The F-1 student visa is a nonimmigrant visa allowing foreign students to enter the United States to attend a full course of study at colleges, universities, and academic high schools (subject to strict regulations) and institutions with language training programs.
To qualify for an F-1 visa, a student must meet the following requirements: Be proficient in English, unless you are coming to the United States to participate in an English Language training program. In some cases, the school may make special arrangements to teach you English.
- Come to the United States to study full-time in a program leading to a degree or certificate.
- Transfer to a different school or switch academic programs in the school.
- Legally work part-time (up to 20 hours per week) on school campus. You may seek off-campus employment if it is economically necessary or it involves practical training (internship).
- Bring your spouse and children to the United States on an F-2 visa.
- You may work off-campus only with prior permission from the USCIS.
- You must attend the specific school for which your visa has been approved.
- Your spouse and children (in F-2 status) may not work in the United States
Yes, you may travel back to your home country or other countries during your vacation and holiday times. When you re-enter the United States, you must have the following documents:
- A valid Form I-20 with a recent signature of your school’s Designated School Official (DSO)
- A valid Passport
- A valid F-1 visa (unless you are a Canadian citizen or you are eligible for automatic visa revalidation); and
- Proof of your financial support.
Your Form I-20 states the length of time you may stay to finish your studies. You are permitted to stay until you finish your studies.
- 12 credits for undergraduate students – ONE online course per semester
- 6 credits for graduate students – ONE online course per semester
- Summer registration is optional.
You can be away from school (out of the United States on Leave of Absence) up to
5 months and return on the same I-20.
- $37,848 for one academic year for the undergraduate program
- $25,710 for one academic year for the graduate program
- You will also pay an Escrow deposit of $2,000 when you register for classes.
This is refundable when you complete your study at WAU.
(*see WAU Bulletin 2023-2024 p. 133 for details)
Yes, it is mandatory for students on F-1 visa to have health insurance. For
additional information contact: The office of the International Program and Office
of Student Life
The Office of the International Program is located in Wilkinson Hall, Room 408
Your primary academic advisor is the faculty/Department Chair in your
department. You may also seek advice from The Betty Howard Center for Student
Success WH Room #133.
Yes. You need to contact the Betty Howard Center for Student Success in
Wilkinson Hall, Room #133 (tutoring, academic advising, internships, counseling,
learning accommodations, career services, etc.).
