F1 Visa Information:
If you are going to the US for tourism purposes and have decided to take a short course there, of not more than 18 hours per week, then you can take a visitor visa itself. If your course of study is expected to extend to more than 18 hours per week, then you have to take a student visa.
How to Apply For F1 Visa:
The Department of Homeland Security regulation requires that all new students should be in the US at least 30 days prior to the date on which the course begins as per Form I-20. So, do apply for your F1 Visa early and provide ample time for F1 Visa processing.
You have to provide the following documents for F1 Visa
- Form I-20A-B, Certificate of Eligibility for Non immigrant (F-1) Student Status-For Academic and Language Students or Form I-20M-N, Certificate of Eligibility for Non immigrant (M-1) Student Status for Vocational Students.
- You have to sign and obtain the signature of your school official in the I-20 form.
- The Non immigrant Visa Application Form DS-156 should be completed and submitted along with form DS-158.
- Nearly all applicants will be asked to attend an interview at the embassy consulate.
- A valid passport for travelling to the USA and it should have a validity beyond 6 months from the date you intend to return back.
- One photograph.
Eligibility For F1 Visa:
Certain standardised tests are required by educational institutions like the TOEFL, GRE, GMAT, SAT, etc. you have to have eligible scores in the same when you apply for the F1 Visa. You have to provide these scores along with other documents.
Length of Stay and Extension for F1 Visa Holders:
The Arrival-Departure Record is maintained in Form I-94 and you have to depart from the US on or before the date mentioned in this form. Otherwise, you will be out-of-status.
If you have entered America on a student status via F1 Visa, you can stay in US as long as you are a full-time student. After that you can stay for an extra 60 days to arrange your affairs, depart from US or enrol in another school.
F1 Visa Holders Whether Qualified to Apply for other Visas & Citizenship:
Any applicant who has a dependent should give proof of the relationship with spouse and/or children. This is by way of marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc. It is better to apply for the F1 Visa and F2 visa (for dependants) at the same time. If it is not possible to do so, then the dependants should provide copy of the F1 Visa holder's passport and visa at the time of application.
In which case your F1 Visa Application will be Rejected:
In the following situations, your F1 Visa Application will be rejected:
- If you have wilfully misrepresented facts or committed fraud to obtain a F1 Visa.
- If you belong to the class of persons mentioned in The Non-immigrant Visa Application, Form DS-156 as persons who are ineligible under U.S. law to receive visas. However, you can apply for a waiver of ineligibility. If this is approved, you can get a visa.
Conclusion on F1 Visa:
Education in the US gives a person an edge that has no par. So, it is highly beneficial to take full advantage of the same. However, remember if any student is away from the classes for a period of five months or more, then that person will require a new visa to return to the USA. |
