F1 Visa - The Complete Guide
UNDERSTANDING US VISA
A visa is an official document issued by a country's government that allows a foreign national to enter, stay, or transit through that country for a specific purpose and duration.
A foreign national planning to visit the United States must obtain a US Visa. This Visa will be affixed to their passport. Some international travelers may qualify to enter the United States without a visa if they meet the criteria for visa-free travel.
A US visa permits you to travel to a port of entry, airport, or land border crossing and request entry to the US from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Possessing a visa doesn’t guarantee entry into the United States. It signifies that a consular officer at a US Embassy or Consulate has determined you are eligible to request entry for a specific purpose.
DHS/CBP inspectors are responsible for the admission of travelers to the Unites States. DHS also has the responsibility for immigration matters while the travelers are present in the United States.
Types of US Visa
The type of Visa you have to obtain is defined by the US Immigration law and it is related to the purpose of your travel. There are two main categories of US Visas; Immigrant Visas and Nonimmigrant Visas.
Immigrant Visa: This Visa is for the travelers who want to live permanently in the United States. There are four Immigrant Visa categories;
Immediate relative visas
Family preference visas
Diversity visas
Employment-based visas
Nonimmigrant Visa: This visa is for the travelers who want to stay in the US on a temporary basis. There are 22 nonimmigrant visa categories;
A visa, B visa, C visa, D visa, E visa, F visa, G visa, H visa, I visa, J visa, K visa, L visa, M visa, N visa, O visa, P visa, Q visa, R visa, S visa, T visa, U visa, and V visa.
UNDERSTANDING F1 VISA
F visa, M visa or J visa
F Visa is for pupils and students (Universities, Conservatories, high schools) or participants of language courses and M visa is for the trainees or students in non-academic training programs (vocational training).
F visa – University college, High School, Private Elementary school, Seminary, Conservatory, Other academic institutions, including language training programs.
M visa – Vocational or other recognized non-academic institutions, excluding language training programs.
J visas are exchange visitor visas for individuals approved to participate in exchange visitor programs in the United States. Exchange visitor categories include Government visitor, Intern, Specialist, Student (College/University), Student (Secondary), Professor and Research scholar, Teacher, Trainee etc.
What is F1 visa
F visa can be classified into; F1 visa and F2 visa.
The F1 Visa (Academic Student) permits entry into the United States as a full-time student at an accredited institution such as a college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or language training program. You must be enrolled in a program that leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate, and your school must be authorized by the US government to enroll international students.
The F-2 visa is for the dependents of F-1 visa holders. The spouse and minor children who intend to stay with the F1 visa holders should apply for F2 visa. F2 visa holders doesn’t need to pay SEVIS fee. But the institution in which the F1 visa holder has been enrolled should issue an individual form I- 20 for the F2 visa holders. The F1 visa holder must provide the copy of their visa and proof of relationship. It is also noted that the minor children of the F1 visa holders can attend the school in the United States.
In order to be eligible for the F1 visa category, you have to meet the following criteria:
You must be enrolled in an academic program or a language training course.
Your school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) within Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
You must be registered as a full-time student at the institution.
You must be proficient in English or enrolled in courses designed to improve your English proficiency.
You must have adequate funds to support yourself throughout the entire proposed course of study.
You must maintain a residence in your home country that you do not intend to abandon.
Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)
The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) initiative that manages the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). SEVP ensures government agencies have critical information about nonimmigrant students and exchange visitors to maintain national security. It oversees and approves schools authorized to enroll F and M nonimmigrant students, offering guidance to both schools and students on maintaining their status requirements.
I 901 SEVIS Fee
After being accepted to an SEVP-certified school, you must pay the I-901 SEVIS fee. SEVIS stands for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System. All prospective F and M students must pay SEVIS fee before the Department of State issues them the visa.
Form I- 20
All F and M students planning to study in the United States must obtain a Form I-20, ‘Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status.’ Upon acceptance to an SEVP-certified school, the designated school official (DSO) will issue this form to respective students.
If you plan to bring eligible dependents, they will also need individual Forms I-20. The type of Form I-20 issued (Academic and Language vs. Vocational Students) determines the appropriate student visa category you can apply for through the US Department of State and the status you must maintain while in the US. Both you and your DSO must sign the Form I-20. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must also sign it on your behalf.
DS- 160 form
The DS-160 is an online nonimmigrant visa application form submitted electronically through the Department of State's website. Consular officers use the information provided on this form, along with a personal interview, to assess eligibility for a nonimmigrant visa.
Administrative Processing US visa
There are two possible outcomes for U.S. visa applications: the consular officer will either approve or deny the visa. If the applicant does not meet the eligibility requirements, the officer must deny the application. However, the officer may decide that additional information from other sources could help determine the applicant’s eligibility. Once this administrative processing is complete, the officer may find the applicant eligible for the visa.
If administrative processing is needed, the officer will inform the applicant at the end of the interview. The processing time varies for each case. Applicants are advised to apply early to allow enough time for their visa processing before their planned travel.
I 94 Form
I 94 form is the proof of legal entry into the Unites States. When you enter the Unites States as a nonimmigrant, the Custom Border Protection (CBP) officer examines your passport and visa and issues an electronic arrival/departure document called I 94 Form. The I 94 form proves that the nonimmigrant has arrived in the United States legally and confirms the current immigration status.
If a nonimmigrant receives a passport admission stamp, an electronic I-94 record will also be created. You can access this record by visiting the Customs and Border Protection website. It is important to print the electronic I-94 immediately after arrival.
F-1 and J-1 visa holders will receive a stamp marked "D/S" (Duration of Status) upon entry, allowing them to stay in the US as long as their visa status remains valid. It is essential to retain the I-94 card throughout your stay.
Each I-94 record contains an 11-digit admission number, which is required for employment and interactions with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). While you need not memorize this number, keep in mind that a new I-94 number is issued each time you re-enter the United States.
Nonimmigrants entering the US via land border will receive a paper I-94 card instead of the electronic record. They must keep the paper I-94 until their next exit.
Out of Status
Failure to maintain your F-1 status resulting in the termination of your SEVIS immigration record will classify you as out-of-status by the Department of Homeland Security. This status change disqualifies you from on-campus employment, practical training, travel endorsements for US re-entry, and other F-1 status benefits.
Form I- 765
Form I-765 is the Application for Employment Authorization. Foreign nationals in the US can use this form to request employment authorization and obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Individuals whose immigration status permits them to work in the US can apply to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) using Form I-765 to receive an EAD.
Social Security Number
Social Security Administration in the US assigns a nine-digit Social Security Number to the US citizens, permanent residents and eligible nonimmigrant workers in the United States. Social Security Administration uses this Social Security number to report wages to the government and to track other social security benefits.
Every F and M visa student granted employment authorization should need a Social Security Number (SSN).
F1 VISA- APPLICATION, INTERVIEW AND COST
F1 Visa Requirements
Admission to a SEVP-Approved U.S. Institution: The first step to studying in the United States is applying to an SEVP-approved school. If accepted, you will be registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and required to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. The Form I-20 will be issued to you by an SEVP-approved school. Once you receive the Form I-20 and are registered in SEVIS, you can apply for a student F visa at a US Embassy or Consulate. You will need to present the Form I-20 to the consular officer during your visa interview.
If your spouse and/or children will accompany you in the United States while you study, they must also enroll in SEVIS, obtain individual Form I-20s from the SEVP-approved school, and apply for a visa (though they are not required to pay the SEVIS fee).
Financial Proof for Study and Living Expenses: You must provide financial evidence demonstrating that a sponsor has enough funds to cover your tuition and living expenses for the duration of your intended study in the United States. Acceptable evidence includes:
Family bank statements
Documentation from a sponsor
Financial aid letters
Scholarship letters
A letter from an employer outlining annual salary
English proficiency requirements: Applicants can demonstrate their English proficiency by fulfilling one of the following criteria;
TOEFL: Minimum scores of 450 PBT, 133 CBT, 45 IBT, or 450 ITP on the International TOEFL.
iTEP: Minimum score of 3.
IELTS: Minimum band score of 5.
Duolingo English Test: Score of 75 or higher.
Pearson Test of English (PTE): Score of 39 or higher.
STEP Eiken: Grade 2 with at least 75%.
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE): Minimum score of C or higher.
Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE): Minimum score of C or higher.
Cambridge/IGCSE SPM Curriculum: A minimum English grade of C or higher.
Language Cert Academic: Minimum score of 54 or higher.
Intention to leave the United States upon completing your course of study: One of the key eligibility requirements for obtaining an F1 visa is demonstrating a clear intention to return to your home country upon completing your studies in the United States. This condition underscores the temporary nature of the F1 visa, which is intended solely for educational purposes. During the visa application process, both the US Department of State and consular officers assess this intent to ensure that applicants will not seek to remain in the US beyond the allowed duration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the most common reason for F1 visa denial?
A: The suspicion of immigrant intent is often the most common reason for an F1 visa denial.
Q2: What does a visa denial under Section 214(b) mean?
A: A visa denial under Section 214(b) typically indicates that the consular officer is not convinced about the applicant's intent to return to their home country after their studies. This could be due to insufficient evidence of strong ties to the home country or lack of satisfactory financial support.
Q3: If my F1 visa application is denied, can I reapply?
A: Yes, it is possible to reapply after a visa denial. However, it is recommended that you do so only when there are significant changes in your circumstances that could positively influence the decision of the consular officer.
Q4: What does 'Administrative Processing' mean in the context of F1 visa applications?
A: 'Administrative Processing' refers to a period during which a visa application undergoes additional scrutiny. This might involve further background checks, document verification, or consultation with other agencies. Although it can extend the application processing time, it is not a denial but a delay.
Q5: What to Do if my F1 Visa is Denied
If your visa application is denied, you will receive a letter explaining the reasons behind the refusal. Understanding these reasons is the first step towards addressing the issues before reapplying. Significant changes in circumstances that address the previous reasons for denial can positively influence the decision during a reapplication.
While a visa denial can be a setback, other studying opportunities, such as student exchange programs or studying abroad programs, can be explored.
Above all, remember that a visa denial is not a definitive end to your dream of studying in the U.S. Understand the reasons behind the denial, strategize effectively, and reapply. Patience, persistence, and the correct approach can pave the way to success.