Often asked: How Long May I Stay On My F1 Student Visa?

F1 students must maintain the minimum course load for full-time student status. They can remain in the US up to 60 days beyond the length of time it takes to complete their academic program, unless they have applied and been approved to stay and work for a period of time under the OPT Program.

How long can an F-1 student stay in the US?

On your F-1 visa, you can only stay in the United States for 60 days after your graduation date, so it’s in your best interests to start planning for your course of action well before you graduate.

Is F1 visa valid for 5 years?

When you get F-1 Visa approved after F-1 Visa student interview, visa stamp is typically valid for five years. My visa expiry date is the same date as the course end date in the i20.

Can I stay in the US after my F1 visa expires?

What if my F-1 student visa has expired? You can stay in the United States on an expired F-1 visa as long as you maintain your student status. However, if you are returning home or traveling to a country where automatic revalidation does not apply, you must have a valid visa to return to the United States.

How long can I stay outside US with F1 visa?

If you will be outside of the U.S. for more than 5 months, you will be required to get a new I-20 prior to returning to the U.S. Immigration regulations state that a stay outside of U.S. within 5 months is considered a break in F-1 status.

How can I stay in USA after F1 visa?

If you came to the United States with an F-1 student visa, you have 3 way to stay in the United States:

1. OPT – Optional Practical Training. Certain science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, qualify for a two-year extension of OPT.
2. Apply for a Non-Immigrant Work Visa.
3. Apply for a Green Card.

Can I extend my F1 visa in US?

F-1 visa renewals Normally, the U.S. consulate or embassy grants F-1 visas that last the entire length of your academic program. If you have an expired F-1 visa but a valid I-94 document, you also have the option of renewing your F-1 visa by applying at your country’s U.S. consulate or embassy.

How can I convert my F1 visa to green card?

The five most common ways to turn an F-1 visa into lawful permanent residency are:

1. Self-petitioning as a person of extraordinary ability.
2. Receiving employer sponsorship.
3. Adjusting status to a dual-intent visa.
4. Becoming an investor.
5. Marrying a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

Can you get married on F1 visa?

F1 Visa holders can marry while in school and apply for a Change of Status without seeking a waiver. Under such circumstances, the foreign student will most likely be able to remain in the United States.

How long can I stay after i20 expires?

The 60-day grace period should be calculated from the date of completion. Students authorized for post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) have a 60-day grace period beginning from the date the OPT expires (as noted on the Employment Authorization Card).

How can I stay in US after my student visa expires?

To extend your stay in the US after OPT expires, speak with your designated school official (DSO) or an immigration attorney to learn more about options for your F1 visa after graduation such as the following: Transfer to another education institution.

What happens if I overstay my F1 visa?

If you overstayed a student F-1 visa for more than 180 days, you will be barred from returning to the United States for either three or ten years, depending the length of overstay. Any period of overstay could result in the denial of future visa applications.

What happens after F1 visa expires?

If your student visa expires before your program is over, you may be eligible for an F-1 visa renewal. To renew your F-1 student visa you have to re-apply for the visa from your home country, or another country, at a US embassy or consulate (applying from your country is always preferable).

Can you go to Canada with an American F1 visa?

Most F-1 and J-1 students can travel to Canada, Mexico, and the adjacent Caribbean Islands and re-enter the United States on an expired visa, but only if their stay is less than 30 days.

Will international students be allowed in US for fall 2021?

On April 26, 2021, the Department of State (DOS) changed the National Interest Exception (NIE) policy for F and J students. International students from travel ban countries should be able to enter the US from their countries for the fall semester.

Can US F-1 students work in Canada?

You may be eligible to work in Canada while studying, if your study permit includes a condition that says you can work on or off campus. You must also meet all the other requirements. You can only start working in Canada when you start your study program. You can’t work before your studies begin.