Path to staying
- Post-study workup to 24 months
- Permanent residencypossible
- Citizenshippossible
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
- Tuition range
- $10,000 – $65,000/year
- Funds type
- Bank statement
- Scholarships
- Available
Tuition varies enormously by institution type: community colleges $10,000–$15,000/yr, public universities $20,000–$45,000/yr for international students, private universities $40,000–$65,000/yr. Graduate programs may cost more.
Work rights during study
- Work allowed
- Yes
- Term hours
- 20 hrs/week
- Vacation hours
- Unlimited
- Permission
- Automatic
- Location
- On-campus only
On-campus employment up to 20 hours/week during academic year, full-time during breaks. Off-campus work requires authorization: Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for internships, or severe economic hardship approval. Unauthorized employment is a serious status violation.
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 |
Language requirements
| Test | Purpose | Language | Min score | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| TOEFL iBT | Admission | English | 80 | Minimum score varies by institution: 61–100+ typical range. Not a visa requirement; required by universities for admission. |
| IELTS Academic | Admission | English | 6.5 | Score varies by institution: 6.0–7.5 typical range. Widely accepted alongside TOEFL. |
| Duolingo English Test | Admission | English | 105 | Increasingly accepted since 2020. Score requirements vary: 95–125 typical range. |
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 |
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.
Long-term pathway
- Post-study visa
- Available
- Work permit
- Possible
- Permanent residency
- Possible
- Citizenship
- Possible
How to apply
- Method
- Online
- Processing
- 14-60 days
- 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. September 2025: Interview waiver policy updated, most applicants now require in-person interview.
Also in United States
Last verified Mar 21, 2026 Source