F-1 student visa

Thanks to the F-1 student visa, national foreigners have the opportunity to legally study in the United States.

Our immigration lawyers in NJ are here to assist you at every stage of the F-1 visa process. We help you meet all the necessary requirements, ensuring that you can study in the US.

The F-1 student visa in depth in 2025

The F-1 visa offers international students the opportunity to access a high-quality education at American academic institutions. 

This nonimmigrant visa is designed for those who wish to enroll in:

• Universities, 
• Institutes, 
• Seminars, 
• Conservatories or
• Language training programs.

Obtaining this visa will allow you to enter the US for the purpose of obtaining a degree, diploma, or certificate.

Types of student visas in the United States

In the United States, all student visas are nonimmigrant visas that allow a foreigner to study in the country for a specified period. These visas include:

F-1 and M-1 Visas for Full-Time Students

The most common student visas are the F-1 and M-1:  

• F-1 Visa: For those pursuing full-time academic studies. For example, college.
• M-1 Visa: For those pursuing full-time vocational studies.  

J-1 Visa for Exchange Visitors

The J-1 visa is another option for students and individuals participating in exchange programs in the United States. This visa allows stays that can vary from a few weeks to several years.

J-1 visa exchange programs allow foreigners to come to the United States to:  

• Teach,
• Study,
• Investigate,
• Perform domestic work or childcare as an au pair in exchange for room and board.  

What are the requirements to apply for an F-1 student visa?

To apply for an F-1 student visa in the US, you must generally meet the following requirements:

• Have been accepted and enrolled in an educational institution in the US.
• Demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay.
• Provide evidence of strong ties to your country of origin.
• Complete the respective form including proof of acceptance and financial support.
• Maintain an active registration throughout your stay in the US.
• Have a residence outside the US.
• Know how to speak English. 

Can my family travel with me if I have an F-1 student visa?

Your family may accompany you if you are holder of an F-1 student visa. Your spouse and unmarried minor children, who wish to reside with you during your studies, may apply for F-2 visas. 

You do not need to pay the SEVIS fee for them, but your educational institution will need to issue a separate Form I-20 for each member of your family. 

Additionally, you will need to submit a copy of your F-1 visa and provide documentation proving your family relationship.

If you would like more information on this topic, we invite you to read our section on US family-based immigration.

How long can I stay in the United States with an F-1 visa?

With an F-1 visa, you can remain in the United States for the entire duration of your study program. This time consists of the following:

• SEVP-certified public secondary school: Up to a maximum of 12 months.
• Private institutions: Approximately one year.

Additionally, you may be in the United States up to 30 days before the start of your studies and up to 60 days after your graduation. During this period, you are permitted to travel within the country, but not to work.

It is important to know how long you can stay in the US with a tourist visa and not overstay. Doing so could result in serious legal consequences.

Should I return home immediately after finishing my studies?

You are not required to return to your home country immediately after completing your studies on an F-1 visa. 

F-1 visa holders may remain in the United States for up to 60 days after completing their academic program or OPT training. During this period, you may consider:

• Change your visa status, 
• Re-enroll in a new educational program, or
• Transfer to another institution and obtain new visa documents, if you wish to remain in the country.

How long does it take to process an F-1 student visa?

Once your application is approved, the F-1 visa is typically processed in approximately 60 days. 

When you arrive in the United States, you will receive Form I-94, which is your record of entering and leaving the country. It is important to retain this document, as you will need it when you return to your home country.

How much does it cost to apply for an F-1 student visa in 2025?

The approximate cost to obtain an F-1 student visa is around $510. This is without any additional expenses. These costs are broken down as follows:

• SEVIS fee: $350
• Visa application fee (DS-160): $160.

It is recommended to apply for the visa at least 3 months before the start date of the course.

How to get an F-1 visa?

Generally, to obtain an F-1 student visa, you will need to follow these steps:

1# Get admission into an educational institution 

First, you must be accepted into an educational institution accredited by the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

The institution will provide you with a Form I-20, which is required for the F-1 student visa process.

2# Register in SEVIS and pay the fee 

After being accepted, you will need to create an account on the SEVIS portal and pay the corresponding fee.

3# Complete Form DS-160  

Complete Form DS-160 online and pay the consular fee. This form must be submitted to the US consulate in your home country.

4# Schedule an appointment at the embassy or consulate 

Make an appointment at the nearest US embassy or consulate. At the interview, you will need to present documents such as proof of financial resources and evidence of ties to your home country.

This will be to demonstrate your intention to return once you finish your studies in the United States.

5# Attend the interview  

During the interview, your eligibility for the F-1 visa will be assessed. If approved, you will receive verbal confirmation and will be required to pick up your passport with the stamped visa at the office designated by the consulate.

What questions will I be asked at the F-1 student visa interview?

During your F-1 visa interview, the consular officer will ask you a series of questions to assess your eligibility. Some common questions include:

• Are you a student committed to your studies?
• Do you have the financial resources to cover your studies in the US?
• Do you plan to return to your home country after completing your academic program?
• Why did you choose this particular university?
• What other universities in the United States have you applied to?
• What are your plans after graduation?
• How do you plan to finance your education and cover your expenses in the US?
• Do you have relatives in the United States?
• Do you intend to work while in the US?

These are just sample questions, so they are not real questions. If you want to prepare for these questions, do not hesitate to contact our attorney Carolina Curbelo for more information. 

Can my student visa application be rejected?

It is possible that your F-1 visa application may be denied. In such a case, you will receive a detailed written explanation, including the section of the regulations that justified the denial of your application.

To minimize the risk of rejection, it is key to follow all instructions to the letter. 

Please note that during your F-1 visa interview, you must convincingly demonstrate that you intend to study in the US and that you plan to return to your home country upon completion of your program.

Tips for maintaining your student visa in the United States

As a foreign student, it is crucial that you maintain your F-1 status to continue studying in the US. Therefore, you must comply with the rules and regulations set forth for your visa. Some tips we provide are:

Upon entering the US

• Enter the country no more than 30 days before the start of your program.
• Contact the designated school official (DSO) as soon as you arrive.
• Upon arrival at your university, check back with the DSO before the start date indicated on your Form I-20.

While studying in the USA

• Attend all your classes and maintain good academic performance. 
• If you need more time to complete your program beyond the date indicated on your I-20, please consult with your DSO about extension options.
• Make sure you are enrolled in a full course of study during the academic term.
• Before dropping or changing a class, please speak to your DSO first.
• To take a break or vacation, make sure you have completed at least one full academic year at your institution.

What documents do I need to apply for an F-1 student visa?

To apply for an F-1 student visa, you will need to gather and prepare the following documents:

• Valid passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months after the completion date of your educational program.
• Form DS-160 Confirmation Page: Print and take this confirmation page with you.
• Application Fee Payment Receipt: You must submit a printed receipt showing that you have paid the applicable fee.
• Photo: Upload a photograph when completing Form DS-160 online. 
• Form I-20: This form will be sent by your educational institution once your information is registered in their database.

Additional documentation

In addition to the above, you may need to provide additional documentation, such as:

• Transcripts and diplomas from previous educational institutions.
• Standardized test scores required by schools in the United States.
• Evidence of your intention to return to your country of origin after completing your studies.
• Proof of funds to cover education costs, living expenses and travel.

During your interview, the consular officer will review these documents and ask you questions to determine your eligibility for a student visa. 

Can I work in the United States with an F-1 student visa?

With an F-1 visa, you may not initially work off-campus during the first academic year. However, after that period, you may engage in the following types of employment:

• Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
• Optional Practical Training (OPT).
• OPT for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) students.

You may also request authorization to work off-campus in cases of severe economic hardship. All employment must be related to your field of study and must be authorized by the designated school official and USCIS.

Can all foreign students work in the United States?

Not all foreign students can work in the United States without restrictions. In fact, the requirements and possibilities depend on the type of visa they have:

• F-1 students: May work off-campus in exceptional cases, such as financial hardship or special needs. However, they must have prior authorization.
• M-1 Students: May only participate in practical training after completing their studies.

In both cases, any off-campus employment must be authorized and related to your area of ​​study. Only those with a DHS work permit can apply for a Social Security Number (SSN).

Do I have to pay taxes in the United States if I work on an F-1 visa?

This varies depending on your specific tax situation, but in many cases, you will likely need to file a tax return in the U.S. 

For detailed guidance, please feel free to contact us.

What are the benefits of the F1 visa in the United States?

The F-1 visa in the United States offers several important benefits:

• Quality education: Allows international students to obtain a high-level education.
• Cultural immersion: Provides the opportunity to experience and adapt to a new culture.
• Language skills development: Facilitates the improvement of English language skills.
• Working on campus: As we mentioned, students can work within the university campus.
• Internships: In some cases, it is possible to do internships related to your field of study.

Can I transfer schools if I have an F-1 visa?

Generally speaking, an F-1 visa student can transfer between SEVP-certified schools. However, this requires certain paperwork and coordination. For more detailed instructions, please contact our firm.

Rely on Curbelo Law’s experience for your F-1 student visa

Now that you know what the F-1 student visa is and what this visa means, at Curbelo Law we are here to help you make your academic dream in the United States come true. 

With over a decade of experience, we have supported numerous international students in obtaining their degrees and advancing their careers.

If you need assistance with an F-1, M-1, J-1, or any other type of visa, please do not hesitate to contact us. Call Curbelo Law to schedule your professional consultation today and allow our team to provide you with the expert support you need.