F-1 Visa for International Students in the United States
Study at universities, colleges, or certified institutions in the United States with the F-1 visa.
The F-1 visa is the primary immigration status for international students seeking academic training and future professional opportunities in the U.S.
What is the F-1 Visa
The F-1 visa allows foreign students to enter and remain legally in the United States to pursue full-time academic studies at institutions authorized by the SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program).
The F-1 visa applies to:
- Universities, Undergraduate and graduate degrees (Bachelor’s, Master’s, PhD).
- Colleges, Accredited academic and technical programs.
- Language schools, Certified intensive English programs.
- Specialized institutions, Artistic, technological, or professional studies approved by SEVP.
The F-1 visa is granted for the duration of the academic program plus an additional authorized period for departure preparation or practical options.
How the F-1 Visa Program Works
The F-1 visa process combines academic admission and immigration status. Both must be properly aligned to avoid rejections or future problems.
The program is analyzed from two perspectives:
- Students seeking to begin studies in the United States.
- Students who wish to maintain, extend, or change their F-1 status.
For Students Who Want to Study in the U.S.
The process begins with admission to a certified institution, followed by the formal F-1 visa application at the U.S. consulate.
- Legal student status, Allows legal residence in the U.S. during studies.
- Access to high-level education, Internationally recognized universities and programs.
- Limited authorized work, Possibility to work on campus and through OPT/CPT.
- International experience, Academic training with global projection.
- Foundation for future visas, The F-1 can be a strategic step toward other immigration categories.
- Admission letter, I-20 issued by SEVP certified institution.
- Full-time studies, Active academic enrollment.
- Financial solvency, Financial capacity to cover studies and living expenses.
- Non-immigrant intent, Demonstrate intent to return to home country.
- Academic or language level, Meet the requirements of the chosen program.
Our legal and strategic team supports you from program selection to F-1 visa approval.
- Initial evaluation, Academic and immigration profile analysis.
- F-1 strategy, Design of a solid and coherent application.
- Documentation, Review of I-20, forms, and financial backing.
- Consular preparation, Training for F-1 visa interview.
- Status compliance, Advice to maintain legal status in the U.S.
For F-1 Students Already in the U.S.
If you already study in the United States, the F-1 visa requires strict compliance with immigration rules. An error can affect future opportunities.
- Extension of studies, Continue or change academic program.
- CPT, Authorized curricular practical training.
- OPT, Optional practical training after completing studies.
- Change of status, Transition to other visas when viable.
We help you protect your current status and plan your next immigration step.
- Status review, F-1 compliance verification.
- OPT and CPT, Correct strategy and filing.
- Program changes, Legal and immigration advice.
- Long-term plan, Design of transition to work or investment visas.
Secure your academic path in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions about the F-1 Visa
Yes, under specific rules: on-campus work and authorized programs such as CPT and OPT.
It lasts for the duration of the academic program, plus the additional authorized period.
Yes, as long as the change is done correctly and you maintain active status.
Not directly, but it can be part of a future immigration strategy.