Who Qualifies for the F-1 Visa?
To qualify for the F-1 visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:
Accepted by a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school in the U.S.
Enroll in a full-time academic course of study.
Provide proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition, living expenses, and other costs.
Demonstrate intent to return to the home country after completing the studies.
How Does the Process Work?
Step 1: Enrollment and Obtaining I-20
First, you must enroll in an educational institution such as a language school or university and obtain an I-20 form from that institution.
Step 2: File Preparation and Submission
Once you receive your I-20 and provide it to us, our Change of Status department will prepare your file and send it to the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Step 3: Change of Status Approval
Upon submission, typically after a few weeks, you will receive a Receipt Notice from USCIS confirming that they have started processing it. Once you receive this notice, all you need to do is wait for the final decision on your application. Typically, it takes about 3 to 6 months to get the Change of Status Approval Notice.
Please note that we assist with the Change of Status process when the applicant comes to the U.S. with a different type of visa and wants to change to the F-1 visa status. We do not provide services about F-1 visa application procedures from the consulate.
What Are the Benefits of the F-1 Visa?
The F-1 visa offers several advantages:
Access to a wide range of academic programs at various educational levels.
Limited on-campus employment opportunities are available.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Opportunities for practical training related to the field of study.
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Engage in practical training as part of the academic curriculum.
What Are the Required Application Documents?
When applying for the F-1 visa, applicants must submit:
Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant Student Status, issued by the school.
A valid passport.
Proof of financial ability to cover expenses.
Receipts for applicable fees.