The F-1 student visa is a temporary non-immigrant visa that is issued only to students who are qualified to pursue a full course of study at an academic institution. When applying for an F-1 visa, the individual must prove to a U.S. consular official that they wish to enter the U.S. temporarily and solely for purposes of study, and that they have no intention of abandoning their home country. The individual visits the Consulate or Embassy with the following documents: (1) SEVIS I-20 Form; (2) valid passport; (3) financial documents; (4) admission letter from school.
When a prospective student has been fully admitted by the Office of Admissions the SEVIS I-20 Form is issued by the ISA. The SEVIS I-20 Form is then forwarded to the Office of Admissions, who is responsible for delivery of the form to the student along with any additional required information.
F-1 students will maintain their status by adhering to the following:

 

1. Maintain a valid passport.
2. Attend the school that issued your SEVIS I-20 Form.
3. Pursue a full-time course of study; undergraduates 12 minimum credits each semester, and graduate 9 minimum credit each semester; and demonstrate normal progress toward completion of designated program of study.
4. Follow USCIS procedures for any change, i.e., change of address, change of name, school transfer, change of level, program extension, with the approval of the ISA.

 

Students who have maintained legal F-1 status may apply to the USCIS for Optional Practical Training, which is permission to seek employment in their field during or immediately after completion of studies. Once the application is approved, the student will receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), which is an additional document that must be presented at the Port of Entry (POE) should they leave the U.S. for any reason. Practical training may not exceed 12 months, and students remain under the sponsorship of their degree institution for this time.

On-Campus Employment: F-1 students may apply for on-campus employment after they have registered for classes in their first semester at STU. Graduate students are eligible to accept graduate assistantships, and student teaching.

Off-Campus Employment: Upon completion of one full academic year of studies as full-time student, you may apply to the USCIS for permission to work due to severe economic hardship. When filing this type of application or applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT) the student must meet with the ISA to obtain a new SEVIS I-20 Form recommending the off-campus employment.

F-2 visa holders (dependents of F-1 students) are not permitted to accept employment or receive compensation under any circumstances. F-2 visa holders may not attend school.