F-1 Student Visa

Assess student's academic background, language proficiency, and financial capacity for F-1 requirements. Confirm target school is SEVP-certified. If prior visa denials or complex immigration history exist, develop a strategy.

1-3 days

Guide student through DS-160 online application and SEVIS I-901 fee payment. Prepare financial documentation (bank statements, sponsor support letter). Conduct consular interview mock training — focus on demonstrating non-immigrant intent and ties to home country.

Interview focus: Officers assess non-immigrant intent. Prepare evidence of family ties, career plans, and assets in home country.

The DSO (Designated School Official) issues Form I-20 through SEVIS after the student is admitted. The I-20 contains school information, program details, estimated completion date, and estimated costs. The student uses the SEVIS ID on the I-20 for fee payment and visa application.

During study, the DSO maintains student information in SEVIS: enrollment status, address changes, program changes, authorization of on-campus employment or CPT. If the student reduces course load or takes leave, the reason must be documented in SEVIS.

Apply to and receive admission from a SEVP-certified school. Receive Form I-20 issued by the school. Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee ($350). Sign the I-20.

Complete DS-160 online and schedule a consular interview. Bring I-20, admission letter, financial documents, transcripts, and language test scores. Prepare to answer questions about study plans, post-graduation plans, and intent to return home.

3-5 business days for visa issuance after interview

During study, advise on CPT application (requires DSO approval, must be curriculum-related). Begin OPT (I-765) preparation 90 days before graduation; ensure filing within the 60-day grace period post-graduation. STEM graduates may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension before OPT expires; employer must be enrolled in E-Verify.

OPT processing 3-5 months

OPT timeline: earliest 90 days before graduation, latest 60 days after. STEM OPT must be filed before initial OPT expires.

The DSO recommends OPT in SEVIS for eligible students and issues a new I-20 with OPT recommendation. STEM OPT extension also requires DSO recommendation in SEVIS and an updated I-20. DSO verifies employer E-Verify enrollment (required for STEM OPT).

May enter the US up to 30 days before the I-20 program start date. Maintain full-time enrollment (12 credits undergraduate / 9 credits graduate). Report address changes to DSO within 10 days. On-campus work limited to 20 hours/week during classes. No unauthorized employment.

Dropping below full-time or unauthorized employment will result in SEVIS termination and loss of lawful status.

Between 90 days before and 60 days after graduation, request OPT recommendation from DSO, obtain new I-20, then file I-765. OPT is valid for 12 months — must work in a field related to your major, with no more than 90 days of unemployment. STEM majors may apply for a 24-month extension before OPT expires (employer must be E-Verify enrolled), with an unemployment cap of 150 days.

OPT processing 3-5 months, STEM OPT processing 3-5 months