Allows full-time academic study at SEVP-certified U.S. universities and colleges. Includes work authorization through OPT and STEM OPT extension. Most common nonimmigrant visa for international students.
The F-1 visa is the most common student visa for full-time academic study at colleges, universities, seminaries, conservatories, academic high schools, and other U.S. educational institutions accredited by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). The F-2 dependent visa is available for spouses and unmarried children under 21.
F-1 students are admitted for "Duration of Status" (D/S), meaning they may remain in the U.S. as long as they maintain valid student status — full-time enrollment, good academic standing, and compliance with USCIS/School rules.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment authorization that allows F-1 students to work in jobs directly related to their major field of study. It is not sponsored by an employer — it is authorized by USCIS via an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is employment authorization for work that is an integral part of your established curriculum. Unlike OPT, CPT must be used during your studies, not after graduation.
| CPT | OPT | |
|---|---|---|
| When | During enrollment (integral to curriculum) | 12 months before or after graduation |
| Authorization | DSO — no USCIS application required | USCIS (Form I-765) — must apply 90 days early |
| 12-mo impact | Part-time CPT: no impact. Full-time 12+ months: no OPT | Counts against 12-month OPT total |
| Employer requirement | Job must align with curriculum; often requires formal internship course | Job must be related to major — no specific course needed |
Apply to a SEVP-certified U.S. institution. Once accepted, the school's Designated School Official (DSO) issues Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status). You need this before applying for the visa.
Pay the $350 Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) fee using Form I-901 at fmjfee.com. Keep the payment confirmation — you'll need it for your visa interview.
Complete the DS-160 Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application on the State Department's website. Pay the $185 MRV visa fee, then schedule your interview at a U.S. consulate or embassy in your home country. Bring your I-20, DS-160 confirmation, SEVIS receipt, financial documents, and passport.
A consular officer will verify your academic intention, financial ability, and nonimmigrant intent. For undergraduate programs in STEM or business, expect questions about your program and post-graduation plans. Approval is typically stamped in your passport within a few days.
You may enter up to 30 days before your program start date. At the port of entry, CBP stamps your passport with the D/S admission. Report to your school within the first few days, and your DSO will activate your SEVIS record.
| Stage | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| School acceptance & I-20 issuance | Varies | Usually weeks after admission |
| DS-160 + SEVIS fee | 1–2 days | Online; keep receipts |
| Consular appointment wait | 2 days – 3 months | Highly variable by country/post |
| Visa interview + stamp | 1–7 days after interview | Administrative processing can add time |
| Early entry window | 30 days before start | Cannot enter earlier |
| OPT EAD application | 90 days before graduation | Apply early — USCIS takes 3–5 months |
| STEM OPT extension | Apply 90 days before OPT expires | Must have E-Verify employer confirmed |
| Fee | Amount | Who Pays |
|---|---|---|
| SEVIS fee (Form I-901) | $350 | Student (one-time per program) |
| DS-160 MRV fee | $185 | Student (nonimmigrant visa) |
| OPT EAD (Form I-765) | $520 | Student (per authorization period) |
| STEM OPT Extension (Form I-765) | $0 | No additional govt. fee for extension itself |
| Approximate total (including OPT) | ~$1,055 + tuition + living expenses | |
F-1 is a nonimmigrant visa — you must maintain nonimmigrant intent to keep it valid. However, many international students do successfully transition to U.S. permanent residence. The typical pathway:
Your employer files an H-1B cap lottery registration in March. If selected and approved, you transition from F-1/OPT to H-1B on Oct 1. From H-1B, your employer sponsors EB-2 or EB-3 PERM.
H-1B Guide →If your research or work has national importance, you may be able to self-petition for an EB-2 National Interest Waiver without needing an H-1B. Common for STEM PhD students and postdocs.
EB-2 Guide →Whether you need help maintaining F-1 status, applying for OPT, or planning your path to a Green Card, an immigration attorney can make the difference.
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