F-1 Visa Guide: Requirements, OPT, and How to Apply

Prospective international students aiming to study in the United States will likely need an F-1 visa. The F-1 (academic student) visa is the most common U.S. student visa, allowing you to live in the U.S. while enrolled full-time at an accredited school. In this guide, we’ll explain F-1 visa requirements, how to apply step-by-step, rules for maintaining your status, and options like Optional Practical Training (OPT) for work experience. We’ll also answer frequently asked questions and provide tips to smooth your journey from admission to arrival.

Whether you’re planning to attend a university, college, high school, or language program in the U.S., understanding the visa F1 process is crucial. Gale’s expert immigration team has helped many students navigate F-1 visas and post-graduation OPT job opportunities. Let’s dive into what you need to know!

What is the F-1 Visa? (U.S. Academic Student Visa Overview)

The F-1 visa is a nonimmigrant visa for individuals who wish to study in the United States at an academic institution or language training program. It is designed for full-time students enrolled in programs that culminate in a degree, diploma, or certificate. The F-1 is strictly for academic studies (for vocational studies, there is a separate M-1 visa). Your course of study and the type of school you attend determine whether you need an F-1 or M-1 visa. Most university and college programs, as well as private high schools and language institutes, use the F-1 category.

Key features of the F-1 visa:

• Duration of Stay: F-1 visas are issued for the duration of your academic program. Uniquely, your status is defined by your enrollment, not a fixed end date. As long as you maintain full-time student status and valid documentation (Form I-20), you may remain in the U.S. for the length of your studies (plus short grace periods). The visa stamp in your passport may have an expiration, but you can stay in the U.S. in “duration of status” if your program continues.
• Full-Time Study: F-1 students must be enrolled full-time in an approved educational program. This typically means a minimum credit hour requirement (e.g. 12 credit hours per semester for undergraduates) or equivalent. Part-time study is generally not allowed on F-1 except during authorized vacation periods or final term if fewer courses are needed to graduate.
• Employment Restrictions: The F-1 visa’s primary purpose is study, not work. On-campus employment is permitted up to 20 hours per week during school sessions (full-time in breaks), but off-campus work requires special authorization (more on OPT and CPT below). Unauthorized employment can jeopardize your visa status.
• Non-Immigrant Intent: The F-1 is a single-intent visa, meaning you must demonstrate intent to return to your home country after finishing studies. Unlike some work visas, F-1 does not provide dual intent. Visa officers will expect proof of ties to your home country and no plans to immigrate permanently at the time of your application. However, it is understood that plans can change - many F-1 students later pursue work visas or family-based green cards, but those pathways typically open after or near graduation.

In summary, the F-1 visa allows you to live in the U.S. as a full-time student at a SEVP-approved school. Spouses or children of an F-1 student can accompany them on F-2 dependent visas (though F-2 spouses cannot work or study full-time). Next, let’s look at what it takes to qualify for an F-1 visa.

F-1 Visa Requirements and Eligibility

To qualify for an F-1 student visa, you must meet several requirements set by U.S. immigration law and the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). In broad terms, the main F-1 visa requirements include:

• Admission to an Approved School: You must first apply and be accepted to a U.S. school that is accredited and authorized by SEVP to enroll international students. This could be a university, college, high school, seminary, conservatory, or approved language training program. The school will issue you a Form I-20 “Certificate of Eligibility” once you’re admitted. The I-20 is a crucial document for the visa process - it confirms your program details and allows you to register in the SEVIS database. You cannot apply for a student visa without an I-20 from a valid institution.
• Financial Capacity: You must prove you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses in the U.S. for the duration of your program (at least for the first year, and a credible plan for future years). This typically involves bank statements, scholarship award letters, sponsor affidavits, or loan approval letters. The school’s I-20 will list an estimated cost of attendance; you need to demonstrate funds to meet or exceed that amount. Having ample financial support is critical for visa approval - consular officers want to ensure you won’t need to work illegally or drop out due to finances.
• English Proficiency: U.S. programs usually require proof of English language proficiency (like TOEFL/IELTS scores) unless you’re enrolling in an English language training program. While English fluency is not a strict consular requirement for the F-1 visa itself, being able to show you can succeed in an English-taught academic program is important. Some visas might be denied if the officer believes the student won’t be able to keep up with coursework due to language barriers.
• Non-Immigrant Intent: As mentioned, you must convince the U.S. Embassy/Consulate officer that you intend to use the F-1 visa temporarily for studies and will return home afterward. This is required by U.S. law - F-1 applicants are presumed to be intending immigrants until they prove otherwise. To demonstrate ties, applicants commonly show evidence like family remaining at home, property, a job offer or career plans back home, or other compelling reasons to depart the U.S. after graduation. Consular officers will often ask about your post-study plans to gauge this.
• Clean Background/Eligibility: Finally, you must be otherwise eligible for a U.S. visa (no disqualifying criminal history, immigration violations, or other inadmissibility issues). Generally, most student visa applicants are young and have no prior issues. Just be truthful in all applications and interviews. If you have previously been out of status in the U.S. or denied entry, consult with an immigration lawyer before your F-1 application.

Required documents: Along with the above substantive criteria, you’ll need to prepare certain documents for the F-1 visa application: a valid passport (with at least 6 months beyond your intended stay), a recent passport-style photo, the Form I-20 from your school, proof of SEVIS fee payment (the $350 I-901 fee), the DS-160 confirmation page, and visa fee receipt. We’ll go through the application steps next.

How to Apply for an F-1 Visa (Step-by-Step Process)

Obtaining an F-1 visa involves several steps, starting from school admission up to the visa interview at a U.S. consulate. Here’s an overview of the process:

Get Accepted to a SEVP-Approved School: The journey begins with applying to U.S. schools. Once you receive an acceptance from a school, confirm that the school is in the SEVP program (virtually all accredited colleges and universities are). The school’s international office will then issue you a Form I-20. Carefully review your I-20 for accuracy (name, date of birth, program, funding, etc. should match your passport and agreements). You will need the SEVIS ID from the I-20 for the next steps.

Pay the SEVIS Fee (I-901 fee): Every F-1 student must pay a SEVIS administration fee of $350 (as of 2025) to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This fee supports the SEVIS database that tracks students. You can pay it online and will get a receipt (Form I-901). The SEVIS fee receipt is required for your visa interview and for entering the U.S., so keep it with your I-20travel.state.gov.

Complete the DS-160 Visa Application: Next, fill out the DS-160 online nonimmigrant visa application form. This is the standard form for all temporary U.S. visas. In the DS-160, you’ll answer questions about your personal information, background, and the details of your intended stay (school name, address, SEVIS ID, etc.). You’ll also upload a passport-style photo. After submission, you will receive a DS-160 confirmation page with a barcode - print this out.

Pay the Visa Application Fee and Schedule the Interview: The F-1 visa application (MRV) fee is typically $185 (check your local U.S. consulate’s website for the exact amount and payment instructions, as it can vary). Once paid, you can schedule your visa interview appointment at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country. Wait times for interviews can vary widely by location and time of year - during peak student visa season (May-August), slots fill up quickly, so schedule as early as possible. You’ll select a date/time and receive an appointment confirmation.

Prepare Financial and Supporting Documents: Before your interview, gather a comprehensive set of documents to prove your ability to meet the F1 visa requirements. This typically includes:

• Financial evidence: Bank statements, loan letters, scholarship letters, sponsor letters (with affidavit of support if a family member is funding you), etc., showing sufficient funds.
• Academic documents: Transcripts, diplomas, standardized test scores (TOEFL, SAT, etc.), and the admission letter from your U.S. school.
• Ties to home country: Documents like property deeds, family certificates, employer letters, or anything that establishes strong reasons to return home.
• Passport & photos: Your current passport (and old passports if any), and 2x2 inch photos (in case the upload didn’t work).
• SEVIS/visa forms: The Form I-20 (required), SEVIS fee receipt, DS-160 confirmation page, visa appointment letter, and passport fee receipt. Organize these documents neatly in a folder. While not every item may be asked for, being well-prepared will boost your confidence and impression.

Attend the Visa Interview: This is often the most nerve-wracking step. Arrive early on the day of your interview with all your documents. The consular officer will typically ask a series of straightforward questions: Why do you want to study in the U.S.? Why this school? Who will finance your education? What are your plans after graduation? Answer honestly and succinctly. The goal is to convince the officer that you are a genuine student with the academic preparation and financial support to succeed, and that you will abide by the visa rules. If asked about returning home, emphasize your ties or future plans in your home country (even if you have hopes of working in the U.S. afterward, it’s safer to frame plans around using your degree back home).

• Be prepared to discuss any aspect of your background or plans. For example, if you have relatives in the U.S., you should disclose that if asked (having relatives is fine, just clarify they’re established there and your goal is solely studies). If your funding comes from a sponsor, know the sponsor’s relationship to you and their occupation.
• The interview is usually brief - often 3-5 minutes. The officer will likely tell you at the end if your visa is approved or denied. If approved, they will keep your passport to place the F-1 visa stamp in it and return it to you by mail or pickup. If denied, they will return your passport immediately (and usually give a reason, often related to section 214(b) inability to prove non-immigrant intent or insufficient funds). You can reapply if denied, though you’ll need to address the issue that caused the denial, and repay fees.

Travel to the U.S.: Once you have your F-1 visa in hand, you can enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the program start date on your I-20. At the port of entry (airport), you will present your passport with visa and your I-20 to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer. They will likely stamp your passport and mark “F-1” and “D/S” (duration of status) as your admittance class. Congratulations - you are now in F-1 student status. Make sure to report to your school by the program start date and attend any international student orientations.

Important: If your spouse or children will accompany you on F-2 dependent visas, they should apply for their visas separately (with their own I-20 forms issued as your dependents). F-2 dependents do not attend a separate school interview but must show sufficient funding for their stay as well. They will typically be interviewed briefly, sometimes alongside the F-1 applicant.

Rules for Maintaining F-1 Status

Being granted an F-1 visa is just the first step - maintaining your F-1 status during your studies is critical. Failure to follow the rules can lead to termination of your SEVIS record and unlawful status. Here are key guidelines F-1 students must follow:

• Full-Time Enrollment: You must remain enrolled full-time each academic term (with the exception of summer or your designated annual vacation term, or an approved reduced course load). If you need to drop below full-time for any reason (medical issues, academic difficulties), you must get prior approval from your school’s Designated School Official (DSO). There are limited circumstances under which less than full-time enrollment is allowed; dropping without authorization will violate your status.
• Attend the School on Your I-20: Your F-1 status is tied to the specific school that issued your Form I-20. If you decide to transfer schools or change programs (e.g., from a bachelor’s to a master’s program), you must follow proper transfer procedures in SEVIS and get a new I-20. Simply changing schools without official transfer in SEVIS can invalidate your status. Work closely with your international student office for any school changes.
• Limit Employment: During your program, work is restricted. You may work on-campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session (and full-time during holidays or summer). On-campus jobs can include research assistantships, library jobs, tutoring, etc., as long as they’re for the school or an affiliate (like working at the campus bookstore or cafeteria). Off-campus employment requires authorization: either Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) for jobs related to your field of study, or severe economic hardship employment authorization in rare cases. Working even a few hours off-campus (e.g., freelancing or rideshare driving) without permission is a serious violation.
• Keep Documents Updated: Your passport should remain valid (at least 6 months into the future). Also ensure your I-20 is always updated for changes in funding, program extensions, or personal info changes. If you need extra time beyond the I-20 end date to finish your program, apply for a program extension through your DSO before the I-20 expires. Likewise, keep your local U.S. address updated in SEVIS (schools usually have a system for you to report address changes within 10 days of moving).
• Depart on Time or Extend Legally: After completing your academic program (i.e., the end date on your I-20 or the day of your final program requirement), F-1 students have a 60-day grace period to prepare to depart the U.S. or take steps for the next stage (such as applying for OPT, transferring to a new program, or changing status to another visa). If you do nothing, you must leave within 60 days. Staying beyond that without action is an overstay. If you do get OPT approved, that allows you to stay in the U.S. during the OPT employment period after graduation (and you then get a 60-day grace after OPT ends). Just be mindful of these timelines to avoid unlawful presence.

By following the rules and staying in communication with your school’s international student advisor/DSO, you can enjoy your studies without immigration troubles. Next, we’ll discuss work opportunities through OPT and how F-1 students can gain U.S. work experience legally.

Working on an F-1 Visa: CPT and OPT Explained

One of the most valuable benefits of the F-1 visa is the opportunity to gain practical work experience related to your field of study. There are two main programs for F-1 students to work in the U.S. with authorization:

• Curricular Practical Training (CPT): CPT is work authorization for a position (internship, co-op, practicum) that is an integral part of your curriculum. It must either be required for your degree program or you must receive academic credit for it. CPT is approved by your school (not by USCIS) and can be part-time or full-time. You’re eligible for CPT after completing at least one academic year (in most cases). Importantly, using full-time CPT for 12+ months eliminates your eligibility for OPT, so students use CPT carefully. Part-time CPT (20 hours or less during school) or shorter durations won’t affect OPT. CPT is common for internship semesters or cooperative education programs.
• Optional Practical Training (OPT): OPT is the big attraction for many F-1 students - it allows up to 12 months of employment in the U.S. after completing your studies (or during, in some cases) to apply the knowledge gained in your degree. Unlike CPT, OPT does not have to be required by the curriculum; it truly is “optional” practical training that is related to your major. Most students use OPT after graduation to work for a U.S. employer in a job directly related to their field of study. For example, an engineering graduate might work for a tech company, or a business graduate for a consulting firm. OPT is granted by USCIS as an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) and is typically full-time.

To qualify for OPT, you must have been in F-1 status for at least one full academic year. You apply by submitting a form I-765 to USCIS (along with fee and supporting documents) up to 90 days before completing your program or within the 60-day grace period after. It can take 2-3 months for USCIS to process and issue the EAD. During OPT, you remain in F-1 status, but you can work for any employer in a job related to your major.

STEM OPT Extension: If your degree is in a STEM field (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) and your employer is enrolled in E-Verify, you can apply for a 24-month extension of OPT, giving up to 36 months total OPT. This is a huge advantage for STEM students, as it provides up to 3 years of work authorization. The STEM extension has additional requirements, including a formal training plan with your employer, but it’s a crucial bridge to longer-term visas.

During OPT: You must report your employer information to your DSO for SEVIS. You cannot be unemployed for more than 90 days total during the initial 12-month OPT (and an additional 60 days during the STEM extension) or you risk losing status. The employment can be paid or unpaid internships, contract work, etc., as long as it’s related to your field. OPT is essentially an opportunity to transition from student to professional life in the U.S. It often leads to employer sponsorship for an H-1B work visa or other status if you and the company decide to continue the relationship.

travel.state.govAccording to the U.S. Department of State, OPT is “temporary employment that is directly related to the eligible F-1 student’s area of study.” To engage in OPT, the student needs a DSO endorsement on the I-20 and must apply to USCIS for an EAD card. This means you should plan ahead with your school and submit your OPT application in a timely manner to avoid gaps after graduation.

CPT vs OPT: In summary, CPT is for work during your studies (often internships for credit), authorized by the school. OPT is mainly for after graduation (or for use on summer vacation or part-time during studies, though most save it for post-completion), authorized by USCIS. Both require that the work be related to what you’re studying.

Can F-1 students work other jobs? Generally no, other than on-campus jobs. F-1 students cannot have standard off-campus employment (e.g., a part-time job at a local business) unless it falls under CPT/OPT or you have a severe economic hardship permit from USCIS (which is uncommon and only granted if you can prove unforeseen financial crises). Also, F-1 students cannot start their own business or work as freelancers without authorization - starting a business could be seen as working. If entrepreneurship is your goal, consult your DSO or an immigration attorney for guidance (there are sometimes creative ways, like CPT through a entrepreneurship course or waiting until OPT to officially launch business operations).

Life After Graduation: From F-1 Visa to Work Visa or Green Card

As graduation approaches, many international students on F-1 visas want to continue living and working in the United States. While the F-1 visa itself cannot be extended indefinitely (beyond any available OPT period), there are several paths to stay in the U.S. after F-1:

• H-1B Work Visa: The H-1B is a common next step for F-1 students who find an employer willing to sponsor them. The H-1B is a nonimmigrant work visa for specialty occupations (jobs requiring at least a bachelor’s degree). Each year, new H-1Bs are limited by a cap and chosen by lottery. Many F-1 students use OPT (especially the STEM extension period) to bridge the time until they can apply for H-1B. OPT often covers 1-3 application cycles for H-1B. If you’re hired by a company that values your work, they may file an H-1B petition for you in the April lottery. Keep in mind the H-1B lottery is competitive - for FY2025, over 400,000 registrations were submitted for 85,000 slotsgalevisa.com. That said, alternative work visas exist too. For example, if you’re from Canada or Mexico, a TN visa could be an option; if you’re from Australia, E-3; if you have extraordinary ability, an O-1 (more on that later). Gale has a detailed H-1B Visa 2025 Guide you can refer to for the H-1B process and tipsgalevisa.com.
• Marriage to a U.S. Citizen or Green Card Holder: Some F-1 students marry during or after school. If you marry a U.S. citizen, you become eligible to apply for a marriage-based green card (permanent residence). This is a direct path to a green card and, once the application is in process, you can typically stay in the U.S. beyond F-1 as a pending immigrant. Marrying a green card holder also provides a path, though the wait times for a visa are longer. Obviously, marriage should be bona fide (genuine), not solely for immigration - fraudulent marriage is illegal. But life happens, and many international students do fall in love with Americans and settle in the U.S. through marriage.
• Family Sponsorship or Other Humanitarian Paths: Some F-1 students might have family-based immigration petitions filed for them (for example, a parent becomes a U.S. resident and then sponsors the student as a child). Others might be eligible for asylum or other humanitarian relief if conditions in their home country have changed drastically (this is rarer and requires legal counsel). In most cases, F-1 to green card is achieved either via employment or marriage/family routes.
• Investor or Extraordinary Ability Visas: A small number of students may qualify for visas like the E-2 investor visa (if they have the means to start a business and are from a treaty country) or the O-1 visa for extraordinary ability (if during your studies or early career you achieve acclaim in fields like science, arts, athletics, etc.). The O-1 visa is actually a potential path for top researchers or artists coming out of school - if you have a strong portfolio of achievements (publications, awards), an employer could sponsor you for an O-1. Gale’s team specializes in O-1 visas as well - see our O-1 visa guide for details on qualifyingcommons.wikimedia.orgcommons.wikimedia.org. The O-1 can later lead to an EB-1 green card.

In summary, while the F-1 visa itself is temporary, it can be a springboard. During your time as a student, focus on building your network, skills, and exploring internship or OPT opportunities with employers who might later sponsor you. Many international student graduates do successfully transition to long-term visas and permanent residence - it requires planning and sometimes some luck (like the H-1B lottery), but it is achievable. Always keep an eye on your visa timelines and stay in status while you pursue these pathways.

(Internal Note: For more insights on transitioning from student status to work visas, check out Gale’s blog on “From F-1 to H-1B: How to Stay in the USA After Graduation,” and our comprehensive visa guides on H-1B, L-1, and O-1.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the F-1 Visa

Q: What are the financial requirements for an F-1 visa? A: You must prove you can afford tuition and living expenses for your studies. U.S. consulates typically expect bank statements or financial documents showing funds (personal or sponsored) equal to at least one year of costs, as listed on your I-20. In practice, you should demonstrate liquid assets (cash in bank, not just property) to cover tuition, fees, and estimated living expenses (housing, food, health insurance). If you have a scholarship or assistantship from the school, that counts toward the requirement. The goal is to assure the visa officer that you won’t face financial hardship while in the U.S. Tip: If your program is multiple years, showing a source of ongoing funding (such as continued family income, investments, or a multi-year scholarship) strengthens your case.

Q: Can I work while studying on an F-1 visa? A: Yes, but with restrictions. You can work on-campus up to 20 hours per week during semesters (and full-time during vacations). On-campus jobs might include library assistant, lab helper, campus dining, etc., and no additional permission is required for those. For off-campus work, you need authorization: either Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for internship/work as part of your curriculum, or Optional Practical Training (OPT) for work related to your field (commonly done after graduation for up to 12 months, or more with STEM extension). You cannot do regular off-campus jobs (like a random part-time job unrelated to your studies) on F-1. Also, F-1 students cannot work as independent contractors or start a business while in school without special authorization. Always talk to your international student office before accepting any employment. Working without authorization, even for a few hours, can result in termination of your F-1 status.

Q: Do I need to return to my home country during summer breaks? A: No, you are not required to leave the U.S. during academic breaks or summer vacation. As long as you are continuing at the school (or have been admitted to a new program that starts in the fall), you can stay in the U.S. in F-1 status during summer or other school holidays. Many students choose to travel home in summer, which is fine - just make sure you have a valid F-1 visa stamp to return. If your visa will expire before re-entry, you’d need to renew it at a U.S. consulate while abroad. If you stay in the U.S. over summer, you can also use that time for summer internships or research - just ensure it’s authorized (either on-campus or via CPT/OPT if off-campus and related to your field).

Q: What is the 5-month rule for F-1 students? A: The “5-month rule” refers to SEVIS termination if an F-1 student is out of classes for over 5 months without status maintenance. Practically, this comes up if you take a leave of absence or if you leave the U.S. and will be outside for more than 5 months (outside of an authorized study abroad program). If you simply go home for a semester (not enrolled) and it’s more than 5 months, you would need a new initial I-20 to return. Also, during COVID-19, exceptions were made, but under normal conditions, ensure any break in your F-1 status isn’t over 5 months, or work with your DSO on a new SEVIS record. For standard summer breaks, this rule isn’t an issue because summer is usually ~3 months, under the limit.

Q: Can I change status from F-1 to another visa without leaving the U.S.? A: Yes, it is often possible to change status from F-1 to another nonimmigrant status from within the U.S. For example, many students file a change of status to H-1B (if they are selected in the H-1B lottery by an employer) or to O-1, or to dependent statuses (F-2 to H-4, etc. if they marry or if parents switch to work visas). The change of status is done by filing a petition with USCIS. Alternatively, you can depart the U.S. and apply for a new visa at a consulate abroad. Each case is different - staying in the U.S. can avoid travel hassles, but sometimes traveling and re-entering with a new visa is cleaner. If you’re changing to a dual-intent status like H-1B, doing it via petition while on F-1/OPT is common. If changing to a green card (immigrant status), that process (adjustment of status) can also be done without leaving in many scenarios. It’s best to consult an immigration attorney (like Gale’s lawyers) to plan the transition from F-1 to another status so you don’t fall out of status in between.

Q: What if my F-1 visa expires while I’m in the U.S.? A: The visa stamp in your passport is just an entry document. If your F-1 visa expires while you are in the U.S., it’s not a problem as long as you continue as a full-time student in valid status (your I-20 is active and you are in SEVIS). You can stay in the U.S. with an expired visa. However, if you travel abroad after your visa’s expiration, you will need to renew the F-1 visa at a U.S. consulate to return and resume studies. Many students get a visa for, say, 1-2 years but their program is 4 years - they simply stay in the U.S. for the duration, and if they need to travel, they plan a consulate visit to renew the visa. Always keep your I-20 valid; the visa stamp validity only matters for entry, not for ongoing presence.

Q: How does the F-1 visa differ from a J-1 student visa? A: The F-1 and J-1 visas both allow studying in the U.S., but they are for different situations. F-1 is the standard pathway for self-funded (or family-funded) students at U.S. institutions. J-1 visas for students are usually part of an exchange program or scholarship program (often government-funded or university exchange agreements). J-1 students sometimes have a two-year home residency requirement after their studies (if their program was government funded or in certain fields), meaning they must return home for 2 years or get a waiver before they can change to certain other visas. F-1 students do not have such a requirement. Additionally, J-1 visas can be used by non-degree exchange students, visiting scholars, or others in educational exchange scenarios, whereas F-1 is specifically for full-time enrollment in a degree/diploma program. In terms of work: J-1 has Academic Training instead of OPT, and J-1s can also work on-campus with permission. If you have the option of both, F-1 is generally more flexible for long-term stay (since no home requirement by default). Our J-1 Visa Guide delves deeper into J-1 specifics and the waiver issue if you’re curious.

Navigating the F-1 visa process can be complex, but with the right guidance and preparation, thousands of students successfully obtain F-1 visas every year to pursue their dreams in U.S. classrooms. Gale, a tech-forward immigration firm, is here to support you at every step - from initial visa advising to post-graduation work options. If you need personalized guidance on your F-1 visa journey or changing status after graduation, feel free to reach out to Gale for a consultation. We have helped students from all over the world come to the U.S. for study and beyond. Good luck with your educational adventure!