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Nonimmigrant classification for full-time academic students at SEVP-certified US schools, with optional practical training (OPT) work authorisation after study.
International students enrolling full-time in US academic programs.
Our licensed advisors assess your eligibility, build a strategy to strengthen your application, and manage the process end to end, so you submit a complete, competitive application with confidence.
F-1 students have limited work options: on-campus employment, and off-campus practical training through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT), each with its own rules and authorization steps.
You transfer by working with your designated school officials to move your SEVIS record, and you must resume study at the new school within five months; changing education levels affects benefits like OPT.
After completing post-completion OPT, you generally have a 60-day grace period to change education levels, transfer schools, or file to change to another nonimmigrant or immigrant status, or to depart the United States.
Duration of status means you can stay as long as you maintain F-1 status and make normal progress toward your educational goal; you do not need a separate extension from USCIS while you remain in status.
F-1 is the academic student visa for full-time students at SEVP-certified US schools, with optional practical training (OPT) work authorisation available after study.
Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 can accompany you in F-2 status, but F-2 dependents cannot work, and they may only study part time or in limited circumstances.
F-1 students may be authorized up to 12 months of post-completion OPT, and those with a qualifying STEM degree from an SEVP-certified school may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension.
