Overview
Studying in the United States involves more than admission to a school — it requires obtaining and maintaining the proper student status. Most academic students hold F-1 status, which connects them to a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school and a designated school official (DSO).
Key points
Students must obtain a Form I-20 from their school, pay required fees, obtain a visa (if applying abroad), and maintain status by enrolling full-time and following program rules. Issues such as reduced course loads, program changes, transfers, and gaps in enrollment must be handled carefully to avoid losing status.
How Do Law can help
We advise students and schools on initial F-1 processing, maintaining status, transfers and program changes, reinstatement after a problem, and planning ahead for training and post-graduation options.