INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Student Visas: F-1 Visa Breakdown

The F-1 visa is provided to individuals pursuing a temporary residence within the U.S. to complete a full-time program of academic study, typically ending in a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Before applying for a visa, you selected a school that is certified by a government program known as the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP-certified). After being accepted, the school creates a Form I-20 and provides it to you. From there, you apply for an F-1 visa.

In addition to these steps, you may have been asked to meet the following additional requirements: prove financial standing sufficient to cover your expenses during your study, maintain your international home address with intention to return, and demonstrate proficiency in the English language or enroll in courses resulting in proficiency. After this, you receive your F-1 visa and may enter the U.S. to begin your academic program. Now that your studies have begun, what else should you consider?

Opening a Bank Account

To keep funds in a U.S. bank account during your stay, you will first need to apply for a new account at your bank or credit union of choice. When applying, you may be asked to provide your residency documentation, which may include the following:

• Copy of your foreign passport
• Copy of your Form I-20
• W-8 BEN and Written Explanation Form or W-9 letter
• Proof of current U.S. address

As an additional consideration, it’s important to provide updated documentation to your credit union or bank if any changes are made to your residency status. If reporting incorrectly, your account and funds could become subject to restrictions.

Program Changes and School Transfers

If you’re interested in changing your major, dropping a class or pursuing a different degree, you may be eligible to do this as an F-1 visa holder. However, any changes must first be discussed with a designated school official (DSO), who will assist with determining how your desired change relates to the legal requirements of your F-1 visa. If you’re interested in transferring schools, you can also start this process by speaking with your DSO. If accepted into a new school, your current designated school official will work with you and your new school’s DSO to choose a transfer release date. After this date, a new Form I-20 will be issued to you to reflect this change.

Work

When it comes to working during your studies, there are certain requirements and limitations to this. First, you must obtain permission from your DSO, and you may be required to apply for a Social Security number. During your first year of study, opportunities will be limited to on-campus employment, which can include off-campus locations that are educationally affiliated with the school. After your first year, some additional opportunities become available, such as curricular practical training and optional practical training, but there may be limitations on total working hours during the school season. Any alternative off-campus employment options are typically not allowed without specific circumstances.

Driving

To drive a vehicle during your stay, you will first need to apply for and receive a driver’s license. As the first step in this process, you will need to speak with your designated school official to review driving rules and regulations within your specific state, and they will confirm that your student record is active within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s database, otherwise known as the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). When applying at your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), some documents you may be asked to provide include your Form I-20, your passport or F-1 visa, proof of residence, and your Social Security card or a form stating your ineligibility for a Social Security number.

Health Insurance

At this time, the U.S. government doesn’t require F-1 visa holders to have health insurance, but most schools will require enrollment in health coverage before enrolling in classes. This is because the cost of uncovered medical care may severely impact a student’s financial ability to continue their studies. To assist with this, many schools will offer their own health insurance options for international students holding an F-1 visa, but they are not always the most affordable option. If your school does not require you to choose from their policies or is able to waive the requirement for you, it may be beneficial to research private insurance as well.

Completing Your Program

As you approach completion of your studies, there are multiple options available to you as an F-1 visa holder. First, you may choose to return to your home country; the conditions of the F-1 visa allow 60 days following the completion of your program for your departure. Alternatively, if you’d like to continue your studies, you may speak with your DSO about potentially beginning a new program. You may also consider applying for optional practical training with approval from your designated school official. This option offers a form of training in your field that is often paid, and most versions of this offer a timespan of up to 12 months. However, if you have completed study in a science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) field, you may be eligible for up to 24 months of optional practical training.

Sources:

https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/complete/instructions-for-transferring-to-another-school-as-an-f-1-student

https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/study/driving-in-the-united-states

https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/work/working-in-the-united-states

https://www.uscis.gov/working-in-the-united-states/students-and-exchange-visitors/students-and-employmen

https://shorelight.com/student-stories/all-about-international-college-student-health-insurance

https://www.edupass.org/living-in-the-usa/health-insurance-international-students/

https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/maintaining-status

https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/training-opportunities-in-the-united-states