F-1 Visa allows a foreign national to enter US, solely for the purpose of studies at an established high school, university, college. F-1 status is valid for the time necessary to complete the course of study and the school may authorize to extend the status. Students may seek to enter US up to 30 days prior to their studies commence.

Privileges and Limitations:

	Spouses and children of F-1 students are granted F-2 status.
	Students with F-1 status are authorized to work part time on-campus for a maximum of 20 hours per week.
	You may not work legally off-campus unless obtain special permission
	You are restricted to study in a school other than the one, which issued I-20.

Steps in obtaining F-1 Visa:

The first step is to get an admission from a reputed school in US. After accepting a foreign student, the school completes the Certification of Eligibility SEVIS I-20 and mails it to the student. The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) is a web-based system for maintaining information on international students in the US. SEVIS deliver I-20 and sends I-20 to the student. A student, in-order to get an F-1 Visa, should present I-20, and relevant documents and application forms to US consulate. You have to pay SEVIS Form I-901 fee for each program of study. Before you go to visa interview you have to have SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt. You will receive a Receipt of Notice (I-797) for every payment received. If you pay electronically, you will be able to print an electronic receipt immediately at the time of payment. Through the mail by submitting a completed Form I-901 and a check or money order drawn on a US Bank and payable in US currency; or (In most countries, first time student visa applicants are required to appear for an in-person interview. However, each embassy and consulate sets its own interview policies and procedures regarding student visas. Students should consult Embassy web sites or call for specific application instructions.)

Forms and Documents needed

	A valid passport
	Form DS-156
	Form DS-158
	Male applicants between the ages of 16 and 45, must complete and submit Form DS-157
	I-20 A-B form
	Provide documentation showing sufficient funds available to support themselves and the course of study.
	Two passport size photos
	Filled Visa application form
	TOEFL & GRE score reports (original and photocopy).
	Original copy of Degree certificate if available.
	Admission and Financial aid letters from school.
	scores from standardized tests required by the educational institution such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT, etc.

Apply for a student visa 90 days prior to the start date of study registration date. Fees for various visa application processing fees

Accepting Jobs during F1 Visa

There are two different options for a student to work off-campus in US.

Curricular Practical training (CPT):

You can work full time Off campus for a period of One year in your field of study. You have to get permission from your Academic advisor and International office at your school. Students who work for a year or more in CPT will lose their Optional Practical Training.

Optional Practical Training (OPT):

This training program permits a student after completion of his degree to take employment, related to his studies, for a period of one year. At least three months prior to completion of degree, a student should apply for Employment Authorization Document (EAD) to US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) either directly or through International Office at your school. You will be issued a photo Identity work authorization card, Form I – 766, which allows you to work legally.

Traveling outside US:

A student wishing to travel outside should get an endorsed I-20ID from their respective school at the international office.

Transferring to another school:

Students, who wish to transfer to another school, must notify their current school of their intent to transfer.