Current F-1 Students
An F-1 student is a nonimmigrant who is pursuing a “full course of study” to achieve a specific educational objective at an academic institution in the United States that has been certified by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Once the educational objective is attained, the F-1 student is expected by the US government to return to his or her residence abroad.
A student acquires F-1 status using Form I-20 issued by a DHS approved academic institution. Status is acquired in one of two ways:
- If the student is abroad, by entering the United States with the I-20 and an F-1 visa obtained at a U.S. Consulate (Canadian citizens are exempt from the visa requirement). See the Visa Application page for more information.
- If the student is already in the United States and does not wish to travel abroad and re-enter in a new status, by sending the I-20 to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) with an application for a change of nonimmigrant status. See the Change of Status page for more information.
Page Updated: March 25, 2008
Being a Successful Student
- Maintaining F-1 Status (PDF)
- Tips for Undergraduate Students (Powerpoint)
- Tips for Graduate Students (Powerpoint)