English 
Português 
Español Frequently asked questions
Questions about F-1 Visa
Straight answers related to this visa.
-
My family has health problems. Can I bring everyone on an F-2 visa?
The F-2 visa is limited to spouses and unmarried children under 21 years old; health issues do not alter requirements nor broaden dependency.
-
My family is going to provide me accommodation, can I reduce the housing cost on the I-20?
If your family offers housing, it is possible to request a reduction in the housing cost on the I-20, depending on the institution''s rules and proper documentary proof.
-
My family wants to come with me on the day of the interview. Is this allowed?
Only applicants with their own appointment have access to the interview; family members must follow consulate rules and provide their documents correctly.
-
My I-20 says I need to arrive on 08/01, but I can only arrive on 08/05. Could this cause a problem?
Small delays in the arrival date indicated on the I-20 may be accepted, provided they are communicated in advance to the institution and according to their academic and immigration rules.
-
My IELTS score has expired. Can I still use it?
If your IELTS score has expired, you generally need to retake the exam to prove the required proficiency in the F visa process for the USA.
-
My main sponsor lives in another country. Is this valid?
A main sponsor residing outside the U.S. can be valid for an F visa, provided they demonstrate financial support and present clear, reliable documentation accessible to the consular officer.
-
My mother passed away. She was my sponsor. What now?
Losing a sponsor on the F visa requires evaluating new sources of financial support and seeking specialized guidance to adjust your process according to current regulations.
-
My mother wants to be a co-sponsor together with my brother. Is that possible?
Your mother can be a co-sponsor for the F visa together with your brother, provided that both prove financial stability as required by the U.S. consulate.
-
My parents are retired. Could this make financial proof more difficult?
Parents'' retirement does not prevent financial proof for an F visa but requires detailed documentation and transparency to ensure a favorable consular review.
-
My parents will take out a loan to support me. Does it work?
Parents'' loans can finance studies in the USA if properly proven, following immigration rules and presenting clear documents to the consulate.
-
My passport is in my maiden name, but I am already married. Is this a problem?
Discrepancy between maiden name on the passport and current marital status can be resolved with official documents and transparency in the F visa process for the USA.
-
My program ends on 12/15. Can I stay until 02/15?
The F visa grants 60 days after the program ends for legal stay; exceeding this period may cause problems. Always consult specialists for legal alternatives.
-
My research is confidential. Can the consulate require details?
For the F visa, inform the consulate about the confidentiality of the research, present a support letter from the institution, and be transparent to demonstrate the legitimacy of your project.
-
My school is not on the SEVP list. Can I get an F-1?
Schools not certified by SEVP cannot issue the I-20, preventing the F-1 visa; confirm status and seek official information to avoid problems.
-
My school requires a background check. Does this affect the F-1?
The requirement of a background check by schools does not affect the F-1 visa and is an internal measure to ensure the safety of the academic community in the US.
-
My school requires a TOEFL score of 80, but I only have 75. Can I still get an F-1?
If your school requires a TOEFL score of 80 and you have 75, check options with the institution; meeting the requirements is essential to issue the I-20 and apply for the F-1 visa.
-
My school requires freshmen to live on campus. Does this affect the visa?
The requirement to live on campus does not affect the F-1 visa, which depends on the international student's fulfillment of academic and immigration obligations.
-
My school went bankrupt and closed. How much time do I have to transfer?
If your school closed, you have about 60 days to transfer your F visa to another certified institution and keep your status regular in the United States.
-
My sponsor is a recent graduate without a fixed job. Is this accepted?
A recent graduate sponsor without a fixed job may be accepted provided they present solid financial evidence to demonstrate stability and economic capacity.
-
My sponsor is my uncle. Can I use that?
It is possible to use an uncle as a sponsor for the F visa in the U.S., provided he proves income, financial stability, and family relationship according to legal requirements.