| An alien who is going to pursue full-time
academic studies in a college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high
school, private elementary schools, other academic institution, or language-training
program in the U.S. can apply for an F-1 visa with a U.S. consulate abroad.
In accordance with "Retention and Reporting of Information
for F, J and M Nonimmigrants; Student and Exchange Visitor Information
System (SEVIS)", effective on January 1, 2003, an alien student
may take the following steps to obtain an F-1 Visa:
1. Admission to an approved school:
An alien first must apply to study at an approved school in the
United States. When an alien contacts a school that he is interested
in attending, usually, he will be told immediately if the school
accepts foreign national students. In order to apply for an F-1
visa, the alien must be admitted by an approved school.
2. If the alien is admitted, the school will issue him a SEVIS Form
I-20.
3. The next thing for the alien to do is to take the SEVIS Form
I-20 to the appropriate U.S. Embassy or Consulate with jurisdiction
over his place of permanent residence to apply for a student visa
(F-1 visa). The alien student must satisfy two criteria: (a) He
must prove that he has no immigration intent and his travel to the
U.S. is purely for studies; and (b) he must also prove to the visa
officer that he has the financial resources required for his education
and stay in the United States. Proof of English proficiency may
also be required.
The documents and information needed
to apply for an F-1 visa are:
1) An application Form DS-156, together with a Form DS-158. Both
forms must be completed and signed. Some applicants will also be
required to complete and sign Form DS-157. A separate form is needed
for children, even if they are included in a parent's passport.
Blank forms are available without charge at all U.S. consular offices
and on the Visa Services website under Visa Application Forms.
2) A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity
date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period
of stay in the United States. If more than one person is included
in the passport, each person desiring a visa must make an application;
3) One photograph following
these requirements
4) A SEVIS Form I-20;
5) Evidence of sufficient funds;
6) A nonrefundable US$100 application fee; and
7) Documentation showing financial resources.
For
more information on F-1, please click on the following links:
Description
SEVIS
Application for an F-1 Visa
Obtaining an F-1 Status at the port of
entry
Change into F-1 Status in the U.S.
Eligibility for change into
F-1 Status in the U.S.
Maintaining F-1 Status
Change Name and Address
Transfer of School
Time limitation of F-1 Status
Extension of F-1 Status
Grace Period
F-1 Status reinstatement
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
Change from F-1 Status to H-1B
Change from F-1 Status to immigrant
status
Spouse and Children of F-1
Attorney and filing fees
Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
The Impact of I-140 Filing on F-1 Students
Memo: Be Aware of Abandonment of COS and AOS Applications
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