USA F-1 Academic Student Visa

Candidates may study in the USA with an F-1 if they are embarking upon academic 

courses

 of study at the primary, secondary, or university level. Students enrolled in English language courses within the United States may also apply for F-1 visas.

Navigating the complex range of US visa options for immigration can be a time-consuming process. Whether a candidate is applying for a short term B1 business visa or a B2 tourist visa, or for longer-term US immigration with a view to obtaining a USA Green Card, a broad range of visa services are available.

With a branch office located in the US, Global Visas can help you to determine which American immigration service is the most appropriate for your relocation to America. US visa 

applications

can be monitored throughout the process and our immigration consultants can offer US immigration legal advice to ensure that you obtain the right American visa for you.

Benefits

US study permits are without exception non-immigrant visas and will not lead to a Permanent Resident Card for lawful permanent residence to work in the USA, or as it is more commonly known a US Green Card. However, there are several benefits for those wishing to study in the US. 

In particular, F1 visas allow candidates to work in the USA during their course so long as the work is based on 

campus

. In some cases where unforeseen circumstances lead to hardship, off-campus work may also be permitted.

In America, F1 visas allow candidates to freely enter and leave the United States throughout the duration of their grant and in addition, dependents may enter the country with the principle applicant and remain for the entirety of their course of study.

Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for an F-1 student visa, applicants must be accepted into a course of study at a recognized US educational institution and be able to provide documentation indicating their enrolment status.

It will also be necessary to provide other documentation including a valid passport, photograph, and an affidavit of financial support. Applicants must demonstrate adequate English language ability, and crucially, candidates must prove that they intend to return to their home country upon completion of their course and expiry of their US study visas. 

This may be assisted through the inclusion of documentation which demonstrates ties to the home country - for example, family ties through a 

marriage certificate

, employment obligations through a contract or evidence of prior temporary trips to the USA.

In addition, candidates applying for an F1 visa must be able to demonstrate:

• Sufficient grasp of the English language to pursue the intended course, unless special language tuition arrangements have been made with the institution or the course of study is an English language programme.
  
• Possession of and/or access to sufficient funds to support themselves throughout the course.
  
• Documentation of acceptance as a student from a recognized US educational institution.

F-1 visas are normally granted for the duration of the course of study; however, candidates may remain in the country for up to 60 days after the course is completed.

Spouse Immigration and Dependent Immigration

Whilst student visas for the USA are not intended as routes to permanent settlement, in most cases they will result in the applicant being in the country for a lengthy period. As a result, applicants immigrating to America through all classes of student permit may bring their spouse and/or dependents with them. 

In the case of F visa holders, dependents are granted a US F-2 visa, allowing them to remain in the country for the same duration as the principal applicant and to study if they wish, although employment is not permitted. Find out further information on our US M1 Vocational Student Visa page.