United States of America · study
F-1 Student Visa (with OPT and STEM OPT)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Source check: all 6 official citations reconfirmed 11 July 2026
Non-immigrant student visa for academic study at a SEVP-certified institution, with post-study OPT employment authorisation.
- Processing time
- Visa interview wait times vary widely by consulate.
- 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.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
In short
As of 8 July 2026, the F-1 Student Visa (with OPT and STEM OPT) for United States of America has typical processing of 2 weeks – 4 months. Sources: official United States of America government pages, reviewed 8 July 2026.
Cite this: https://visaatlas.org/visas/us/f-1#answer
What is the F-1 Student Visa (with OPT and STEM OPT) in United States of America?
F-1 Student Visa (with OPT and STEM OPT) is an unsponsored United States route. Indicative government fees are SEVIS I-901 USD 350; DS-160 USD 185; indicative processing time is Visa interview wait times vary widely by consulate; typical duration is Duration of study (D/S); OPT up to 12 months; STEM OPT extension up to 24 additional months. This route does not lead to permanent residence.
Verified against U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services on 1 June 2026.
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.
Guidance by nationality
Specific information for applicants from these countries. Don’t see yours? The general eligibility criteria above apply to everyone.
Indian applicants
Indian students consistently account for the largest F-1 cohort. STEM OPT extensions (24 months on top of the 12-month b…
Chinese applicants
Chinese F-1 applicants in sensitive research fields (certain STEM PhD areas) face administrative processing (221(g)) and…
Nigerian applicants
Nigerian F-1 applicants saw heightened 214(b) scrutiny on "intent to return" at consular interviews. Detailed evidence o…
Pakistani applicants
Pakistani F-1 applicants face routine administrative processing (§221(g)) at Islamabad consular processing, particularly…
Brazilian applicants
Brazilian F-1 demand has grown sharply post-2020. Brazil is not on the Visa Waiver Program, so all visitors and students…
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.U.S. Department of State ↗
- ✓Sufficient financial support for tuition and living costs for the first year.U.S. Department of State ↗
- ✓Genuine non-immigrant intent at consular interview.U.S. Department of State ↗
Common blockers
- !Insufficient funding evidence at consular interview.U.S. Department of State ↗
- !Incomplete SEVIS registration.
Typical evidence
- ·Form I-20 from SEVP-certified school.U.S. Department of State ↗
- ·Bank statements, sponsor affidavits, scholarship letters.
- ·Evidence of ties to home country.U.S. Department of State ↗
Application pathway
Receive I-20 from SEVP-certified school
Institution issues the I-20 after admission.
Pay SEVIS I-901 fee and complete DS-160
Schedule consular interview.
Maintain status during study
Meet full-course-of-study and reporting requirements.
OPT / STEM OPT application
Apply for post-completion OPT, and STEM OPT extension where eligible.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicant + sponsorUse Study in the States ↗
Students and SEVP-certified schools use this DHS page to understand I-20, SEVIS, and status steps.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security · verified
- ApplyApplicantComplete DS-160 ↗
F-1 visa applicants outside the United States use DS-160 for the consular visa application.
U.S. Department of State · verified
Fees and processing time
Indicative government fees: SEVIS I-901 USD 350; DS-160 USD 185.. A decision then typically takes 2 weeks – 4 months. Both change over time, so the dedicated pages below carry the itemised breakdown and the current official figures.
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J-1 Exchange Visitor
Exchange visitor visa covering academic scholars, students, trainees, interns, researchers, au pairs, and other exchange programs.
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).
How long can I work in the US after graduating before I need an H-1B?+
After completing a qualifying degree you can apply for up to 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT), and a qualifying STEM degree can add a 24-month STEM OPT extension, for up to 36 months of post-graduation work authorisation in total. This is the common bridge used to seek employer-sponsored H-1B or green-card filing.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
Find a regulated advisor in United StatesHow we verified this
We check every figure on this page against the primary government source, record the date it was last checked, and re-check it on a regular schedule. Rules change, so always confirm time-sensitive details with the official source before you rely on them. Visa Atlas is an information-only publication and does not give legal advice.
Primary source: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
Last checked: 1 June 2026