We Strive to Operate
Successfully Where
Immigration Has No Borders
Successfully Where
Immigration Has No Borders
Frequently Asked Questions on F-1 Visa
What is an F-1 visa?
An F-1 visa is a non-immigrant student visa that allows foreign nationals to pursue academic studies and programs in the United States at accredited colleges, universities, seminaries, conservatories, academic high schools, or other academic institutions.
Individuals who have been accepted by a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-approved school and have the necessary financial resources to support themselves during their studies in the U.S.
F-1 visa holders can generally stay in the U.S. for the duration of their academic program, as indicated on their Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status). They are also allowed a grace period for practical training or departure from the U.S. after completing their program.
F-1 visa holders are typically allowed to work on-campus part-time during the academic year. They may also be eligible for certain types of off-campus employment under specific circumstances, such as Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
Yes, F-1 visa holders can transfer to another SEVP-approved school by completing the necessary transfer procedures and obtaining a new Form I-20 from the new school.
Yes, F-1 visa holders can travel outside the U.S. during their studies, but they must have a valid F-1 visa and an travel endorsed Form I-20 for re-entry. It's important to consult with the designated school official (DSO) at their academic institution before traveling internationally.
F-1 visa holders can bring their dependents to the U.S. by obtaining F-2 dependent visas for their spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21. However, F-2 dependents are not eligible to work in the U.S.
F-1 visa holders may be eligible to apply for a green card through employment-based immigration pathways or family sponsorship after completing their academic program and meeting other eligibility criteria.
The SEVIS fee is a mandatory fee that F-1 visa applicants must pay before applying for their visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate. It helps fund the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) program.
F-1 visa applicants can typically apply for their visa up to 120 days before the start date of their academic program, as indicated on their Form I-20.
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Dear Mr. Ahluwalia, I would like to thank you for all your help with Dr. xxx case. She and I were very impressed with your services and the professionalism that you showed both of us. I am referring you to a very good friend of mine who is opening a manufacturing plant and wants to bring his brother in as a partner/investor/employee from Italy. I am forwarding your information for xxxx to contact you and make arrangements accordingly. Thank you for all your help.
Inderjit, thank you so very much. I sincerely appreciate all the effort you took to get this approved and your incredible patience. As xxx mentioned, we will only work with you for all our future H1's. Thanks once again.
Inderjit handled our immigration matter in reference to my parents. We approached him and found him extremely pleasant to work with. In addition to his knowledge of the law, he guided us very well throughout the process. I would recommend him very strongly to anyone in matter of immigration.