United States of America · study
F-1 Student Visa (with OPT and STEM OPT)
Non-immigrant student visa for academic study at a SEVP-certified institution, with post-study OPT employment authorisation.
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Overview
The F-1 visa is issued to students admitted to an SEVP-certified US academic institution. After completion, F-1 students may apply for up to 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT); students with qualifying STEM degrees can extend by 24 months (STEM OPT), for a total of up to 36 months of post-graduation employment authorisation.
Processing time
Visa interview wait times vary widely by consulate.
See source window: 2 weeks – 4 months →Government fees
SEVIS I-901 USD 350; DS-160 USD 185.
Typical duration
Duration of study (D/S); OPT up to 12 months; STEM OPT extension up to 24 additional months.
Primary source
USCIS — Students and Employment · U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Link last verified:
Additional sources
Primary source
ICE SEVP — Study in the States · U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Link last verified:
Eligibility
Typical criteria
Acceptance at an SEVP-certified institution issuing Form I-20.
Sufficient financial support for tuition and living costs for the first year.
Genuine non-immigrant intent at consular interview.
Common blockers
Insufficient funding evidence at consular interview.
Incomplete SEVIS registration.
Typical evidence
Form I-20 from SEVP-certified school.
Bank statements, sponsor affidavits, scholarship letters.
Evidence of ties to home country.
Application pathway
Step 1
Receive I-20 from SEVP-certified school
Institution issues the I-20 after admission.
Step 2
Pay SEVIS I-901 fee and complete DS-160
Schedule consular interview.
Step 3
Maintain status during study
Meet full-course-of-study and reporting requirements.
Step 4
OPT / STEM OPT application
Apply for post-completion OPT, and STEM OPT extension where eligible.
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Frequently asked questions
Does F-1 OPT require a specific employer?
Standard post-completion OPT does not require a specific employer at filing, but work must be directly related to the student’s major area of study. STEM OPT requires employment with an E-Verify employer and a formal training plan (Form I-983).
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