There are numerous courses and places to study in the United States, so the US F-1 visa has a comprehensive application process with specific rules.
The US F1 Visa grants temporary stay for students in USA. (Representative Image/ Getty Images)
New Delhi: The United States of America (USA) is a top choice for many students wishing to study abroad. For many, studying abroad fulfils years of hard work and dedication. If someone is already a US citizen or holds a green card, they do not need to apply for a student visa. However, all other students wishing to study in the USA must obtain a student visa.
There are many courses and places to study in the United States, making the US F-1 visa application process application process extensive and governed by specific rules. The primary rule is that the applicant must intend to study temporarily in the United States. In other words, the US F-1 visa is not an immigrant visa.
US F-1 Visa: List of document requirements
When applying for a US F-1 visa, one should be prepared with the following set of documents, both in original and photocopy form:
Set 1: Personal Information
- Passport (current and all the previous ones)
- MRV Fee Receipt
- Visa Interview Appointment Letter
- DS 160 Confirmation Slip (with the bar code visible)
- SEVIS Fee Receipt
- Passport Size Photograph (as per the specifications)
Set 2: Educational Documents
- Class 10th and 12th mark sheets and certificates
- GRE or GMAT for PG courses and SAT scorecard for UG admissions
- IELTS or TOEFL scorecards or PTE scorecards
- Bachelor’s Degree, Provisional Degree Certificate, course completion certificate or mark sheet for all the years along with the consolidated mark sheet (if applicable)
Set 3: Work-related Documents (if required)
- Joining letter of the current company
- Salary slip for last six months
- Relieving letter from the previous company
Set 4: Financial Documents
- Loan Approval Letter (if required)
- Last three-year bank statement of savings account
- Fixed Deposit certificates of the last three years
- Tax Returns for the past three years
- Property Documents such as residential, commercial, ancestral and/or farmland.
US F-1 Visa: Get familiar with working conditions
With a US F-1 visa, students have the option to work. However, they cannot work off-campus during their first year of the program. They can work up to 20 hours per week on campus during the academic term. During holidays or breaks, they can work up to 40 hours per week.
It is important to note that students can work for a commercial firm that provides services to the university or college where they are studying. After the first year, students who want to work off-campus have two options:
- Curriculum Practical Training (CPT): Students are allowed to work or intern as part of their academic program, and it is mandatory for the completion of their degree. The internship must be related to their field of study and approved by their university or educational institution. Students can start their Curricular Practical Training (CPT) after completing nine months in their program. CPT is semester-specific, and authorised for fall, spring, or summer semesters. Its duration can range from one semester to up to 364 days.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): The Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows international students to work in the US for a total of 12 months. During this period, students can only work in the field related to their area of study and must secure employment within 90 days after graduation. Students who are studying STEM subjects may be eligible for a 24-month OPT extension. To start working under the OPT program, the student and their university’s designated official must file for the Employment Authorization Document (EAD).