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Visa


Student (F-1)


Are you interested in studying in the United States?
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🕒 ​Schedule Your Legal Consultation Online.
F-1 Student Visa Services
Pursue Your Academic Dreams with ImmigraTrust Law
Welcome to ImmigraTrust Law, where we specialize in guiding international students through the F-1 student visa process. Our experienced attorneys are dedicated to helping you achieve your educational goals in the United States.

Our F-1 Visa Services
1. Eligibility Assessment
  • Initial Consultation: Determine your eligibility for an F-1 visa based on your acceptance to a SEVP-certified U.S. educational institution and your financial ability to support yourself during your studies.
  • Documentation Review: Ensure all necessary documents, such as proof of acceptance (Form I-20), financial support, and a valid passport, are complete and accurate.
2. Application Preparation
  • Form DS-160 Filing: Assistance with completing and submitting Form DS-160, the online application for a nonimmigrant visa.
  • SEVIS Fee Payment: Guidance on paying the SEVIS I-901 fee and obtaining the receipt required for your visa interview.
3. Visa Interview Preparation
  • Interview Coaching: Personalized coaching to prepare you for your visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate, including mock interview sessions.
  • Supporting Documents: Assistance in gathering necessary documents such as financial statements, academic transcripts, and proof of ties to your home country.

Key Requirements and Process
  1. Acceptance to a SEVP-Certified School: Obtain Form I-20 from the U.S. institution you will be attending​​​​.
  2. Pay the SEVIS Fee: Complete the payment of the SEVIS I-901 fee ($350) and keep the receipt for your visa interview​​.
  3. Complete Form DS-160: Fill out the online nonimmigrant visa application (Form DS-160) and print the confirmation page​​.
  4. Schedule Visa Interview: Schedule your visa interview at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and prepare the required documents​​​​.

Benefits of the F-1 Visa
  • Full-Time Study: Allows you to study full-time at an accredited U.S. institution.
  • On-Campus Employment: Permits on-campus employment for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during breaks.
  • Optional Practical Training (OPT): Provides the opportunity to work in the U.S. for up to 12 months after completing your studies, with an extension available for STEM graduates​​​​.
  • Family Inclusion: Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can accompany you on F-2 visas, although they are not permitted to work in the U.S.​​​​.

​Comprehensive FAQ for F-1 Student Visa
Q1: What is an F-1 Student Visa?
  • The F-1 Visa is issued to international students attending an academic program or English Language Program at a US college or university.
Q2: Who is eligible for an F-1 Visa?
  • Students accepted into a certified program in a U.S. educational institution who demonstrate sufficient financial support and intent to return home after studies.
Q3: How do I apply for an F-1 Visa?
  • After receiving a Form I-20 from a U.S. school, complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160), and schedule an interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
Q4: Can I work on an F-1 Visa?
  • Students can work on campus part-time during their studies and full-time during breaks. Optional Practical Training (OPT) and Curricular Practical Training (CPT) are also available under certain conditions.
Q5: How long can I stay in the U.S. on an F-1 Visa?
  • Duration of status (D/S) which includes the length of your study plus 60 days after completion to prepare for departure, unless you transition to another visa or begin practical training.
Q6: Can I bring my family with me on an F-1 Visa?
  • Spouses and unmarried children under 21 can apply for F-2 visas, though they cannot work and have limited study options.
Q7: What is Optional Practical Training (OPT)?
  • OPT allows F-1 students to work in their field of study for up to 12 months full-time after completion of their academic program, with STEM graduates eligible for a 24-month extension.
Q8: What happens if my F-1 Visa is denied?
  • You can reapply by addressing the reasons for denial provided by the consulate or embassy.
Q9: Are there restrictions on travel outside the U.S. on an F-1 Visa?
  • You can travel and re-enter the U.S. as long as your F-1 visa and I-20 form are valid, and you have a re-entry signature from your school's Designated School Official.
Q10: Can I extend my F-1 Visa while in the U.S.?
  • You cannot extend the visa itself, but you can apply for an extension of your stay by extending your study program.
Q11: What are the financial requirements for an F-1 Visa?
  • You must prove sufficient financial resources to cover tuition and living expenses for the duration of your stay.
Q12: Is health insurance required for F-1 students?
  • Health insurance is not mandated by immigration laws, but many schools require it due to the high cost of healthcare.
Q13: Can F-1 students transfer to another school?
  • Yes, F-1 students can transfer to another SEVP-certified school by notifying their current school and obtaining a new I-20.
Q14: What is Curricular Practical Training (CPT)?
  • CPT allows F-1 students to take up training that is an integral part of the established curriculum of their study program.
Q15: What are the visa options after completing F-1 OPT?
  • You may change to another visa status such as H-1B, continue to another academic program, or return to your home country.
Q16: How early can I enter the U.S. on an F-1 Visa?
  • You can enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the start date on your I-20 form.
Q17: Can I study part-time on an F-1 Visa?
  • F-1 students must maintain full-time student status, but certain exceptions may apply based on the school's guidance.
Q18: Can F-1 students participate in distance learning?
  • Yes, but there are limits on the number of online classes you can take per semester to maintain your visa status.
Q19: What should I do if I need to drop out of school temporarily?
  • Consult your Designated School Official to discuss your options to maintain status or take a leave of absence.
Q20: How can an immigration attorney help with my F-1 Visa?
  • An attorney can guide you through the application process, address legal issues, and help with transitioning to other visa statuses.

Why Choose ImmigraTrust Law?
  • Experienced Attorneys: Our team has extensive knowledge of U.S. immigration laws and the F-1 visa process.
  • Personalized Support: Tailored guidance and solutions to meet your unique needs.
  • Multilingual Services: Fluent in English, Spanish, and Farsi, ready to assist clients from diverse backgrounds.
  • Proven Success: High success rate and numerous satisfied clients.
​
Related Blog Posts
Enhance your knowledge about the F-1 Student Visa process with these insightful articles from our blog:
  • Guide to Getting a Student Visa With Specific Tips for Muslims: Provides steps and tips for Muslims to obtain student visas, addressing specific challenges.

​​​​Contact us today or schedule an introductory call or a legal consultation and take the first step towards a brighter future.
Contact Us Now!

Trust in Us with ​Your Immigration Success!

Telephone

+1.949.424.2045
Mon-Fri: ​8am - 5pm (PST)

Email

[email protected]

Address

​ImmigraTrust Law
300 Spectrum Center Dr., Suite 400
Irvine, CA 92618



Avvo's Attorney Rating: 10 out of 10 - Top Attorney - Najmeh Mahmoudjafari, Esq.
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Immigration lawyer Najmeh Mahmoudjafari, Esq. (ImmigraTrust Law) represents immigration law clients nationwide (all 50 States), globally and also in and around Orange County, including: Costa Mesa | Corona del Mar | Cypress | Fountain Valley | Garden Grove | Huntington Beach | Irvine | Los Alamitos | Los Angeles | Mission Viejo | Newport Beach | Orange | San Diego | San Francisco | Santa Ana | Stanton | Tustin | Westminster
​Disclaimer
The information provided on ImmigraTrust's website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every legal situation is unique; for specific advice tailored to your circumstances, please consult with a qualified Lawyer. Contacting ImmigraTrust Law through this website does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information until such a relationship has been established in writing.
©2024 by ImmigraTrust Law.
  • Home
  • 🗽TELL US ABOUT YOUR CASE
  • About Us
  • فارسی
  • Book Online
  • Reviews
  • Services
    • Visas >
      • Fiance (K-1)
      • Extraordinary Ability (O)
      • NAFTA Professionals (TN)
      • Treaty Traders (E-1 Visa)
      • Treaty Investors (E-2)
      • Professional (H-1B)
      • Visitors (B)
      • Student (F-1)
      • Intercompany Transfers (L-1)
      • Religious Workers (R)
      • International Organizations (G)
      • Australian Professionals (E-3)
      • Exchange Visitors (J)
      • Cultural Exchange (Q)
      • Diplomats (A)
      • Trainees or Special Education Exchange Visitor (H-3)
      • Journalists (I)
    • Green Cards >
      • Family Based
      • Adjustment of Status
      • Employment Based
      • Diversity Lottery
      • Asylum
    • Investors >
      • Immigration Investment Opportunities
      • EB-5 Investments
    • Citizenship
    • Employers >
      • Hiring International Talent
    • Mandamus Lawsuits for USCIS Delays ⚖️
  • Blog