To be eligible for an F visa, the applicant must: have a foreign residence with no intention to abandon it, be a bona fide student qualified to pursue a full course of study, seek to enter the United States as a student for a course of study at an established institution of learning or other recognized place of study in the U.S., only student at an institution designated by the applicant and approved by ICE, and must not attend public school unless the applicant attends secondary school for a period of less than 12 months and demonstrates that s/he has reimbursed the school board the full, unsubsidized per capita cost of the education. Family members of those granted F visas may not attend school, except that a child may attend elementary through 12th grade.
An applicant must also: present a SEVIS Form I-20 issued to the applicant in the applicant’s name by an approved school, have sufficient financial support, be proficient in English (or will receive training to make her proficient), intend to depart the United States, have sufficient academic credentials to attend the particular institution, and maintain a full course of study.
Students granted an F visa will be admitted a maximum of 30 days before the program start date.
