F Student Visa

The F-1 visa is for academic students in colleges, universities, seminaries, conservatories, academic high schools, other academic institutions and language training programs. In order to be eligible, the student must be able to prove that he/she has a residence abroad and no intention of immigrating to the US. In addition, the student must show sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses. The student is allowed to stay in the United States for as long as he/she is enrolled as a full-time student and is making normal progress towards completing the course of study. The student’s spouse and children under the age of 21 may be granted F-2 status.
 
Generally, an F-1 student may not work. However, an F-1 student may obtain curricular practical training (work which is part of the curriculum such as an internship required to complete a course of study) while in school. An F-1 student may also obtain optional practical training while in school and/or after graduating. Post-graduation optical practical training is full-time and is not employer specific. Optional practical training is granted for up to one year. Furthermore, an F-1 student may engage in on-campus employment and if there is an unforeseen economic necessity, the student may obtain employment authorization while in school. At the end of the student’s studies or practical training, he/she is given sixty days to prepare to leave the country.