- Fees updated
notes reworded for readers; no values changed.
US
F-1 Student Visa
Active
Post-study work
United States · apply online
Tuition
Full fee
Work during study
20 hrs/week
vacations: Unlimited
Post-study work
24 months
2 options
Proof of funds
—
Overview
- Country
- United States
- Visa name
- F-1 Student Visa
- Status
- Active
- Renewable
- Yes
The primary non-immigrant student visa for international students enrolled in academic programs at SEVP-certified US institutions, including universities, colleges, seminaries, conservatories, and high schools. Covers degree programs and language training programs.
Tuition and costs
- Tuition policy
- Full fee
- Scholarships
- Available
There is no national tuition schedule: costs and financial aid vary by institution, program and location. International students should use the chosen institution's current published cost of attendance; there is no representative national USD range.
Work rights during study
- Work allowed
- Yes
- Term hours
- 20 hrs/week
- Vacation hours
- Unlimited
- Permission
- Separate permit
F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time during annual vacation when eligible. Off-campus work requires the relevant authorization, including CPT endorsed by the DSO, OPT approved by USCIS, or authorization for a qualifying hardship or international-organization category. Unauthorized employment can violate status.
Post-study work options
| Program | Type | Duration | Min degree | Work | PR path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OPT (Optional Practical Training) | Work permit | 12 mo | Any | Unrestricted | No |
| STEM OPT Extension | Work permit | 24 mo | Bachelors | Unrestricted | No |
Fees and costs
| Fee | Type | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| SEVIS I-901 Fee | Registration | $350 | One time |
| DS-160 Visa Application Fee (MRV Fee) | Application | $185 | One time |
| Visa Integrity Fee | Government | One time |
Dependents and family
- Dependents
- Allowed
- Restriction
- Spouse and unmarried children under 21 only. F-2 dependents cannot work.
- Spouse work
- Not allowed
- Conditions
- F-2 visa holders cannot accept employment. May study part-time at postsecondary level or full-time in avocational/recreational courses. Must change status to work.
How to apply
- Method
- Online
- Interview
- Required
- Official site
- travel.state.gov
- Health insurance
- Not required
Notes and caveats
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond period of stay. Must demonstrate intent to return home. Since October 1, 2025, nonimmigrant applicants generally require an in-person interview; F-1 applicants are not among the listed general waiver categories, though a consular officer may make case-specific decisions. Student applicants are also subject to online-presence review. Visa validity and any reciprocity issuance fee depend on nationality.
Also in United States
Last verified Oct 9, 2026 Last changed Oct 25, 2026 Source
Change history
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- Leads to a post-study visa Yes No
- Fees updated
- Post-study options updated
added the statutory Visa Integrity Fee; its amount awaits official collection guidance (uscode.house.gov).