Benefits of Studying in the U.S. as an F-1 Student

Studying in the United States as an international student can be an incredibly enriching and life-changing experience. The F-1 status, specifically designed for academic purposes, allows individuals from around the world to stay in the U.S. to pursue their educational goals. In this blog, we will highlight the numerous benefits that F-1 students enjoy while studying.

F-1 students have the opportunity to work on campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during official school breaks. This benefit allows students to gain valuable work experience, develop new skills, and earn income to support their studies and living expenses.

F-1 students are granted Duration of Status (D/S), which means their stay in the U.S. is not limited to a fixed end date as long as they maintain their status and make satisfactory academic progress. This flexibility provides peace of mind and allows students to fully immerse themselves in their studies without the worry of constantly renewing their visas.

Depending on the school and its programs, F-1 students may also be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) during their academic program. CPT allows students to engage in internships or cooperative education programs that are an integral part of their curriculum. This enables them to gain practical experience and earn academic credits simultaneously. After the school approves the CPT requests, students are eligible to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN).

F-1 students can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after completing their academic program. OPT allows students to work in their field of study for up to 12 months, providing invaluable hands-on experience and the opportunity to apply their classroom knowledge in real-world settings. For students in certain STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, an additional 24-month extension is available. After USCIS approves the OPT requests, students are eligible to apply for a Social Security Number (SSN).

F-1 students are eligible to obtain a driver’s license with or without a Social Security Number (SSN). In place of SSN, students may present to DMV their I-20 and a letter from the Designated School Official (DSO) confirming their full-time status. Students must ensure that their I-20 is valid for at least 6 months. Note that the driver’s license cannot be used as an ID without an SSN.

With a bank account, students are able to manage their finances in a secure way. Same as applying for a Driver’s License, students need to bring their I-20 and a letter from the DSO to a bank location in person. Depending on the bank, there may require additional documents.

Renting an apartment off-campus offers the freedom to establish a comfortable living space during their studies. Presenting the I-20 to the landlord, students are eligible to sign a lease without an SSN.

For non-immigrant visa holders who aspire to study in the U.S., Welbright Consulting is here to assist and guide you through the process of changing your non-immigrant status to F-1. With a track record of 100% success, we have helped numerous individuals, including B-2 tourists, J-1 Au Pairs, J-1 Summer Work Travel participants, and more, to achieve their dreams of studying in the United States. Our team of experienced professionals ensures a seamless transition, providing expert advice, personalized assistance, and thorough support to navigate complex immigration procedures.