Frequently asked questions
Questions about F-1 Visa
Straight answers related to this visa.
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What is the difference between “suspended” and “dismissed”?
"Suspended" indicates a temporary pause in the process, while "dismissed" means a definitive closure; both terms are essential to understand immigration processes in the USA.
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What is the difference between a ”commuter student” and a ”resident student”?
A commuter student does not reside on campus and may pay differentiated tuition; a resident student is considered local and has access to exclusive rates and services according to the institution''s rules.
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What is the difference between a “scholarship” and a “fellowship”?
Scholarships are grants focused on merit and access to education; fellowships combine financial support and professional development in advanced research, with specific differences.
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What is the difference between a “STEM major” and a non-STEM major on the F-1 visa?
The main difference between STEM and non-STEM on the F-1 visa lies in the OPT extension, which can total up to 36 months for STEM, significantly impacting career and stay in the USA.
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What is the difference between Reinstatement and Reapplication?
Reinstatement corrects the lost F status within the U.S.; reapplication is a new visa request, generally made outside the country. Knowing the differences prevents immigration problems.
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What is the difference between the ”ESL program” and the ”Pathway program”?
ESL offers intensive English instruction; Pathway integrates English and academic preparation to facilitate entry into US universities.
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What is the difference between the “International Office” and the “Admissions Office”?
The Admissions Office handles applications and selection, while the International Office supports international students with visas and cultural adaptation, ensuring academic and immigration assistance.
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What is the difference between the course start date and the reporting date?
Understand the difference between the course start date and the reporting date on the F visa, both essential to maintaining your status and complying with U.S. immigration rules.
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What is the difference between the F-1 and B-2 (tourist) visas?
The F-1 visa is for academic students, while the B-2 is for tourists; both require compliance with US immigration rules and specific activity restrictions.
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What is the difference between the F-1 and J-1 visas for exchange programs?
The F-1 visa is for academic studies in the USA, while the J-1 focuses on cultural and educational exchange, both with specific rules to be followed.
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What is the difference between visa and status?
Understand the difference between visa and status in the context of the F visa for students in the USA and the importance of complying with laws to maintain your legal condition.
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What is the difference in validity between the visa and the program?
The visa''s validity authorizes your entry into the US for years, but your stay depends on the duration of the academic program and updated status with immigration.
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What is the DS-160?
The DS-160 is a mandatory electronic form for non-immigrant visa applications to the U.S., requiring accurate information to ensure success in the process.
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What is the duration of an Associate Degree?
The Associate Degree in the US lasts about two years and is a gateway to higher education, requiring attention to F visa rules and official authorities.
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What is the duration of OPT?
OPT allows up to 12 months of practical work in the USA, with a 24-month extension for STEM courses, making it essential to follow immigration rules to maintain legality.
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What is the electronic I-94?
The electronic I-94 is the digital record that logs the entry and stay of visitors in the U.S., essential to prove immigration status and control the legal period of stay.
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What is the electronic visa update system (EVUS)?
EVUS is a U.S. electronic system that updates visa data for regular entries, reinforcing compliance with immigration rules.
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What is the F-1 visa?
The F-1 visa allows international students to study full-time in the USA, requiring proof of acceptance, financial resources, and strict compliance with immigration rules.
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What is the function of the ”DSO signature” on page 2 of the I-20?
The DSO signature on the I-20 validates the international student''s status, is essential for travel, and ensures compliance with F visa rules in the U.S.
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What is the function of the ”International Student Office”?
The International Student Office guides and supports international students in the U.S., ensuring compliance with immigration rules and facilitating academic and cultural adaptation.