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ToggleF-1 status is a vital category in the realm of United States immigration law, particularly for international students seeking academic opportunities. Understanding the nuances of this status is essential, not only for the students themselves but also for educational institutions and immigration professionals. At Kasturi Law, LLC, our team of experienced Oakbrook immigration attorneys specializes in guiding through the complexities of obtaining and maintaining F-1 status.
F-1 status is a non-immigrant classification
granted to international students attending an accredited academic institution in the United States. This status is specifically designed for those pursuing full-time studies at the undergraduate or graduate level. The primary aim of F-1 status is to provide a legal framework for international students to achieve academic goals while ensuring compliance with U.S. immigration laws.]
F-1 status offers a plethora of benefits, including the ability to engage in part-time on-campus employment and, in some cases, off-campus employment through Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular Practical Training (CPT).
While F-1 status is reserved for academic students enrolled in universities, colleges, high schools, private elementary schools, and other academic institutions, M-1 status is tailored for vocational or non-academic studies. The F-1 Visa offers more flexibility in terms of on-campus employment and practical training opportunities, whereas the M-1 Visa is more restrictive in these aspects.
Eligibility for F-1 status is defined by specific and stringent criteria. The foremost requirement is enrollment in a full-time academic or language training program. This program must be at an educational institution that is not only accredited but also officially recognized by the U.S. government as capable of hosting international students.
A crucial aspect of eligibility is the financial requirement. Applicants must provide evidence of sufficient financial resources. This proof is necessary to ensure that they can cover their tuition fees and living expenses for the duration of their stay in the U.S. The evaluation of financial sufficiency is a critical part of the F-1 visa application process, as it demonstrates to the U.S. authorities that the student will not become a public charge.
Additionally, students must maintain a permanent residence in their home country, which they have no intention of abandoning. This criterion is in place to ensure that the student’s primary purpose in the U.S. is educational and that they intend to return to their home country upon the completion of their studies. This ties into the fundamental nature of the F-1 visa – it is a non-immigrant visa, meaning it is intended for those who do not seek permanent residence in the U.S.
Understanding and meeting these eligibility requirements is crucial for prospective international students. Failure to comply with any of these criteria can lead to the denial of F-1 status.
The pathway to obtaining F-1 status, essential for international students, involves a series of methodical steps.
The initial and perhaps most critical phase is securing admission to an accredited educational institution in the United States. This institution must be certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Once admitted, the student receives a Form I-20 from the school, which is indispensable for the F-1 visa application.
Subsequently, the student must complete the non-immigrant visa application, Form DS-160. This online form requires detailed information about the student’s background, education, and the purpose of the visit to the U.S. After submitting Form DS-160, the student must schedule a visa interview.
Preparation for the visa interview is a crucial step. The student must gather all necessary documents, including the passport, Form I-20, SEVIS fee receipt, DS-160 confirmation page, financial evidence showing the ability to cover educational and living expenses, and any other documents that prove ties to their home country and intent to return after studies.
Throughout this intricate process, the guidance of an experienced immigration attorney in Naperville can be invaluable. Whether you are embarking on the application process or seeking to maintain your F-1 status, our team is here to assist you every step of the way. Contact us today for a consultation, and let us help you achieve your or your child’s academic and professional aspirations.
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Shobhana is a highly qualified and caring lawyer. I did plenty of research before choosing an immigration lawyer and I was looking for someone who was highly rated and someone...
I’m fortunate to have Mrs Kasturi as our family immigration lawyer. Regardless of what nationality she did not refuse to help me. I’m Polish and I will encourage all Polish...
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My case was that of a change of status from B1/B2 to F-1. This is one of the most difficult change of status to carry out and I got a...
I had the best experience working with Kasturi Law, LLC on my I751 waiver case. She was incredibly human, and responsive throughout the process, patiently explaining all details and taking...
We had a great experience working with Shobhana on our immigration case. She is extremely knowledgeable and dedicated to the clients she works with. Shobhana helped us step by step...
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We retained the services of Kasturi Law, LLC in mid 2021 to assist in getting my wife’s permanent resident status with the USCIS. Shobhana was very professional, thorough, and proactive....
Shobhana is AMAZING! She is extremely knowledgeable.I can’t say enough about her hard work, professionalism and transparency. She is on the top of everything and each step goes nice and...
Shobhana from Kasturi Law is a top notch and very knowledgeable immigration attorney that helped us through the naturalization process including an appeal. She was very proactive, well organized and...
Shobhana is fantastic and is 100% with you for the whole process. She also makes sure you are well prepared before your interview. Two things I really appreciated was her...
I had a great experience with Shobhana representing our case. She stuck by us through the whole process that took year and a half. We are eternally grateful to her...
I was very impressed with the attention, care, and professionalism I received from Shobhana. All of my questions and doubts were addressed from the very beginning and I was updated...
I have had immigration issue with my F-1 status, and Shobhana ma’am provided me with all of the information I needed to take the next steps in my case. I...
I had an excellent experience with Mrs. Shobhana Kasturi as my immigration attorney. From the initial consultation to the final resolution of my case, she provided exceptional service and support....
Shobana was extremely professional, knowledgeable. It was a comfort to feel I was in good hands and to know I had made the best choice in choosing this law firm....
Shobhana was available on short notice on a saturday when I reached out regarding an urgent consultation. She provided competent guidance on the matter and continued to stay available until...
We retained Kasturi Law for responding to a RFE for a family member’s green card application. Shobhana’s work is extremely thorough. She took great care in getting the right information...
Shobhana @ Kasturi Law, was very professional, yet empathetic, so as to be able to understand her clients needs and situation. Very good advise provided during consultation.
Shobhana amended our I130 application from adjustment of status to consular processing successfully and coordinated between our case and congressional help efficiently, which allowed for a timely approval of the...
I would highly recommend her for any visa related consultations, is very thorough and professional.
Kasturi law firm filed my GC, Shobhana showed high professionalism, a very detailed oriented person who makes sure that the processing will go successfully without any RFEs. The process was...
Shobhna is a very talented and knowledgeable lawyer, She is best for all your immigration issues, She is very quick and prompt in communication, I received a RFE in my...
Kasturi Law firm is a great and reliable immigration attorney to work with. I highly Recommend Shobana for any of your Immigration needs.
I recently went through the Naturalization process using the law firm of Kasturi Law located in Naperville. One of my best decisions was to use this law firm as I...
I recently had the privilege of working with Shobhna Kasturi, an immigration lawyer who has truly set the gold standard in her field. She approached my case with a deep...
I had a complex immigration situation that required the expertise of an immigration lawyer, and I’m extremely grateful to have found Shobhana. Her professionalism throughout the process was exceptional. She...
I recently had the privilege of working with Shobhna Kasturi, an immigration lawyer who has truly set the gold standard in her field. She approached my case with a deep...
Shobhana is very knowledgeable and thorough. From the initial consult, she clearly outlined what to expect throughout mine and my fiancé’s K1 visa application and what her role would be....
I am so so glad I retained Shobhana as my attorney , throughout my case she was highly vigilant and extremely professional She was always ten steps ahead of me...
Hired Shobhana because I have a disability and trying to navigate the process of applying for citizenship on my own was such a daunting and unnerving task. From the beginning,...
Shobhana is an excellent immigration attorney. Her attention to detail, knowledge of the approval process and the paperwork requirements, were the key to our success. Mum’s green card arrived in...
Ms Kasturi is a dedicated and sympathetic lawyer. She is very well versed, meticulous, detailed, patient and trust worthy. All needed in doing her job well and puts her clients...
I was in process of applying my GC through the L2 visa program and need a lawyer who can help me since I have small problems on my case ....
Shobhana is amazing. She’s very thorough and professional. She responds to inquiries very timely and always available for her clients. She explains the immigration process very well. I highly recommend...