E-mail: usavisacenter@yahoo.com

Please do not contact us if you only have general visa questions. We receive thousands of emails every week and are not able to answer all of them in writing. Please only call or e-mail when you are ready to start your case, and we will get back to you promptly.

Who Qualifies?

In order to obtain a F-1 Visa, you must first be accepted by a school, college, or university that has been accredited by the INS to enroll foreign students.

You can as well obtain a F-1 Visa when you attend a grammar school, junior high or high school.

You must be able to demonstrate that you have enough money or financial support to pay for your studying in the U.S. without working. You must also prove that you do not want to immigrate to the U.S.

Step 1: Enrollment in a School, College or University

You should call or write any school that you want to attend and fill out their application for enrollment.

You might be required by several schools to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) as a part of your application process.
 

Step 2: Release of Form I-20 by the School

After you have been accepted for admission, the school will issue a Form I-20 – Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant F-1 Student Status.

Note: Before the school issues a Form I-20 to you, they must be sure that you have sufficient financial resources to support your full-time studies (without working).

Step 3: Proof of Sufficient Financial Resources:

Your form I-20 will specify the estimated cost of one year's study at the school.

Proof of sufficient resources can be related to your own funds or those of close family members.

These are the ways you can demonstrate you have sufficient resources:

1. If you have the personal resources to pay for your own education, you should submit the following documents as evidence:Bank Account Information
   Trust Statement
    
2. If you do not have the personal resources to support your studying, you will need an Affidavit of Support from an immediate family member:
   Affidavit of Support – A family member (parent, brother or sister) may complete the affidavit of support. It should be dated less than six months from the date of submission. The Affidavit of Support must be accompanied by the following documents:
   Bank Letters
   Tax Records
   
   In the case a remote relative or friend will be supporting you, they should deposit the money directly into your personal bank account.

Step 4: Where to Submit the Application to the INS or Consulate

In the case the student is already in the U.S. on a Temporary Visa, the application for F-1 Status has to be filed with the INS Regional Service Center. If the student is approved, he or she will receive an approval notice by mail from the INS.

In the case the student is abroad, the application for F-1 Visa has to be submitted to the American Consulate. If the student is approved, he or she will receive a stamp in his/her passport.

Spouse and Children of F-1 Students

Spouse and dependent children of a F-1 Student can obtein the F-2 status. They can apply with the student or at a later time. If they apply for F-2 status at a later date, they will need their own form I-20. They will also have to show the INS sufficient financial resources to support themselves, as they will not be allowed to work in F-2 Status.

Working with a F-1 Visa

1. On Campus Employment – An F-1 student is allowed to work up to 20 hours weekly during regular semesters and full time during vacations.
2. Curricular Practical Training – These consist of co-op training programs and internships. You must be participating in a work study program that is part of a regular course of study or is a degree requirement. In order to engage in curricular practical training, you must receive permission from your foreign student advisor .
3. Pre-Completion Practical Training – An F-1 student is allowed to work off-campus in a field related to his studies for no more than 20 hours per week while school is in session. He may also work full time during vacations as long as he intends to register for the following term.

   The time spent in Pre-Completion Practical Training will be deducted from the 12 months of full time employment available for Post-Completion Practical Training. For example, if you work 20 hours per week for 8 months, you will have 4 months deducted from the 12 months allowed for Post Completion Practical Training.

   To certify that the employment is directly related to your major area of study, your foreign student advisor must complete the form I-538.

4. Employment Authorization Upon Severe Economic Hardship – If unpredictable circumstances determine a change in your financial situation, you may get permission to work off campus. You are allowed to work for up to 20 hours per week during regular semesters, and full time during vacation periods.Examples of unpredictable circumstances are: Loss of your financial aid or on-campus employment without fault of your own, an unexpected and sudden increase in your cost of living or tuition, a relevant decrease in the value of your home country currency, large medical expenses, or a major economic loss suffered by your sponsor.
   
   You must have completed one academic year in F-1 status to qualify.
   
    
5. Post-Completion Practical Training – F-1 students are eligible for up to 12 months of Post -Completion Practical Training.
   
   In the case you have already spent 12 months or more of full time curricular practical training, you are not eligible for Post-Completion Practical Training.
   
   Time spent in Pre-Completion Practical training is also deducted from the 12 month maximum.
   
   You will be authorized only once for Post-Completion Practical Training.You must complete the 12 months of
   
   Post-Completion Practical Training within a 14 month period following the completion of your studies.

How to get started?

To request a retainer agreement or to have somebody contact you to discuss your case, you may e-mail our office at: usavisacenter@yahoo.com

or you may complete and submit the form below:

Please Complete All Fields Before Clicking "Submit"

If you do not need to speak to us directly, but would like us to send you a retainer agreement so that our attorney may assist you with your immigration case, please e-mail us.

If you e-mail us, be sure to include your:

• Complete Name
• Complete Address
• Telephone Number and the best time to contact with you
• Type of Visa you wish to apply for
• Any additional relevant information

When you receive the retainer agreement, please sign it, make a copy for yourself, and mail it back to us at the address provided. We will begin your application immediately upon receipt of the retainer agreement.