F-1 Student Visa Overview
The F-1 visa is designed for foreign nationals who wish to study in the United States as full-time academic students at accredited institutions such as universities, colleges, conservatories, high schools, elementary schools, or approved language training programs. Students interested in attending vocational or non-academic schools should instead consider the M visa program.
Holders of an F-1 visa are permitted to enter the United States up to 30 days before the program start date indicated on Form I-20. After completing their program, F-1 visa students are typically granted a 60-day grace period to prepare for departure, apply for a change of status, or pursue optional practical training (OPT). It is important to understand that this grace period ends either when you leave the United States or, if you are not on OPT, no later than 60 days after the program end date listed on your I-20 or Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
F-1 Grace Period After OPT
After the conclusion of your academic program or post-completion OPT, F-1 students receive a 60-day grace period to lawfully remain in the United States. For comparison, M-1 visa holders are provided only a 30-day grace period.
What Counts as the Program End Date?
The program end date appears on your Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status). Additionally, your Form I-94 Arrival/Departure Record will specify the “admit until” date. Once your grace period begins, you cannot exit and reenter the U.S. on F-1 status. Leaving the country automatically terminates your grace period.
Restrictions During the F-1 Grace Period
During the grace period, certain restrictions apply:
- You cannot reenter the U.S. on your current Form I-20.
- You cannot request an extension of your academic program.
- You are not permitted to work or study.
These restrictions also apply during the period between your program’s end date (on Form I-20) and the official start of your approved OPT employment.
F-1 Visa Grace Period Ineligibility
You will not qualify for the F-1 grace period if any of the following apply:
- You are not maintaining F-1 student status.
- You depart the U.S. prior to graduation.
- You fail to complete your academic program.
- You have been terminated or withdrawn from your institution.
Change of Status or OPT During the Grace Period
Following your program’s completion, you may apply for a change of status provided the requested start date falls within your 60-day grace period. Similarly, students may also use this grace period to file for post-completion OPT. Keep in mind, however, that USCIS must receive your OPT application before the 60-day grace period expires.
F-1 Visa Process Overview
To better understand how the process works, here is a step-by-step outline of the F-1 visa application process:
- Receive admission to an SEVP-approved school, college, or university as a full-time student.
- Register in SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System).
- Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee. While some institutions may choose to pay it for students, most require students to pay this themselves.
- Your school will issue Form I-20, which verifies your acceptance and eligibility for the F-1 visa.
- File Form DS-160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application).
- Schedule your interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in your country of residence. Required documents include:
- A valid passport
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Visa application fee payment receipt
- A photo meeting U.S. State Department requirements
- Form I-20
- Required test scores, transcripts, diplomas, and certificates
- Proof of financial support and ties to your home country
- A valid passport
- Pay application and visa issuance fees (if applicable). The issuance fee, when required, is paid after approval.
- Attend the interview. At the conclusion, you will be informed whether your visa is approved or denied.
- Wait for your visa to be issued.
- Be aware that USCIS can issue F-1 visas up to 120 days before the program start date.
If you plan to bring your spouse or children, they must apply for an F-2 dependent visa using a separate Form I-20.
F-2 Visa Overview
The F-2 visa is designed for dependents of F-1 students. Eligible dependents include:
- The spouse of an F-1 visa holder.
- Unmarried children under the age of 21 of an F-1 visa holder.
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support themselves while living in the United States.
F-2 Visa Overview
- Obtain Form I-20 for each dependent. The principal F-1 student must notify the SEVP-approved school of accompanying dependents so the institution can issue additional I-20 forms.
- Complete Form DS-160 online and retain the confirmation page with its barcode.
- Pay the F-2 visa fee (currently $160) and keep the receipt. Additional fees may apply depending on the embassy or consulate.
- Schedule your visa interview. Dependents can schedule their interview at the same time as the F-1 visa applicant or separately if necessary.
- Attend the interview with a complete set of documents.
Before attending your interview, it is highly recommended to consult with an immigration attorney at Green Card Link to ensure you are fully prepared and aware of the documentation required.
How to Work Off-Campus with an F-1 Visa
If you are studying in the United States on an F-1 visa, it’s important to understand the rules for employment. During your first year as an F-1 student, you are not permitted to work off-campus, but you may accept on-campus employment. After completing your first academic year, you may be eligible for several off-campus work opportunities, including:
Curriculum Practical Training (CPT)
CPT allows you to gain hands-on work experience directly related to your field of study while you are still enrolled in your program.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) – Pre or Post-Completion
OPT provides up to 12 months of work authorization in the United States in a position connected to your degree program. You may apply for OPT either before or after completing your academic program.
STEM OPT Extension
If you hold a degree in a STEM field (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics), you may qualify for a two-year extension of your OPT. After your STEM OPT and grace period expire, you are required to depart the U.S. within 60 days unless you change or extend your status.
F-1 Visa Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get married and stay in the U.S. if I fall in love with a U.S. citizen?
Marriage to a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident does not automatically secure your stay. You must meet strict eligibility requirements to transition from an F-1 visa to a marriage-based green card. At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys can guide you through the process and help avoid pitfalls.
What is the F-1 visa grace period?
A grace period is the time USCIS grants between the end of your program and your departure. Typically, this period lasts 60 days.
Do I lose my grace period if I don’t finish my program?
Yes. Failing to maintain valid F-1 status or not completing your program may reduce or eliminate your grace period. Consult your Designated School Official (DSO) for guidance.
Who is a DSO?
A Designated School Official (DSO) acts as the liaison between international students, their school, and U.S. immigration authorities. Your DSO manages your SEVIS record and can issue or update your Form I-20.
What happens if I overstay past my grace period?
Overstaying your F-1 visa can have severe consequences, including jeopardizing your ability to secure future visas or reenter the United States. Immigration officials take prior overstays into account when reviewing future applications.
Can I transfer schools in the middle of the semester?
Yes, but you must begin your program at the new school immediately without any grace period.
Can I leave and reenter the U.S. during my grace period?
No. Once you depart the U.S. during your grace period, you cannot reenter using that same status.
Can I change my status to F or M while in the U.S. on another visa?
Yes. You can file Form I-20 to request a change of status. This form proves enrollment in a U.S. academic program.
What is the I-20 expiration date?
The I-20 expiration date marks your program’s official end date. From that date, you have 60 days to prepare for departure or apply for another status.
What visa should I get for a short recreational study program?
If your course is short-term and not for academic credit, you may consider a B-2 visitor visa.
Why was I given Form I-515A?
If you arrive in the U.S. without the proper documents, you may be issued Form I-515A, which allows you temporary entry for 30 days. You must submit the missing documents to SEVP within that period, or you will be required to leave.
What is a SEVP-approved school?
A SEVP-approved school is one certified by the Department of Homeland Security to enroll international students. You can use the DHS School Search Map to locate certified institutions.
How soon before my program begins can I enter the U.S.?
You may enter up to 30 days before your program start date as listed on your I-20.
What does “out of status” mean?
Being “out of status” means violating F-1 visa rules, such as working without proper authorization or failing to maintain enrollment. Consequences include penalties and unlawful presence accrual, which may affect future immigration benefits.
How can I prove my financial ability for an F-1 visa?
You may be asked to show:
- Recent bank statements
- Tax returns for the last three years
- Financial aid or scholarship letters
- Property ownership documents
- Sponsor or employer documentation
All documents must be in English or accompanied by certified translations.
Can I receive financial aid as an international student?
You cannot receive federal financial aid, but some universities offer scholarships or private funding for international students. Check directly with your institution.
What is the grace period for OPT?
After completing OPT, you have 60 days to depart the U.S. or take steps to extend your status.
Can I work during the F-1 grace period?
No. Employment is not allowed during the grace period.
How long can I stay after an authorized early withdrawal?
If your DSO approves an early withdrawal, you have up to 15 days to leave the country.
Can I extend my OPT grace period?
Yes, if you qualify for a STEM OPT extension and file your application on time. A pending application allows a 180-day automatic extension until a decision is made.
Should I hire an attorney if I fall out of status?
Yes. Immigration law is highly complex, and even small mistakes can cause serious setbacks. At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys have the knowledge and experience to help resolve your case effectively.
How Green Card Link Can Help
At Green Card Link, its immigration attorneys have years of experience helping international students successfully navigate F-1 visa requirements, work authorization, and transitions to permanent residency. Whether you need guidance on OPT, marriage-based green cards, or reinstating your status, the team at Green Card Link is ready to help you avoid mistakes and protect your future in the U.S.