how much time do i have after my course is completed f1 students usa

How long can a student stay in the US on F-1?

That means you may stay as long as you are a full time student, even if the F-1 visa in your passport expires while you are in the United States. For a student who has completed the course of studies shown on the I-20, and any authorized practical training, the student is allowed the following additional time in the U.S. before departure:

Can a F-1 student work full time?

F-1 students must have been enrolled in school for one full academic year and work only part-time while school is in session. They may work full time when school is not in session. Post-completion OPT after completing academic studies. F-1 students may work part-time (min 20 hours per week) or full-time.

How many credits do F1 students have to take in college?

In my university (University of Illinois) , F1 students have to take 9 credits (1 subject is 4 credits).People will mostly take 3 subjects. If they want to take two courses, they will take a filler course (1 credit subjects) to stay as a full time student. However if you have an Assistantship , you can take 2 subjects without any filler courses. .

How many units do F1 students have to take per quarter?

In my university(University of Illinois) , F1 students have to take 9 credits(1 subject is 4 credits).People will mostly take 3 subjects. At Stanford it is 12 units per quarter for undergraduates and 8 units per quarter for grad students.

When I finish my studies for how long can I remain in the US?

On your F-1 visa, you can only stay in the United States for 60 days after your graduation date, so it's in your best interests to start planning for your course of action well before you graduate. In this article, we'll explain seven options to extend your stay in the United States after you graduate.

What happens after 60-day grace period F-1?

You have a 60-day grace period at the end of your F-1 program. The grace period ends when you depart the United States, or no later than 60 days after the end of the I-20 or your EAD card (if on OPT), whichever comes first.

What is the 5 month rule for F-1 students?

The five-month rule refers to the termination of your record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) due to you being away from classes or not in status for five months.

How do you stay in US after F-1 expires?

If you came to the United States with an F-1 student visa, you have 3 way to stay in the United States:OPT – Optional Practical Training. Certain science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, qualify for a two-year extension of OPT. ... Apply for a Non-Immigrant Work Visa. ... Apply for a Green Card.

How many days after F1 visa expires?

60-daySo, as long as you are otherwise maintaining your F-1 status (for instance, you haven't dropped out of school or taken a job), you are allowed to remain in the United States until the end of your 60-day grace period. This allows students flexibility in pursuing their studies.

What is grace period after graduation?

For most federal student loan types, after you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment, you have a six-month grace period (sometimes nine months for Perkins Loans) before you must begin making payments. This grace period gives you time to get financially settled and to select your repayment plan.

How long can F-1 students be out of status?

US Immigration law states that individuals in the US for more than 180 days without a valid status are banned from returning to the US for at least 3 years. Individuals in the US for more than 1 year without a valid status are banned from returning to the US for at least 10 years.

When can I return to the US after 6 months stay?

Maximum Period of Authorized Stay Therefore, a person who stays for six months and, instead of applying to extend their visit inside the U.S. if they are a visa holder or a Canadian, departs and attempts to return to the U.S. in less than six months from the departure date, will be barred from re-entry for six months.

Can F-1 students take semester break?

IMPORTANT: F-1 and J-1 students International students may NOT take a semester off and remain in the US. present in the US must be enrolled for a full course load or pre-approved reduced course load with appropriate documentation for one of the allowable reasons (medical or academic).

How can I maintain my F-1 status after graduation?

To remain in legal F1 visa status, you should follow these steps very carefully:Check in with your International Office.Meet with your DSO as soon as you arrive in the US.Keep your passport valid.Maintain full-time enrollment.Extend your I-20 as needed.Apply for a new I-20 as needed.Obtain special permission to work.More items...

What is the five month rule?

The five month rule refers to the termination of a student's record in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) based on the student being away from classes or not in status for five months.

What happens if I stay more than 6 months outside US?

If you are abroad for 6 months or more per year, you risk “abandoning” your green card. This is especially true after multiple prolonged absences or after a prior warning by a CBP officer at the airport.

Check in With Your International Office within 30 Days Ofyour Arrival

You will be required to provide your local address in order to keep your SEVIS records up-to-date. If you change your local address at any time dur...

Maintain Full-Time Enrollment

"Full-time enrollment" may differ depending on your student status. Undergraduate programs require students to enroll in at least 12 credit hours e...

Obtain Special Permission to Work

Your International Office and the Department of Homeland Security may need to provide authorization for you to work. Working off-campus without per...

Carry Your Passport and Your I-94 Card With You at All Times

Especially when you are traveling, you will need to be able to prove your legal F-1 visa status in the US.

Change Your Status Or Depart The Us in A Timely Manner

F-1 students generally have 60 days to depart the US after the completion of their program. As long as you maintain your F-1 visa status, you may b...

How many days does an F1 student have to leave the US?

F-1 student – An additional 60 days, to prepare for departure from the U.S. or to transfer to another school. M-1 student – An additional 30 days to depart the U.S. (Fixed time period, in total not to exceed one year).

How long can I stay in the US on a student visa?

When you enter the United States on a student visa, you will usually be admitted for the duration of your student status. That means you may stay as long as you are a full time student, even if the F-1 visa in your passport expires while you are in the United States. For a student who has completed the course of studies shown on the I-20, and any authorized practical training, the student is allowed the following additional time in the U.S. before departure: 1 F-1 student – An additional 60 days, to prepare for departure from the U.S. or to transfer to another school. 2 M-1 student – An additional 30 days to depart the U.S. (Fixed time period, in total not to exceed one year). The 30 days to prepare for departure is permitted as long as the student maintained a full course of study and maintained status. An M student may receive extensions up to three years for the total program.

Can I stay in the US if I have an F-1 visa?

That means you may stay as long as you are a full time student, even if the F-1 visa in your passport expires while you are in the United States. For a student who has completed the course of studies shown on the I-20, and any authorized practical training, the student is allowed the following additional time in the U.S. before departure: ...

How many credit hours are required for F1?

This equates to four 3 credit hour courses per semester. On the other hand, graduate students will need to do a little more research. Remaining legal in F1 status will require you to check with your program frequently to see if you are meeting the required amount of credit hours.

How to get a visa for F1?

To remain in legal F1 visa status, you should follow these steps very carefully: 1 Check in with your International Office 2 Meet with your DSO as soon as you arrive in the US 3 Keep your passport valid 4 Maintain full-time enrollment 5 Extend your I-20 as needed 6 Apply for a new I-20 as needed 7 Obtain special permission to work 8 Carry your passport and your I-94 card with you at all times 9 Change your status or depart the US in a timely manner

How long do I have to apply for an I-20?

If you are planning to start a new program, be sure to apply for a new I-20. Before you start the new program, you must apply for a new I-20 at least 60 days before the completion of your first program. You may be required to show evidence of funding.

How long is a passport valid?

You will need your passport in order to gain entry to the US. Your passport should be valid for at least six months into the future . If you need to, your passport can be renewed by your home country’s consulate or embassy.

How long do you have to leave the US after you complete your program?

Change your status or depart the US in a timely manner. After you complete your program, you will have 60 days to depart the US. However, you may be eligible to apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), or to change your immigration status.

Can I extend my I-20?

Fortunately, in most cases, you can extend your I-20 if you need more time to complete your studies. To ensure you can maintain your F1 visa you will just need to contact your International Office at least 30 days prior to the end date in Section 3 of your Form I-20 .

Do I need an I-94 card to get an F1 visa?

While in the US you could run into law enforcement. You’ll need to carry your passport and I-94 card with you to prove your legal F1 visa status.

1. What is Form I - 20?

Form I - 20 is a formal document which proves to the U.S government that you are eligible for an F1 Visa. It explains that you are or you are expected to be a bonafide student. It also claims that you are about to study a full course of study and that you are financially secure for studying and living in the USA.

2. How do I get a Form I - 20?

The form will be sent to you by the US school that you have been accepted to. You would need that document to apply for F1 Visa.

3. Do I have to take TOEFL or GRE exams to get an F1 Student Visa?

If your school requests that you write TOEFL or GRE exams, then you have to write it. Otherwise, the school will have to write a letter stating that they don't require TOEFL or GRE exams for attendance. However, embassies would highly recommend you get some rest scores.

4. What is Curriculum Practical Training?

The Curriculum Practical Training is an employment opportunity for F1 students. This training is an integral part of an academic program. It could come in a form of internship, practicum or any form of work experience that could be instrumental.

5. How can I prove that I can afford my study and living expenses in the USA?

In the form I - 20, the amount you are required to have is stated clearly. This amount of money must cover your tuition fee,your living expenses, and other miscellaneous expenses (as applicable). You must have the funds for that available. If your parents are sponsoring you, then you will have to attach an affidavit of sponsorship with proof.

6. What is Optional Practical Training?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is a temporary employment opportunity given by the US government to F1 students. With OPT, you can practice what you learn in the classroom off campus. You can use some or all 12 months of practice given to you or you can save those months of practice for OPT after you have completed your studies.

7. How long does it take for the OPT authorization to be granted?

It takes at least 90 to maximum 120 days to obtain the OPT authorization. For more assurance, it is advised that apply for Optional Practical Training at the earliest possible date.

How long before I can apply for OPT?

May apply up to 90 days before you complete a full academic year, as long as you do not start OPT employment until you complete one full academic year. May apply up to 90 days before you complete your degree, but no later than 60 days after you complete your degree.

What is OPT in F1?

Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment that is directly related to an F-1 student’s major area of study. Eligible students can apply to receive up to 12 months of OPT employment authorization before completing their academic studies (pre-completion) and/or after completing their academic studies (post-completion).

How long is post completion OPT?

For example, if you participated in 10 months of pre-completion OPT, you would be eligible for only up to 2 months of post-completion OPT.

How many hours can I work after completion of OPT?

If you are authorized for post-completion OPT, you may work part time (20 hours or less per week) or full time. If you participated in pre-completion OPT, USCIS will deduct that amount of time from your post-completion OPT authorization period.

How long does it take to get an extension for OPT?

If you have earned a degree in certain science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields, you may apply for a 24-month extension of your post-completion OPT employment authorization if you:

Does USCIS terminate F-1?

SEVP will inform USCIS of the termination date, and USCIS will terminate your EAD accordingly. Although your authorization to engage in optional practical training will end, as long as you comply with all requirements for maintaining your student status, your F-1 status will not be affected by USCIS terminating your EAD.

Can an international student stay in the US after graduation?

It’s possible to stay in the US under certain circumstances. We take a closer look at two options – OPT and H-1B.

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

OPT is a program that allows international students to work in the US after their graduation, and gain practical experience. Students with F-1 visas may apply for 12 months of OPT after each level of education complete.

H-1B Speciality Occupations

Another option available to you is to change your visa status to H-1B by applying for an interim OPT phase before H-1B, or to apply for H-1B directly from F-1.

How long do you have to stay in the US after F1?

as long as you are enrolled in the school to complete your academic program. After the program ends you will have 60 days to depart the U.S. If you need to renew your F1 student visa, follow this link.

What is an F1 visa?

The F1 visa category is reserved for academic students enrolled in colleges, universities, high schools, language training programs, and other academic institutions. The first step for a prospective student is being accepted for enrollment in an established school (University/College) which is SEVP certified.