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Applying For F-1 Visa Outside the USA? Clarify Your Intent First
Avoid the “Study First, Work Later, Then Apply For US Citizenship” trap because of a misunderstanding about “single intent.”
A nonimmigrant outside of the USA applying for an F-1 student visa¹ must meet the following requirements to qualify:
(1) Acceptance at a SEVIS-school that issues Form I-20;
(2) Intent to enter the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (USA) SOLELY TO PURSUE A FULL COURSE OF STUDY at an approved institution;
(3) PRESENT INTENT TO LEAVE THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (USA) AT CONCLUSION OF APPROVED ACTIVITIES;
(4) POSSESSION OF SUFFICIENT FUNDS² to meet the individual’s financial needs; and
(5) Preparation for course of study.
If an applicant fails to meet one or more of the above criteria, the appropriate ground of refusal is Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) 214(b).
¹ F-1 student visa category is subject to residence abroad requirements. INA 101(a)(15)(F)(i) and INA 101(a)(15)(M)(i) require that an F-1 applicant POSSESS A RESIDENCE IN A FOREIGN COUNTRY THEY HAVE NO INTENTION OF ABANDONING. The US Embassy or Consulate officer must be satisfied the APPLICANT INTENDS TO DEPART UPON COMPLETION OF THE APPROVED ACTIVITY;⁵ specifically, they must:
