Essential Dos and Don’ts for Maintaining Your F-1 Student Visa Status

Starting your journey as an international student in the United States 🇺🇸 on an F-1 student visa is both exciting and challenging. To make the most of your experience and avoid problems, it’s important to understand every step of the process—from getting your visa to maintaining your status and planning for what comes after graduation. This guide explains each stage in detail, including what you need to do, what to expect from authorities, and how to stay on track throughout your studies.

Overview of the F-1 Student Visa Journey

The F-1 student visa is the most common visa for international students who want to study full-time at a college, university, or other academic institution in the United States 🇺🇸. To qualify, you must be accepted by a SEVP-Approved School, receive an I-20 Form, and follow strict rules to keep your status. The process involves several steps, each with its own requirements and deadlines.

Let’s break down the entire journey, from preparing in your home country to completing your studies and beyond.

1. Preparing Before You Leave Home

Step 1: Get Accepted by a SEVP-Approved School

• You must first apply and be accepted to a school that is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Only SEVP-Approved Schools can issue the I-20 Form, which is required for your visa application.
• You can check if your school is SEVP-certified by visiting the SEVP School Search tool.

Step 2: Receive Your I-20 Form

• Once accepted, your school will send you the I-20 Form. This document proves you have been admitted and outlines your program details, start and end dates, and estimated costs.
• Review your I-20 Form carefully for accuracy. Any mistakes can cause delays or problems at the embassy or when entering the United States 🇺🇸.

Step 3: Pay the SEVIS Fee

• Before applying for your visa, you must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. This fee supports the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), which tracks your status.
• Keep your SEVIS fee receipt, as you’ll need it for your visa interview.

Step 4: Apply for the F-1 Student Visa

• Complete the DS-160 form online and schedule a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your country.
• Bring your I-20 Form, SEVIS fee receipt, DS-160 confirmation, passport (valid at least six months beyond your intended stay), financial proof, and any other required documents to your interview.
• Visa processing times vary, but it’s best to apply as early as possible—at least three months before your program starts.

Step 5: Plan Your Arrival

• You can enter the United States 🇺🇸 up to 30 days before your program start date listed on your I-20 Form.
• Book your travel and make sure your passport and visa are valid for your entire stay.

2. Arrival and Initial Check-In

Step 6: Entering the United States 🇺🇸

• At the port of entry, present your passport, F-1 visa, I-20 Form, and financial documents to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer.
• The officer may ask about your school, program, and finances. Answer honestly and clearly.
• You’ll receive an I-94 record (arrival/departure record), which you can access online after arrival.

Step 7: Check In With Your DSO

• Contact your Designated School Official (DSO) as soon as you arrive. Your DSO is your main point of contact for immigration matters at your school.
• The DSO will update your SEVIS record to confirm your arrival. This step is required to activate your F-1 status.
• Some schools require in-person orientation or check-in sessions. Make sure to attend and complete any required paperwork.

3. Maintaining Your F-1 Status During Your Studies

Step 8: Enroll Full-Time Every Semester

• Undergraduate students must take at least 12 credit hours per semester.
• Graduate students usually need 9 credit hours per semester (some schools may require 8).
• Only one online course (up to 3 credits) can count toward your full-time load each semester.
• If you need to drop below full-time, you must get written approval from your DSO first. This is called a Reduced Course Load (RCL) and is only allowed for specific reasons, such as medical issues or academic difficulties. For medical reasons, RCL can be approved for up to 12 months with proper documentation.

Step 9: Keep Your I-20 Form Valid and Updated

• Your I-20 Form must always be current. If your program end date changes, request an extension before it expires.
• Report any changes in your address, major, or program to your DSO within 10 days.
• If you plan to travel outside the United States 🇺🇸, get a travel signature from your DSO on page 2 of your I-20 Form. This signature is valid for 12 months during your studies and 6 months if you are on OPT.

Step 10: Work Only With Proper Authorization

• On-campus work is allowed up to 20 hours per week during the school year and full-time during breaks.
• Off-campus work requires special permission:
  • Curricular Practical Training (CPT): Must be approved by your DSO and relate to your field of study. You need a new I-20 Form with CPT authorization before you start.
  • Optional Practical Training (OPT): Apply through USCIS up to 90 days before finishing your program. You need an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) before you can start working. For more details, visit the USCIS OPT page.
• Never work off-campus or take unpaid internships without proper CPT or OPT approval. Unauthorized work is a serious violation and can lead to losing your status and being removed from the United States 🇺🇸.

Step 11: Keep Your Passport and Visa Valid

• Your passport should be valid for at least six months into the future at all times.
• If your visa expires and you plan to travel and return to the United States 🇺🇸, you must renew it at a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. Visa appointments may have long wait times, so plan early.

Step 12: File Taxes Every Year

• Even if you didn’t earn any income, you must file Form 8843 each year.
• If you worked or received scholarships, you may also need to file Form 1040-NR.
• Tax deadlines are strict, usually April 15 each year. Not filing taxes can affect future visa or immigration benefits.

Step 13: Maintain Health Insurance

• While not required by federal law, most schools require you to have health insurance. U.S. healthcare is expensive, so having coverage protects you from high medical bills.

4. Traveling During Your Studies

Step 14: Prepare for International Travel

• Before leaving the United States 🇺🇸, get a travel signature from your DSO on your I-20 Form. This signature is needed to re-enter the country.
• Carry your passport, F-1 visa, signed I-20 Form, and any work authorization documents (such as your EAD card if on OPT).
• Check for any travel advisories or new rules, especially if you are from a country affected by recent policy changes. As of June 2025, some students may face extra checks or longer visa processing times due to new government rules.
• If your visa has expired, you must renew it before returning to the United States 🇺🇸.

5. Completing Your Program and What Comes Next

Step 15: Finishing Your Studies

• After you finish your program, you have a 60-day grace period to leave the United States 🇺🇸, transfer to another SEVP-Approved School, start a new degree, or apply for a change of status.
• If you want to work after graduation, apply for OPT early—up to 90 days before your program ends. Processing times can vary, so don’t wait until the last minute.

Step 16: Transferring or Starting a New Program

• If you plan to transfer to another SEVP-Approved School or start a new degree, work with your DSO to transfer your SEVIS record and get a new I-20 Form.
• You must complete the transfer process within your 60-day grace period.

Step 17: Leaving the United States 🇺🇸

• If you are not continuing your studies or changing your status, you must leave the country within 60 days after your program or OPT ends.
• Overstaying your visa can lead to serious problems, including being barred from returning to the United States 🇺🇸 in the future.

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Never work off-campus without authorization. Even unpaid work can be a violation.
• Don’t drop below full-time enrollment without DSO approval. Always get written permission first.
• Don’t overstay your visa or grace period. Plan ahead and know your deadlines.
• Don’t ignore deadlines for OPT applications, I-20 renewals, or tax filings. Missing deadlines can cause you to lose your status.
• Don’t misrepresent your status. Be honest on all forms, job applications, and at the border.
• Don’t forget to report changes in your address, major, or program to your DSO within 10 days.
• Don’t break any laws. Legal trouble can lead to visa revocation and removal from the United States 🇺🇸.

Estimated Timeframes for Each Stage

• Applying to SEVP-Approved School: 2-6 months (varies by school and country)
• Receiving I-20 Form: 2-4 weeks after acceptance
• Visa Application and Interview: 1-3 months (depends on embassy wait times)
• Travel and Arrival: Up to 30 days before program start
• Check-In and Orientation: Within first week of arrival
• Maintaining Status: Ongoing throughout your studies
• OPT Application: Up to 90 days before program end; processing can take 2-5 months
• Grace Period After Program: 60 days

What to Expect from Authorities

• DSO: Your DSO will help you understand the rules, update your SEVIS record, approve work authorizations, and answer questions. Always keep in touch and follow their instructions.
• USCIS: Handles OPT and change of status applications. Processing times can vary, so apply early and keep copies of all documents.
• CBP: Officers at the border will check your documents and may ask questions about your studies and plans.
• IRS: Expects you to file taxes every year, even if you have no income.

Helpful Resources and Official Links

• SEVP School Search – Check if your school is SEVP-certified
• Form I-20 Information – Learn more about the I-20 Form
• USCIS OPT Information – Apply for OPT and get updates
• IRS Form 8843 – Required tax form for F-1 students
• Official U.S. Government Study in the States – Comprehensive resource for F-1 students

As reported by VisaVerge.com, staying informed about the latest immigration policies, deadlines, and school requirements is the best way to protect your F-1 student visa status. Rules can change, and schools may have additional requirements, so always check with your DSO and use official government resources.

Actionable Takeaways for F-1 Students

• Stay enrolled full-time and keep your I-20 Form current.
• Work only with proper authorization—never risk your status for a job.
• Report all changes to your DSO within 10 days.
• Plan ahead for travel, visa renewals, and OPT applications.
• File your taxes every year, even if you have no income.
• Keep copies of all important documents and emails with your DSO.
• Ask questions if you’re unsure—your DSO and official resources are there to help.

By following these steps and staying organized, you can enjoy your studies in the United States 🇺🇸, avoid common pitfalls, and make the most of your F-1 student visa experience.

Learn Today

F-1 Student Visa → A visa allowing international students to study full-time in approved US academic institutions.
SEVP-Approved School → A school certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program to enroll F-1 visa students.
I-20 Form → A document issued by SEVP schools outlining student program details needed for visa application.
SEVIS Fee → A fee paid to support the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System tracking student status.
Optional Practical Training (OPT) → Post-completion work authorization allowing F-1 students to gain practical experience after studies.

This Article in a Nutshell

Starting your journey as an F-1 student visa holder requires careful preparation, following immigration rules, staying enrolled full-time, and planning for work and travel. Maintaining status throughout your studies ensures a smooth experience and helps avoid visa revocation or removal from the United States.
— By VisaVerge.com