Rules to Remember while on F1 Visa
An F-1 visa is required for any foreign student who wants to study in the United States. They should be familiar with the nation's laws and regulations in addition to the application procedure. Here are the guidelines that one must abide by when using an F-1 visa to work, intern, or travel.
F1 Visa Work Permit
Persons pursuing a full course of study at a school in the United States may be eligible for a visa for the course of their study and, in certain instances, a period for practical training in their field.
International students who are maintaining a full-time course of study can work on campus part-time (max. 20 hrs per week) during the academic year and full-time during the summer months and any periods when school is not in session. On campus, employment assumes that the work will not interfere with student's studies and that they are maintaining good academic standing. No special permission or document is needed to permit them to work on campus.
Remember to File Taxes!
Having a joint account etc. is not recommended, as it will add complications to their tax returns (like students need to pay interest earned on any income worldwide)
Training/Internships
Training allows students to work for up to a total of twelve months in a job related to their field of study. For full details about Training, students should read the practical training handout prepared by the Office of International Education and Exchange. The maximum amount of time granted to work on F-1 OPT status is 12 months per degree level plus a possible H1-B cap gap extension OR a 24-month extension for those who qualify (certain Degrees like Engineering/CS/sciences (STEM degrees) etc.).
Practical training can be granted at the following times:
- During the student's annual vacation period and at other times when school is not in session if the student is currently enrolled and intends to register for the next term while school is in session, provided that the practical training does not exceed twenty hours per week.
- after completion of course requirements (but before completion of a course of study) excluding thesis or dissertation if the student is in a bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degree program after graduation or last term of attendance.
- Applications for practical training are sent to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It takes the USCIS about three months to reply to a practical training application so students should plan well in advance for this kind of work permission.
- NEVER ENTER the U.S. in any VISA STATUS OTHER THAN F-1 (for example H1B) while on their OPT (it will invalidate their OPT!)
Traveling on F1-Visa
To ensure that their SEVIS record is correct and current before leaving the country, students should speak with their Designated School Official (DSO) before they depart. Additionally, students ought to have a valid SEVIS Form I-20 endorsed for their trip. It should be quite safe while traveling during their coursework. Students might need stamping if their visa has expired. Always remember to carry all the documents while going out of the country.
