F-1 Visa Frequently Asked Questions

I Applying for Your Student Visa

  1. What is an F-1 student visa?
  2. What documents do I need to apply for an F-1 visa?
  3. What is Form I-20?
  4. What is Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)?
  5. Who pays the SEVIS fee?
  6. When do I pay the SEVIS fee?
  7. How do I prepare for the visa interview?
  8. Can I take courses at UC Berkeley Extension on a B1/B2 tourist visa?

II Preparing for Your Trip to the United States

  1. When should I arrive in the U.S.?
  2. What documents do I need when I arrive in the U.S.?
  3. What documents do I need for my orientation session at UC Berkeley Extension?
  4. Maintaining your status
  5. What is full-time status?
  6. Can a dependent F-2 spouse or child work or study in the U.S.?
  7. Can I change status?
  8. What is special registration?
  9. Visa Waiver Program (VWP)
  10. Differences between a B-2 (tourist) visa and the WT visa waiver
  11. Can I stay in the U.S. if my student visa has expired?
  12. Do I need to renew my visa if I transfer from another school?
  13. Duration of Status (D/S)
  14. Can I stay in the U.S. past the 60-day grace period?

III Transferring Schools

  1. Transferring from another U.S. school to UC Berkeley Extension
  2. Transferring from UC Berkeley Extension to another U.S. school

IV Travel Outside the U.S.

  1. Can I travel overseas during my course of study?
  2. What are the requirements to reenter the U.S. after traveling abroad for pleasure or personal business?
  3. What if I have an expired passport or one that will expire in less than six months?
  4. Can I renew my visa outside the U.S. in a country other than my home country?
  5. Can I go to Canada or Mexico and apply for a new visa?
  6. What is automatic visa revalidation?
  7. What documents do the spouse and minor children of a continuing F-1 student need to enter the U.S.?
  8. As a continuing student, will I need to pay the SEVIS I-901 fee if I travel outside the U.S.?
  9. I wish to travel to Canada, Mexico, or one of the islands (other than Cuba) adjacent to the U.S. Can I return if my visa is expired?
  10. Which islands are defined as "adjacent islands"?
  11. Do I need a valid visa to visit Puerto Rico or the U.S. Virgin Islands?
  12. How do I know if I have a terminated record in SEVIS?
  13. Can I reestablish F-1 student status by obtaining a new initial Form I-20 and reentering the U.S.?

V Work Authorization Rules for F-1 Students

  1. On-Campus Employment
  2. Economic Hardship
  3. What is Optional Practical Training (OPT)?
  4. Can I extend my OPT?
  5. Reduced Course Load (RCL)
  6. Program Extension

VI Additional Information

  1. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (U.S. CIS)
  2. I have visa questions that are not answered here. What should I do?