The F-1 student visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows international students to enter the US and study at institutions certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). It is the most popular type of student visa for students seeking to study at a US university or college. You can only apply for your F-1 visa after an accredited US institution accepts your application.
The duration of stay of an F-1 student will vary based on the program in which you enroll. The I-20 form provided by the university you wish to attend, lists the expiration date of your program. You will need to earn your degree before the listed expiration date, and this will give you an outline of how long you will be able to remain in the US.
Following your graduation, you may be eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT). This will permit you to work for up to 12 months in the US in a field related to your study. For STEM graduates, you can request two additional years of work in a related field. If you do not have any extensions or additional training, you will need to return to your home country within 60 days after your graduation.
Imagility’s Student Visa app helps you (students) find universities of your choice, apply to them and helps you prepare for the visa process.