Immigration Law – F-1 visa for students
The F-1 visa is one of the most popular visas for overseas students who want to study in the United States.
The F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa intended for students seeking to enroll at a school in the United States. It enables students to live and study in the United States for an extended period of time. The F-1 visa is given by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS) and allows students to stay in the country while studying.
To acquire an F-1 visa, the following requirements must be met:
- A student must be admitted to an accredited U.S. educational institution that is a Visa Sponsor for International Students before applying for an F-1 visa. (SEVP).
- Students must demonstrate financial stability and the ability to pay for education and living expenses in the United States.
- The student must also demonstrate that he has significant ties to his native country that compel him to return after graduation.
- Although there are no official language requirements for an F-1 visa, a student must be fluent in English in order to study in an American educational institution.
If the visa application process seems complicated to you – it is better to seek the help of an immigration attorney. The following procedures must be taken by the student in order to apply for an F-1 visa:
The student will be granted an I-20 form after being admitted to the educational institution, which validates his acceptance and financial feasibility. This form is provided by the educational institution and must be obtained prior to applying for a visa.
Before completing and submitting the DS-160 form, the student must pay the Visa Application Fee.
The student must complete the computerized form DS-160, which includes personal information, travel plans, and other pertinent information. The student will receive a confirmation email with a barcode that must be stored after completing the form.
After completing the DS-160 form, the student must schedule an interview with the nearest US Embassy or Consulate. Some nations may additionally require additional paperwork or procedures, so the student should carefully check the embassy or consulate’s requirements.
Before the interview, the student must prepare by researching the F-1 visa criteria and gathering all essential papers, including the I-20 form, confirmation of payment of the visa consideration cost, barcode from the DS-160, proof of financial well-being, and ties to the country.
During the interview, the student will be asked a series of questions regarding his plans, curriculum, financial situation, and relationships with his homeland. The pupil must react truthfully and persuasively. Following the interview, the consul will determine whether to grant or deny the visa.
F-1 students may have numerous sorts of work permits after their first academic year:
- CPT (Curricular Practical Training). This is a work permit for students who must complete work as part of their course program. During the academic semester or during the holidays, you can work full-time. You must discover an employer and obtain an official job invitation from him to be eligible for this category.
- OPT (Optional Practical Training). In order to get work experience in your field, you must have an employment permit that is closely relevant to your main subject of study.
There are two methods to engage in Eight:
There are eight pre-completions. You can work part-time while finishing your studies. You must work no more than 20 hours per week during the academic year and up to 40 hours per week during the holidays, and you must attend classes and complete all curricular requirements.
Following the completion of 8 You can work as a qualified specialist full-time for up to 12 months following graduation.
- Extension of Practical Training for STEM Students (STEM OPT). Additional practical training for students with a Bachelor’s Degree in Science, Engineering, Engineering, or Mathematics, with the option of extending the OPT work visa for a period of 24 months following completion.
This necessitates the following:
- be an F-1 visa student who has earned an academic degree in STEM from one of the STEM Designated Degree programs;
– employment for a licensed employer;
– Be eligible for an initial grant in order to get an OPT Employment Permit after completing your STEM degree-based studies.
Working in the United States is only permissible if you apply for a work permit (form I-765) through USCIS. If your application is approved, you will be permitted to begin working under the terms of the permission.
Finally, the F-1 visa offers students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study in the United States and widen their perspectives. Certain prerequisites and processes must be met, but successful reception opens the door to educational and employment options. If you want to study at a university in the United States, an F-1 visa may be the way to go.