F-1 Visa

The wide variety of educational facilities in the United States offer great opportunities for students wishing to further their education and training. The intellectual stimulation and social experiences of studying in the U.S. will be vital parts of a student’s growth and development.

Foreign national students who want to study in the U.S. usually apply for the F-1 visa. Although the J-1 and M-1 Visas (for vocational students) are sometimes used, most foreign students enter in F-1 status.

Your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 are allowed to join you in the U.S., under F-2 status. A prospective student’s Form I-20A-B may be used to request an F-2 visa.

If your spouse and/or dependant children are joining you later, they will need to submit Form I-20A-B, endorsed from the school you are attending. F-2 visa holders can not work while in the US nor attend school without changing their status to F-1. An F-2 child may attend school-elementary through 12th grade.

STEPS

You must first apply and be accepted to an USCIS approved school in the U.S. If admitted, the school will issue you an USCIS Form I-20 A-B/ID (Certificate of Eligibility).

You must submit your visa application form, Form I-20A-B and other required documents at the U.S. Consulate, Consular Office or U.S. Embassy with jurisdiction over your permanent residence.

PROCEDURE TO APPLY FOR THE F-1 VISA

The following documents must be submitted at the U.S. Consulate, Consular Office or U.S. Embassy with jurisdiction over your permanent residence

• A filled-in visa application Form DS-156. Separate applications for each person are compulsory.
• One recent photograph 1 & 1/2 inches square (37mm x 37mm) of each applicant, with the entire face visible. The picture should be taken before a light background and without head covering.
• A passport, valid for travel to the United States for at least six months longer than your intended visit.
• A letter of admission from the school you plan to attend.
• A signed Form I-20A-B.
• Proof of sufficient funds to partake in study in the U.S.
• Proficiency in English or that s/he will receive training to become proficient
• Intention to depart the U.S.