Can I work while on an F-1 visa?

F-1 students may generally work on-campus up to 20 hours per week while school is in session. Off-campus employment is limited to authorized CPT or OPT in your field of study, or to recognized economic-hardship and certain international-organization exceptions. Working without authorization is a serious status violation.

Can I transfer to a different school?

Yes. F-1 students can transfer between SEVP-certified schools by coordinating a SEVIS record transfer between the current and new DSOs and obtaining a new I-20 from the receiving school. Timing matters — the transfer must follow SEVP rules so your status stays active.

How do I move from F-1 to H-1B?

Many F-1 graduates use OPT to begin working, then have an employer file an H-1B petition. Because H-1B start dates are October 1, the cap-gap provision can extend F-1 status and work authorization for OPT students with a timely-filed, cap-subject H-1B petition until the H-1B begins. We sequence the filings to avoid any work gap.

What is reinstatement and when do I need it?

If you fall out of F-1 status — for example, by dropping below a full course load without authorization — you may be able to apply to USCIS for reinstatement by showing the violation was beyond your control or was a technical lapse, that you are pursuing a full course of study, and that you do not have a pattern of violations. We assess whether reinstatement or departure-and-reentry is the stronger path.

What is the cap-gap extension?

Cap-gap is a provision that automatically extends an eligible F-1 student's status and, in many cases, OPT work authorization through the start of an approved H-1B that is subject to the annual cap. It bridges the gap between when OPT would otherwise end and the October 1 H-1B start date, provided the petition was filed on time while the student was in valid status.

Student Visas — F-1, F-2 & M — Headman Law Group

What Are U.S. Student Visas?

U.S. student visas are nonimmigrant categories that allow foreign nationals to enter the United States temporarily for full-time study. The F-1 visa is for students enrolled in academic programs — universities, colleges, high schools, and accredited language-training programs. The M-1 visa is for students in vocational or other recognized nonacademic programs, such as technical or trade schools.

Each F and M student begins with a Form I-20, a Certificate of Eligibility issued by a SEVP-certified school after admission. The student's record is tracked in SEVIS, the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, throughout the program. A spouse or unmarried child under 21 who accompanies an F-1 student may apply for derivative F-2 status (or M-2 for M-1 dependents).

F-1 status also opens limited work authorization tied to the field of study — Curricular Practical Training (CPT) during the program and Optional Practical Training (OPT) during or after it, with an extended period available to qualifying STEM graduates.

How We Help Student-Visa Applicants

From the first I-20 to a STEM OPT extension, we handle the filings and timing so you can focus on your studies.

Preparing and reviewing the DS-160 and embassy interview strategy.
Coordinating the I-20 and SEVIS fee with your school's DSO.
Advising on CPT and OPT eligibility, timing, and employer letters.
Filing the STEM OPT 24-month extension and tracking unemployment limits.
Managing school transfers and program-level changes within SEVIS.
Filing reinstatement petitions when status has lapsed.
Planning the cap-gap bridge from F-1 OPT to an H-1B start date.

F-1, M-1 and Dependent Status

The F-1 visa is the most common student category, covering degree and academic programs at SEVP-certified schools. F-1 students must maintain a full course load, make normal academic progress, and keep their SEVIS record active.

The M-1 visa covers vocational and nonacademic training such as cosmetology, aviation, culinary, and other trade programs. M-1 students have stricter limits on program length and employment than F-1 students.

Dependents of an F-1 student hold F-2 status (M-2 for M-1 dependents). F-2 spouses may not work and may not pursue a full course of study, though F-2 children may attend K-12 school. When an F-2 spouse wants to study full time or work, they typically must change to their own F-1 or other appropriate status.

The Student-Visa Process

Most F-1 and M-1 applicants follow the same path from school acceptance to U.S. entry.

Step 01

School Acceptance

Apply to and receive admission from a SEVP-certified school. The school's Designated School Official (DSO) confirms your enrollment.

Step 02

Receive Your I-20

The school issues Form I-20, your Certificate of Eligibility, which creates your record in SEVIS and lists your program and funding details.

Step 03

Pay the SEVIS Fee

Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee online before scheduling your visa interview, and keep the receipt for your records and the consulate.

Step 04

File the DS-160

Complete the DS-160 online nonimmigrant visa application, upload your photo, and pay the visa application fee.

Step 05

Embassy Interview

Attend your visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate with your I-20, SEVIS receipt, and proof of funds and ties to your home country.

Step 06

Entry to the United States

Enter the U.S. up to 30 days before your program start date, present your documents at the port of entry, and check that your I-94 reflects F-1 (or M-1) status.

Documents for a Student Visa

The exact set varies by consulate and program, but most applicants prepare the following.

Core Application

Valid passport (typically valid at least six months beyond stay)
Form I-20 signed by you and your DSO
DS-160 confirmation page
I-901 SEVIS fee receipt
Visa application fee receipt
Passport-style photograph meeting U.S. specifications

Academic & Financial

School admission/acceptance letter
Transcripts, diplomas, and standardized test scores
Bank statements or financial sponsor documents
Affidavit of support or scholarship award letter

Ties & Intent

Evidence of intent to return home after studies
Proof of employment, property, or family ties abroad
Statement of study plans and career goals

Frequently Asked Questions

Curricular Practical Training (CPT) is work authorization that is an integral part of your curriculum — typically an internship or co-op required or credited by your program — and is authorized by your DSO before you start. Optional Practical Training (OPT) is up to 12 months of work authorization in your field of study, used before or after graduation, and requires an EAD card issued by USCIS. STEM degree holders may apply for a 24-month OPT extension.