F1 Student Visa

What to do first

Your first steps after arriving on F1 status:

• Report to your university's International Student Office within 30 days
• Get your I-20 endorsed for travel (if planning to travel)
• Apply for Social Security Number (if eligible for on-campus employment)
• Open a US bank account
• Get a local phone number
• Understand your work authorization limits

Do's & Don'ts

Critical rules to maintain your F1 status:

• DO: Maintain full-time enrollment (12+ credits undergrad, 9+ graduate)
• DO: Keep your I-20 updated with any changes
• DO: Apply for OPT 90 days before graduation
• DON'T: Work off-campus without authorization
• DON'T: Let your I-20 expire
• DON'T: Drop below full-time without DSO approval

Red Flags / Scams

Watch out for these common scams targeting F1 students:

• Fake CPT schools offering "day-1 CPT" with no real classes
• Job offers requiring upfront payment for "processing"
• Immigration "consultants" promising guaranteed visa extensions
• Fake IRS calls demanding immediate payment
• Social Security scam calls threatening arrest

Quick Checklist

Documents to always keep handy:

• Valid passport (6+ months validity)
• Current I-20 with travel signature
• I-94 record (print from CBP website)
• University enrollment verification
• EAD card (if on OPT)

What to do first

Your first steps after arriving on F1 status: • Report to your university's International Student Office within 30 days • Get your I-20 endorsed for travel (if planning to travel) • Apply for Social Security Number (if eligible for on-campus employment) • Open a US bank account • Get a local phone number • Understand your work authorization limits

Do's & Don'ts

Critical rules to maintain your F1 status: • DO: Maintain full-time enrollment (12+ credits undergrad, 9+ graduate) • DO: Keep your I-20 updated with any changes • DO: Apply for OPT 90 days before graduation • DON'T: Work off-campus without authorization • DON'T: Let your I-20 expire • DON'T: Drop below full-time without DSO approval

Red Flags / Scams

Watch out for these common scams targeting F1 students: • Fake CPT schools offering "day-1 CPT" with no real classes • Job offers requiring upfront payment for "processing" • Immigration "consultants" promising guaranteed visa extensions • Fake IRS calls demanding immediate payment • Social Security scam calls threatening arrest

Quick Checklist

Documents to always keep handy: • Valid passport (6+ months validity) • Current I-20 with travel signature • I-94 record (print from CBP website) • University enrollment verification • EAD card (if on OPT)