As a non-immigrant visa, the F-1 visa allows international students to complete a full-time program of study at an accredited U.S. educational institution. Core

[Content structure]

1. Visa Essence and Advantages
2. Eligibility requirements
3. Five-step application process
4. Regulations governing the period of study
5. Rules for the authorization of work
6. Change of status and extensions

I. Visa core values

1. Educational opportunities

• Degree programs for Bachelor's/Master's/Doctoral degrees
• Admission to 4,000+ SEVP-accredited U.S. colleges and universities is permitted

2. Accompanied by family members

• Spouse and children under the age of 21 may be accompanied by an F-2 visa.
• F-2 holder:
  ✓ K-12 children can attend school full-time
  ✓ F-1 status required for full-time study at the university level

3. Rights and interests at work

• On-campus work: available upon enrollment (≤20 hours per week)
• Off-campus work: CPT/OPT applications open after completion of the first academic year

4. No quota restrictions

• Unlike H-1B visas, there is no cap on the F-1 quota.

II. Six application requirements

1. full-time study: 12 undergraduate credits/semester, only 1 online course allowed (except language courses)
2. Departure intentions: Proof of return to home country after completion of studies, proof of property, family ties, etc. required
3. financial proof: Coverage of full tuition and living expenses
4. English proficiency: TOEFL 80+/IELTS 6.5+, exempted for language program applicants
5. Academic qualifications: Completion of pre-requisite academic requirements, e.g., high school graduation for undergraduate applications
6. medical insurance: Purchase as required by the school

* :: Special restrictions:

• Full payment of tuition fees for public primary and secondary school enrollment
• First entry as early as 30 days prior to the start of the course

III. Five-step application process

Step 1: Obtain an I-20

• Upon acceptance to a SEVP-accredited school, the school issues a SEVIS I-20 form
• Payment of SEVIS fee (separate I-20 for F-2 dependents)

Step 2: Fill out the DS-160

• Upload visa photo (5.1cm x 5.1cm on white background)
• Print confirmation page (with barcode)

Step 3: Preparation of materials for the interview

• Required Documents:
  ✓ Passport (valid for ≥ 6 months)
  ✓ Original I-20
  ✓ Proof of SEVIS fee payment
  ✓ Proof of financial resources (certificate of deposit/scholarship letter)
  ✓ Academic materials (transcripts + diplomas)

Step 4: Embassy interview

• Frequently Asked Questions:
  ✓ Learning programs and career goals
  ✓ Status of financial guarantors
  ✓ Binding certificate of repatriation

Step 5: Entry Activation

• Pick up I-94 Record Card at Airport Customs
• Complete registration within 30 days prior to the start of school

IV. Key points of management of enrolment

1. Transfer provisions

• Completion of at least 1 semester at current school is required
• New school programs must begin within 5 months
• SEVIS record transfers need to be completed within 60 days

2. Treatment of suspensions

• School approval required for medical suspensions
• Withdrawal for non-medical reasons requires departure within 15 days

3. Summer status

• May take vacation but must register for next semester's classes

V. Work authorization in detail

On-campus work

• ≤ 20 hours per week (full time on vacation)
• Work should be related to school operations

CPT Internship

• Available after 1 year of enrollment
• Must be relevant to the profession
• Full-time CPT will lose OPT eligibility after 12 months

OPT Jobs

• Regular OPT: 12 months, need to start within 60 days of graduation
• STEM OPT: 24 Month Extension, Employer Required to Participate in E-Verify

Unemployment period limits

• Regular OPT: ≤90 days cumulative
• STEM OPT: ≤150 cumulative days

VI. Identity transformation strategies

1. H-1B conversion

• May participate in annual April lottery (undergraduate winning rate of approximately 20%)
• Apply CAP-GAP rules for automatic extension of work privileges

2. F1 extension

• Need to submit the application before the I-20 expires
• Accepted only for academic/medical justification

3. Professional recommendations

• OPT time planning: it is recommended to submit the application 90 days before graduation (processing period of about 3-5 months)
• Sensitive Major Alert: STEM Fields Require Preparation of Detailed Research Descriptions
• Record Keeping: Retain copies of all I-20s, EAD cards, pay stubs, etc.