 employment options
• CPT, OPT, and STEM OPT
• F-1 grace periods
• Change of status issues
• F-1 extension of stay issues

The F-1 visa is a powerful non-immigrant visa that allows students to complete their program of study in the United States.

RESOURCES

STEM OPT Hub

Students

School Search

Student Process Steps: How to Navigate the U.S. Immigration System

Students and the Form I-20

Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160)

F-1 Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 Students

I-765, Application for Employment Authorization

Students and the Form I-983

H-1B Specialty Occupations, DOD Cooperative Research and Development Project Workers, and Fashion Models

Visitor Visa

E-Verify and Form I-9

Extension of Post Completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) and F-1 Status for Eligible Students under the H-1B Cap-Gap Regulations

Kurzban's Immigration Law Sourcebook 16th Edition © 2018