F-1 student visa is a non-immigrant visa. Students who want to study in a high school or a college or want to attend an English course in the US can apply for the F-1 Student Visa. In order to obtain this visa, the student is required to have full-time education at an educational institution in the United States. The concept of full-time education varies by school. However, 15 hours per week in universities and 18 hours full-time in language schools are generally accepted as full-time education.
In this blog, we present what the F-1 Student Visa and when you need it.
What is a F-1 Student Visa?
The F-1 Student Visa is a visa type applied by persons who want to study in the USA. Since the demand for studying abroad in Turkey has shown an increasing trend, there is a growing demand for this visa in Turkey as well. British Council conducted a research project targeting 22-24 age group in Turkey and the study revealed that 95% of the young population want to study abroad. The majority of the participants believe that studying abroad will facilitate finding a job. As a natural consequence of this fact, the USA is one of the most preferred countries among the young population in Turkey. Therefore, the F-1 Student Visa is the most applied visa type in Turkey.
How to Apply for a F-1 Student Visa?
To get a F-1 student visa, firstly you must apply to one of the US Consulates. Then you should fulfill the requirements below:
- Form I-20 is the most important document that your application file must include. Form I-20 is filled out and sent by the institution that you have agreed to study in the USA. This form comprises your personal information along with the SEVIS number beginning with N00.
- Pay the SEVIS fee.
- Complete your online application by filling in the Form D-160 for the F-1 Student Visa.
- Collect other required documents for the F-1 student visa.
- Don’t be late for your consulate appointment and conclude your interview successfully.
When Can a F-1 Student Visa Holder Enter the US?
- A student with an F-1 Student Visa can enter the US as early as 30 days prior to education program start date.
- You are required to fill Form I-94 out online along with the other documents. Form I-94 tracks your US arrival and departure.
What is the Validity Period of the F-1 Student Visa?
- The F-1 Student Visa is valid up to 60 days after the end of your education period.
Can a F-1 Student Visa Holder Work in the US?
- The F-1 Student Visa Holders are allowed to work on-campus for a maximum of 20 hours per week during the academic year and 40 hours per week during the holidays. However, if a contingency situation occurs student can apply for an on-campus part-time job. Students in this condition should apply to USCIS.
Is the Visa Holder Eligible for a Social Security Number (SSN)?
- If the visa holder works in the US, he/she is eligible for a social security number when they meet the required conditions.
Stay tuned for more information about US visas, investment in the US, merchant and investor visas, trademark registration and patents, buying a house and real estate in the U.S.
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