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What an F1 visa mean, who can get one, and what documents are needed?

TeamAckoJul 11, 2024

Understanding different types of visas can be a bit confusing at first. There are a lot of choices, but the F1 visa stands out, especially for people who want to study in the United States. It's all about going to an institute in the US. This guide gives you a general idea of what an F1 visa is, what you need to apply for one, and what requirements you must meet.

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Contents

What does an F1 visa mean?
F1 visa requirements
What documents are required for the F1 visa application?
F1 visa processing time
How long is an F1 visa valid?
F1 Visa Slot Booking
How ACKO Can Help?
Frequently Asked Questions

What does an F1 visa mean?

An F1 Visa is a type of visa that is only for foreign students who wish to pursue academic studies in the United States. Non-U.S. residents who want to go to a university, college, or high school, including language training programmes in the U.S., must first get an F1 visa.

Students must first be accepted by an institute in the U.S. that is allowed by the government to take in foreign students in order to get this visa. Once a student is accepted, they must show proof that they have enough money to pay for school and live while they are in the U.S. They also need to show that they will go back to their home country when they are done with their studies. As soon as everything is okay, they are given an F1 visa that lets them live and study in the U.S. for the length of their programme.

F1 visa requirements

1. Acceptance by a SEVP-approved school: You must have acceptance from a school or organisation that is accepted by the SEVP Student and Exchange Visitor Programme.

2. Fully Enrolled: You must be a full-time student in a school programme in order to be eligible.

3. Sufficient Financial Support: You must show that you have enough money to pay for school and live on.

4. English Proficiency: You must show that you can speak and write English well or be registered in classes that will help you do that.

5. Valid Passport: You need a passport that is still valid.

6. Ties to Your Home Country: You must show that you have ties to your home country and plan to go back there after you finish school.

What documents are required for the F1 visa application?

If you want to apply for an F1 visa, you usually need:

A valid passport
Form F-1, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Status as a student (Form I-20)
Nonimmigrant Visa, Form DS-160
Proof of payment for the application fee
Proof that the SEVIS I-901 fee was paid.
Passport-sized photograph that meets U.S. visa requirements.
Proof of financial support.
Transcripts and test marks from school.
Proof that you have ties to your home country.
Anything else the U.S. government or consulate asks for

F1 visa processing time

The time it takes to get an F1 visa varies, but it usually takes between a few weeks and a few months. To make sure you have enough time for processing before your programme starts, you should apply for the visa as soon as you get your Form I-20.

How long is an F1 visa valid?

The F1 visa does not have a set amount of time for which it can be used. Instead, it's only good for as long as your academic programme lasts, which is shown on your Form I-20, plus any time you are allowed to do practical training and a grace period before leaving. Here are the most important parts of an F1 visa's validity:

1. Duration of Status (D/S): When you enter the U.S. with an F1 visa, you will be allowed to stay for the specific period that is written on your I-94 Arrival/Departure Record. In other words, you can stay in the U.S. as long as you keep your student position, which means:

Taking a full course of study at a school approved by the SEVP.
Getting through your programme within the time limit given on your Form I-20.

2. Programme End Date: The Form I-20 lists the times of when the programme will begin and stop. You have to finish school by the date shown on your I-20. You can ask your Designated School Official (DSO) for more time to finish your programme before the end date if you need to.

3. Authorised Practical Training:

Optional Practical Training (OPT): You can receive up to 12 months of work authorisation related to your field of study through OPT.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT): This lets you do work experience like jobs while you're in school.

4. Grace Period: The grace time gives you 60 days to prepare to leave, change your status, or move to another programme after you finish your programme or any approved practical training.

5. Visa Stamp Validity: The visa stamp in your passport has an expiration date that tells you when you can no longer use it to enter the U.S. If your visa stamp runs out while you are in the U.S., you don't need to get a new one unless you plan to leave the country and come back.

F1 Visa Slot Booking

It's very important to book your visa interview time if you want to study in the US on an F1 visa. Here are the steps you need to take:

Step 1: Fill out the DS-160 form on the internet.

Step 2: Pay the fee with your SEVIS ID.

Step 3: Sign up on the USTravelDocs website and register to create a profile.

Step 4: Pay the Visa Application Fee.

Step 5: Make an appointment for your visa.

Step 6: Attend the VAC appointment. Complete fingerprinting and photo.

Step 7: Attend the visa interview with your I-20, DS-160 and academic documents.

Step 8: Wait for the approval.

Step 9: Check your visa status: After the interview, you can check your visa status on the CEAC website.

How ACKO Can Help?

You can now apply for a USA visa for Indians through ACKO. We provide end-to-end assistance, from document submission to visa approval, and deliver your approved visa to your doorstep. Along with visa assistance, we also offer comprehensive international travel insurance, ensuring you're covered for any unforeseen circumstances. With ACKO, you can enjoy a seamless and hassle-free visa application experience and travel with peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet.

Here are some common questions people have about F1 visa

Can I get a job with an F1 visa?

People with an F1 visa can work as long as they meet the following requirements:

Campus jobs: up to 20 hours a week during the school year, and full-time during the breaks.
You can get up to 12 months of temporary work directly linked to your field of study through optional practical training (OPT). For STEM graduates, this can be increased to 24 months.
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is work that is required as part of your education.

How early should I do my F1 visa slot booking?

It is best to book your visa slot as early as possible, about three to four months before you plan to journey because spots can fill up quickly, especially during busy times.

What if I need to change the date of my visa appointment?

The USTravelDocs website lets you change your meeting time. Go to the website, log in with your ID, click "Reschedule Appointment," and pick a new time and date.

Do I need to bring original documents to the VAC and visa interview?

Yes, you should bring both the originals and copies of the papers to both the VAC interview and the visa interview.

Can I stay in the U.S. after my visa stamp expires?

Yes, you can stay in the U.S. as long as you are still a student. The visa stamp is only used to get into the country.

What happens if I complete my programme early?

If you finish your programme before the date on your I-20 that says it ends, your grace period will start from the date that your programme ends.

How can I stay longer in the U.S. if my programme goes longer than planned?

You need to ask your DSO for an extension before the end date of your I-20. The DSO will give you a new I-20 and change your SEVIS report.

Can I change my programme of study or school while on an F1 visa?

You can change your institute or programme of study while you have an F1 visa. You need to let your present institute know about the change and get a new Form I-20 from the new school.

With an F1 visa, can I bring my family with me?

Yes, you can get F2 dependent visas for your partner and children under 21 who are not married to come to the United States with you. People with an F2 visa can't work, but they can go to elementary or secondary school.