Benefits of the F-1 Visa are the following:
- You can enter the U.S. as a full time academic or language student
- You can legally work part-time on-campus in most cases. You may also work off-campus if you provide evidence of exigent circumstances and financial need;
- You are eligible to take up employment as a part of your optional practical training upon conclusion of the full course of study
- You can travel in and out of the U.S. or remain in the U.S. till the completion of your studies
- You can bring your dependents (spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21) to live with you in the U.S.
- F-1 visas are issued quickly and may be applied either directly at a U.S. consulate or obtained as a change of status in the U.S.
In order to obtain an F-1 visa you must meet the following criteria:
- You must be enrolled in an “academic” educational program, a language-training program, or a vacational program
- Your school must have received official designation by the USCIS
- You must be enrolled as a full-time student at the institution
- You must be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency
- You must have sufficient funds available to pay for the educational program and for self-support during the entire proposed course of study
- You must maintain a residence abroad which you have no intention of giving up