Immigration Services
Care Immigration Service provides non-legal immigration document preparation and administrative support for individuals applying for an F-1 Student Visa. We help organize documents, complete intake forms, review application packages for completeness, and guide clients through the application process.
Overview
The F-1 visa is a nonimmigrant student visa for individuals who wish to study full-time at a U.S. college, university, language school, high school, or other academic institution approved to enroll international students. F-1 students must maintain full-time student status and are generally not authorized to work off-campus without prior authorization. The F-1 visa is the most common student visa category for international students pursuing academic programs in the United States.
Document Support
Common Purposes
What We Do
How It Works
Apply to a U.S. school certified by SEVP to enroll international students. Upon acceptance, you will receive an acceptance letter.
After admission, your school's Designated School Official (DSO) will issue Form I-20, which is a required document for your F-1 visa application.
Pay the required SEVIS I-901 fee online. Keep the payment receipt — you'll need it for your visa interview. Care Immigration Service provides guidance on this step.
Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160) carefully and accurately. Our team helps you organize the information needed.
Schedule a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your country. Availability varies by location — book early as wait times can be long.
Bring all required documents to your interview. Be prepared to explain your educational plans, financial support, and intention to return home after completing your studies.
If approved, your passport will be returned with the F-1 visa stamp. Review the visa details for accuracy before leaving the consulate.
Enter the U.S. no earlier than 30 days before your program start date and report to your school's international student office before classes begin.
Documents
FAQ
Common questions about F-1 Student Visa
F-1 students have limited work authorization. On-campus employment (up to 20 hours per week during school, full-time during breaks) is generally permitted. Off-campus employment typically requires authorization through programs like Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). Unauthorized employment is a serious violation that can affect your immigration status.
F-1 students can transfer to a new SEVP-certified school, but the process involves notifying your current school, having the new school's DSO create a new SEVIS record, and receiving a new Form I-20. The transfer must be done properly to maintain your F-1 status. Care Immigration Service can help you understand the document requirements for a school transfer.
Yes! Your spouse and unmarried children under 21 may be eligible for F-2 dependent visas, which allow them to accompany you or join you later during your studies. F-2 dependents cannot work in the U.S. but children can attend K-12 school. Care Immigration Service offers F-2 dependent visa document preparation services as well.
OPT is a temporary employment authorization program that allows F-1 students to work in jobs related to their field of study. Post-completion OPT allows up to 12 months of work after graduation, and up to 36 months for STEM graduates who receive an extension. OPT is applied for through your school's DSO and USCIS.
F-1 students may enter the U.S. up to 30 days before the program start date listed on your Form I-20. You cannot enter earlier than 30 days before your program starts. Upon arrival, you should report to your school's international student office and complete any required orientation or check-in procedures.
F-1 students are required to maintain full-time enrollment each semester. Taking less than a full-time course load without proper authorization from your DSO can be considered a violation of your F-1 status. Exceptions may be available (final semester, medical reasons) but must be properly authorized by your school.
Yes, F-1 students can travel internationally, but you'll need a valid F-1 visa stamp to re-enter the U.S., a valid passport, a properly endorsed Form I-20 signed by your DSO within the past year, and your I-94 record. Always consult with your school's DSO before international travel.
SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is the U.S. government's online database that tracks F and M students. Your SEVIS record is created by your school when they issue your I-20. Maintaining an active SEVIS record is essential to maintaining lawful F-1 status. The SEVIS I-901 fee must be paid before your visa interview.
To maintain valid F-1 status, you must: maintain a full-time course load, make normal progress toward your degree, not work off-campus without proper authorization, keep your passport and I-20 valid, report any address changes to your school within 10 days, and comply with all U.S. immigration laws.
Yes, it is possible to change from F-1 status to another nonimmigrant status through a Change of Status application with USCIS, provided you meet the requirements of the new status. The process must be completed before your current F-1 status expires. Care Immigration Service offers Change of Status document preparation assistance.
Choose
Complete your intake form from anywhere, anytime
Your documents are protected with enterprise-grade security
We serve clients in multiple languages nationwide
Professional document translation available for all needs
Transparent, competitive pricing with no hidden fees
Remote assistance available across all 50 states
Professional organization of your application package
Monitor your application progress in real time
Care Immigration Service LLC is a non-attorney document preparation service. We are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice, legal representation, legal strategy, or legal opinions. We assist with document preparation, administrative support, and translation services only. Immigration decisions are made solely by U.S. government agencies and consular officers.
Care Immigration Service LLC is an immigration and non-immigration based service provider for those who are either planning, coming to or residing in the USA.