The F-1 student visa is the primary visa for international students pursuing academic education in the United States—from language programs through doctoral studies. F-1 provides flexibility for study and limited work opportunities while requiring careful attention to status maintenance. Understanding F-1 rules helps you successfully complete your education and explore career opportunities.

F-1 status involves ongoing obligations from application through graduation and beyond.

Obtaining the F-1 Visa

You must first be accepted by a SEVP-certified school. The school issues Form I-20, your essential document for F-1 status. Pay the SEVIS fee (currently 50) before your visa interview.

Complete Form DS-160 online and schedule a consular interview. At the interview, demonstrate you're a genuine student: show acceptance documents, financial ability to pay for studies, and ties to your home country indicating you'll return after completing education.

Bring financial documents, your I-20, acceptance letter, transcripts, standardized test scores, and any scholarship documentation to your interview.

Maintaining F-1 Status

Full-time enrollment is required each semester—typically 12 credits for undergraduates, 9 for graduates, though definitions vary by school. Exceptions exist for final semesters, authorized reduced course loads, and other specific situations.

Make normal academic progress toward your degree. Repeated academic failures or excessive withdrawals can affect your status. Academic probation doesn't automatically end F-1 status but raises concerns.

Report address changes to your school within 10 days. Keep your passport valid. Don't work without authorization.

On-Campus Employment

F-1 students can work on campus up to 20 hours per week while school is in session, full-time during official breaks. On-campus work doesn't require additional authorization beyond your valid F-1 status.

"On campus" includes employment with the school and sometimes with on-campus contractors providing direct services to students. Graduate assistantships and research positions typically qualify.

Off-campus employment requires authorization through CPT, OPT, or economic hardship provisions.

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

CPT allows off-campus employment that's integral to your curriculum—internships, co-ops, or practicum experiences required or recommended by your program. CPT must be authorized by your school before you begin work.

CPT is employer-specific. You can work for the employer listed on your authorization; working elsewhere requires separate authorization.

Using 12 months or more of full-time CPT eliminates eligibility for post-graduation OPT. Track your CPT usage carefully if you want OPT later.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

OPT provides work authorization in your field of study—12 months total, which can be used before completion (pre-completion OPT) or after (post-completion OPT). Most students save OPT for after graduation.

STEM degree holders may qualify for 24-month STEM OPT extension, providing up to 36 months total of post-graduation work authorization. This is valuable for pursuing employment-based immigration.

OPT requires USCIS approval via Form I-765. Apply through your school, which must recommend you in SEVIS before USCIS will process your application.

Travel and Re-Entry

F-1 students can travel internationally and return if they have a valid F-1 visa, valid I-20 with travel signature (less than one year old), valid passport, and are maintaining status.

If your visa expired, you must apply for a new one at a consulate before returning (Canadians excepted for short trips). Plan ahead—visa processing can take weeks.

During OPT, additional requirements apply. Ensure you have all necessary documents before traveling.

Changing Status and Extending

F-1 status lasts for "duration of status" (D/S)—as long as you're a full-time student making normal progress. You can extend by continuing education, transferring schools, or starting new programs.

Changing to other visa types (H-1B, for example) requires filing with USCIS before your current status and any post-completion OPT ends. Plan transitions carefully to avoid gaps.

Getting Legal Help

F-1 rules are detailed and violations have serious consequences. Your school's international student office should be your first resource for questions. For complex situations—status problems, work authorization issues, or immigration planning—an immigration attorney provides expertise beyond what school advisors can offer. Maintaining valid F-1 status protects your investment in U.S. education and keeps future options open.