The Most Frequently Asked Questions about F1 Visas

When you’re considering studying in another country, there are so many things you have to do to get ready. Some of those things are exciting — matching with your new roommate, learning about your new city — and some of things are…not. One of the less exciting, but absolutely mandatory parts of living in another country is making sure you understand the visa requirements. A visa provides authorization for you to visit, study, or work in a foreign country for a designated period of time.

For international students coming to the US, you’re going to need to get familiar with the F1 visa. To help with that, we’ve pulled together a list of the most frequently asked questions about the F1 visa. These FAQs are here to serve as a starting point, but for more detailed information, you should always speak to an immigration specialist, whether through your university or another channel for the best advice pertaining to your situation.

What is an F1 visa?

An F1 visa is the visa you apply for if you live outside the US, but want to study in the US. You’ll need the F1 visa if you want to study at a US school – whether that’s high school, college, English-learning program or any other type of academic institution.

Is there a fee for the F1 visa? How much is the F1 visa fee?

There is a fee called a SEVIS fee for the F1 visa and it costs $350.

What do I have to do to keep my F1 visa?

To maintain an F1 visa status, you have to meet the minimum requirement of classes for full-time students.

Can I work with an F1 visa?

You can work with an F1 visa, but there are restrictions. You can work on-campus. When school is in session, you can work for a maximum of 20 hours per week, but between semesters (or when school is not in session) you can work more than 20 hours per week.

Do I have to pay taxes with an F1 visa?

You need to pay state and federal income tax, but you do not have to pay Social Security of Medicare.

How long can I stay in the US with an F1 visa?

As long as you are enrolled in school, you can stay in the US with your F1 visa. So the length of your program is generally the length you can stay. However, once your program is completed (or you graduate), you can stay in the US for another 60 days before needing to leave.

Is there an age limit for the F1 visa?

There’s no age limit for the F1 visa. As long as you are accepted to a school in the US, you are eligible.

Is multiple entry to the US allowed with an F1 visa?

You can enter the country multiple times with an F1 visa, unless otherwise noted. Your visa should indicate whether multiple entry is allowed, and you must have your school sign your visa before you leave the country.

Can I apply for an H1B visa?

You can apply for an H1B visa as an F1 visa holder as long as you have an employer to sponsor you.

Can I go to Canada with an F1 visa?

Yes, you can visit; however, you must make sure you have permission for multiple entry and you must check whether or not you need a visa from the Canadian government depending on your home country.

What happens if my F1 visa expires?

If your F1 visa expires, you can still stay in the US as long as you maintain your student status, but you will need a valid visa if you leave the US and want to return.

Is my F1 visa still valid after graduation?

Your F1 visa is valid after graduation for 60 days, or after you complete the entirety of your program.

Please note that for any and all questions related to immigration, you should consult an immigration specialist. These FAQs are intended as a starting point, and should not be used for complete legal advice.

Will Your Phone Work in the US?

Have you ever lost your phone? How long did you have to go without it for? A few hours can be stress-inducing; a few days and you’re approaching full-on panic. Our phones help us feel connected. They provide us with some trusty apps and resources like maps, on-demand rides and food, and a way to get in touch with friends, family members, or basically, everyone we need to get our stuff done. It’s only when we’re suddenly without our phones – and mobile service – that we suddenly realize just how much we rely on them, and how important they are.

That’s why it’s mobile phone service of the first things you need to get set up as a student, especially if you’re arriving to the US for the first time. It’s not enough that you have a phone – you need to know if your phone will work in the US. To make sure that you’re never without the ability to use your phone and ensure a seamless transition, there are a couple things that are essential to your phone working in the US: compatibility and coverage.

Compatibility

When we refer to “compatibility,” we’re referring to whether or not your phone or device will work with the service you’re choosing. You might have heard the acronyms “CDMA” or “GSM.” These terms just refer to “multiple access technologies. They’re ways for people to cram multiple phone calls or internet connections into on radio channel.”

What does this mean for you? Carriers who use GSM technology put customer information on SIM cards, versus carriers who use CDMA who use “network-based white lists to verify subscribers,” and who require you to switch phones with their permission. As technology improves though, more carriers are moving away from GSM and CDMA, but that doesn’t mean you can completely disregard it.

Because some CDMA phones don’t have SIM card slots, you wouldn’t be able to transfer it to another network. Some devices on CDMA do have a SIM slot, you might need to contact your carrier to “unlock” your device to use on another network. GSM phones are easier to transfer to other networks and will have the SIM card slot. As you’re deciding what mobile phone service you want to use, you’ll want to see if your phone is compatible as a CDMA or GSM device to make your transition easier – and also ensure you can make the most out of that service.

Coverage

Coverage refers to the signal strength of your mobile phone carrier, and where that signal extends to. Many carriers will provide a “coverage map” so that you can see how far their signal and network extends, allowing you to determine if you’d have good “service.” Good service really just means that you’ll be able to make calls and send texts easily, with little disruption or distortion during the call, and with speed when making a text.

There are a few factors that can influence how well you’re covered by your carrier, including “proximity to a cell site, physical obstacles and signal interference…or natural disturbances,” like severe weather or the landscape in the area. Sometimes, even being in a crowded or busy place can cause delays or disruptions to your service. There are some areas across the country where little or no signal can be found, commonly referred to as “dead zones,” which make it impossible to make a phone call or send a text.

Understanding the strength and expanse of the network you’re on is important when choosing a mobile phone service provider. Most carriers include coverage maps on their websites, and though these aren’t always entirely accurate (and can’t account for exact conditions or circumstances), they provide a good baseline indicator of whether you’ll be able to use your phone.

Finding a mobile phone provider that is compatible with your phone and offers good coverage in the area you’ll be living in will ensure that you can enjoy all of the features of your phone and mobile phone service.