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F-1 visa

The F-1 visa is a non-immigrant, full-time, student visa that allows foreigners to pursue education in the United States.

The F1 visa is reserved for non-immigrants wishing to pursue academic studies and/or language training programs. F1 Visas are only given through academic institutions where the student applies and meets the requirements. Vocational education is not included in F-1 visa; for vocational education, an M visa should be obtained.

Except for on-campus employment of 20 hours a week or less, F-1 students are generally not permitted to work in the US without prior authorization from Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). However, the USCIS may grant work authorization for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). Students are permitted to work for a total of 40 months towards practical training (eg. internship), which can be distributed between Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT).

An interim order was passed recently, allowing students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) to undergo OPT for 29 months.

F2 Visa holders may acquire dependant Visas for family members, however with these Visas, it is prohibited for them to work while in the United States while holding that particular passport. Underage children are allowed to attend primary school however if required.

F1 Visa holders are under exempt tax status for up to five years and are considered non-resident aliens for tax purposes during this time. They are exempt from FICA Taxes, i.e. Social Security and Medicare. They have to file Non Resident Tax Forms 1040NR-EZ and Form 8843. They can also benefit from US Tax Treaty benefits depending upon their foreign country.

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See Also

• Extend Your F-1 Student Visa
• Student Visas

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