Is the US F1 visa difficult to get?

Yes, possessors of F-1 visas may work in the U.S. h1owever, only under certain conditions with the correct authorization. Employment is generally limited to ensure that it does not interfere with your academic progress.

On-Campus Employment

Eligibility: F -1 students at full-time status at an institution that is Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified can apply.

Work Hours: 20 hours per-week when in academic term; full-time in breaks and holidays.

Authorization: There is no need to get U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) approval in advance; the Designated School Official (DSO) is however to update the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and do a Form I-20 to reflect the employment.

Types of Jobs: Jobs may consist of working in the libraries, cafeterias, bookstores or other campus services.

Restrictions: The jobs should not take away any jobs of the Americans and be related to the education.

Off-Campus Employment (After One Academic Year)

Curricular Practical Training (CPT): Work integral to your program, approved by DSO, can be part-time or full-time during breaks. Full-time CPT ≥12 months makes you ineligible for OPT.

Optional Practical Training (OPT): If offered an employment opportunity associated with your major a maximum of 12 months; must be approved by DSO and USCIS.

STEM OPT Extension: Eligible graduates of the STEM program can be extended for an additional 24 months (total of 36 months), must be working with E-Verify employers.

Employment Authorization

You must have the approval of your DSO and sometimes USCIS prior to engaging in any form of off-campus work.

Consequences of Unauthorized Work

May lead to cancellation of SEVIS record, loss of F-1 status, requirement to leave the U.S. and problems with any future visas.

Important Considerations

Social Security Number (SSN): The allowed students have the opportunity of applying an SSN.

Taxes: Authorized income tax is paid on earned income on the federal and state level of the United States.

Simplify Your F-1 Visa Application with UOM

Applying for an F-1 visa can feel complicated and stressful, especially when handling enrollment, program selection, and life adjustments in the U.S.

With many years of experience, UOM provides a fast and effective process — guiding you through program enrollment, housing, and adapting to life in the U.S., while ensuring compliance with F-1 visa requirements.

If you face any questions or difficulties, prompt assistance is available from our expert team. For additional support, visit www.uomglobal.com or contact our 24/7 customer service via online chat or email at [email protected].

The level of perceived difficulty is influenced by circumstantial factors deliberating on country of origin, a background in academic education, and whether or not one is financially equipped. Acquiring the U.S. F-1 visa is normally possible without much ado provided that all the set requirements are adhered to, and one has a defined academic purpose..

Key Factors Affecting Approval

• Admission to a SEVP-certified institution: Acceptance into a school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) is required.
• Financial resources: The candidate has to prove his/her capacity to meet tuition fees, living expenses, and other expenses in terms of bank statements, scholarship offer letters, or sponsorship letter.
• Genuine student intent: Visa officers should be made to believe that, the main aim is to study in the U.S.
• Visa interview: The successful applicants are also prepared to speak about academic background, choice of programs, financial status and plans.

Challenges That May Make the Process Harder

• High demand/competition: Limited interview appointments can lead to delays.
• Incomplete applications: Applications which are not well documented or are not complete might get rejected.
• Insufficient funds: Inability is to prove the financial capacity.
• Unclear academic goals: Scrawny academic background or plans in the future may be a red flag.

Tips for a smoother process

• Apply early to allow time for appointments and processing.
• Put together all the necessary papers.
• Be honest and transparent in your application and interview.
• Get education advise or the services of immigration advisors where necessary.

Conclusion: The process of obtaining the F-1 visa may be challenging but thorough preparation, clear documentation, and diligence seem to be the key issues that may enable one to obtain an F-1 visa.

Apply for Your F-1 Visa with Confidence

Planning to study in the U.S.? UOM makes the F-1 visa process simple and stress-free, offering guidance for your Form I-20, support with program enrollment, housing, and adjusting to student life.

For personalized assistance, visit our website at www.uomglobal.com or contact our 24/7 support team via online chat or email at [email protected].

The F-1 visa enables foreign students to provide a stay of a reasonable time in U.S so long as they are still pursuing their studies, and the visa status is still valid. The dates on your Form I-20 and Form I-94 determine this status-not the expiration date on your visa.

During your studies

• Students may remain in the U.S. while enrolled full-time at a SEVP-certified institution.
• Your school issued you the Form I-20 which has the official start and end dates of your program.
• Full-time enrollment and adherence to all the regulations of the F-1 visa will be needed.

After completing your studies

• A 60-day grace period is granted following program completion. During this time, students can:
• Prepare to leave the U.S.
• Transfer to another academic program
• Apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

• Students eligible under the OPT have a 12 months stay in the U.S. to work.
• Graduates of STEM programs are allowed another 24-month extension making it 36 months.
• The 60-day grace period applies after completion of OPT, if applicable.

In order to be eligible to STEM OPT extension, you have to:

• Have a degree in an eligible STEM field and SEVP recognized institution.
• Be employed by an employer enrolled in the E-Verify program.
• Apply before the end of your initial 12-month OPT period.

Overstaying

• Exceeding the permitted time could result in the F-1 status being revoked, and the same may affect subsequent U.S. visa applications.

Important Considerations

• Visa Expiration vs. Duration of Status: Your visa expiration date does not determine your permitted length of stay. Your legal residence depends on Form I-20 and Form I-94.
• Maintaining Status: It is very important to automatically be able to maintain your F-1 status by continuously following all the various regulation of the visas that are in place during your stay.
• Consult Your DSO: For any questions or concerns about your visa status, consult your Designated School Official (DSO).

Need Help with Your F-1 Visa and Studying in the USA?

At UOM, we support international students and their families through every step of the F-1 visa process and preparation for life in the United States.

Our expert services include:

• Step-by-step guidance for your F-1 visa and Form I-20
• Support with program enrollment, housing, and student life
• Real-time assistance throughout your application

For additional details about the F-1 visa application or studying in the U.S., feel free to contact our customer service team, which is accessible 24/7 via online chat or email at [email protected].

The F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa granted to foreign students who would like to study fulltime academic or language institutions in the United States of America in the SEVP-certified institutions. It is the popular visa of the foreign students and can be utilized when studying, acquiring practical skills, as well as attending educational programs in the United States.

Purpose

The F-1 visa allows students to:

• Get full-time education in SEVP certified institutions which includes universities, colleges, high school, language training schools among other academic programs.
• Take advantage of opportunities for learning, practical training, research, and cultural experiences during your stay in the U.S.

Example: An IT student would attend any U.S university, take CPT (Curricular Practical Training) as an internship and then once they are graduated work on the field under OPT (Optional Practical Training).

Basic Requirements

To be eligible for an F-1 visa, students must:

• Be admitted to one of the SEVP-certified schools and be issued Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status).
• Show evidence of adequate finances to pay tuition and living costs to at least the first year of the study.
• Remaining as a full-time student and as long as you are abiding by all the visa rules.
• Plan to go back to stay at home once the program is finished (F-1 is a single-intent visa).

Note: The students are advised to offer the financial documents, that is, bank statements, scholarships letters, or family assistance reports.

Duration of Stay

• Students issued with the F-1 visa, may remain in the U.S., throughout the duration of their course, provided that they maintain valid status.
• Form I-94 is typically marked with D/S (Duration of Status) upon admission to show that the stay is dependent to the program duration.
• 60-day grace period: Students complete the course program and have a 60 day allowance to get ready to depart the U.S., transfer to another program, or change their visa status.

Work Authorization

• Work on campus: 20 hours a week (max.) when school is in session; full-time during school breaks.
• Off-campus work: A student can be involved in practical training connected to his or her discipline:
• Curricular Practical Training (CPT): Internship directly tied to the program, approved by the school.
• Optional Practical Training (OPT): Optional work experience that is based in your field of study, can extend up to 12 months, and with a 24-month STEM extension to eligible students.

Note: Students must obtain approval from USCIS or their school before working off-campus.

Dependents

• Spouses and unmarried children under 21 may apply for F-2 visas to accompany the F-1 visa holder.
• F-2 dependents cannot work or engage in full-time study, but part-time courses or language classes are allowed.

Summary Table

Planning to Study in the USA?

Whether you're an international student looking to pursue your dream degree, or a parent supporting your child’s education, obtaining the right visa is the first step.

Let UOM guide you through the F-1 visa process with confidence. We provide:

• Expert advice on program selection, F-1 visa requirements, and I-20 issuance
• Step-by-step guidance through the application and enrollment process
• Support and resources to help you adjust to life in the U.S., including housing, cultural activities, and student services

Apply to UOM today and start your journey toward studying in the USA - with full support, from your first application to your first day in class.

If you’re outside the U.S. for over 5 months, you may need a new visa/I-20 to reenter (exceptions exist).

Typically 2–8 weeks after your embassy interview, but apply 3–6 months before your program starts.