How Long Can I Stay In The United States With An F-1 Student Visa?

A: Your length of stay in the United States directly depends on the length of your academic program – you could have F-1 status for just a few months, four years, or even longer, depending on your course of study. If you graduate from your program and decide to further pursue your education in the same area of study, you can apply to extend your F-1 Visa.

For example, if you acquired an F-1 Visa to attend an undergraduate college in the U.S., you would have four years to complete your degree. If, during that time, you applied for and were accepted to graduate school, you could further extend your study for as long as your graduate program lasts.

If you are taking longer than anticipated to complete your course of study, you may apply for an extension. To do so, you must provide a Form I-20 that has been extended by your school official, your passport, Form I-94, and a letter explaining your need for an extension.

After you graduate from your program, you are also given a 60-period grace period in the United States to allow you time to tie up loose ends and prepare for your move home. During this time, you may also attempt to change your visa status.

Do you have more questions about your F-1 visa? Contact an immigration attorney today.