Raleigh-Durham F-1 Visa Attorneys

Legal Support for the F-1 Student Visa Process

Studying in the U.S. is an exciting opportunity, but the process of applying for and obtaining a valid F-1 student visa can be challenging.

At Brown Immigration Law, our attorneys leverage over seven decades of experience to help students, administrators, and educational institutions make sense of the student visa immigration system. From determining eligibility and gathering documentation to completing legal work and resolving any challenges, our custom-tailored services help students efficiently navigate the visa process so they can begin their studies.

Our Raleigh-Durham student visa lawyers serve clients across North Carolina and beyond. Call (919) 626-3965 or contact us online for an initial consultation.

What Is an F-1 visa?

An F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to pursue academic studies in the United States at accredited universities, colleges, seminaries, conservatories, high schools, or language training programs. This visa category is specifically designed for individuals who wish to enroll in a full course of study and eventually return to their home country upon completion of their program.

At Brown Immigration Law, we’ve helped countless international students obtain F-1 visas to study at various educational institutions. This includes Duke University, North Carolina State University at Raleigh, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which are close to the growing Research Triangle Park tech sector here in Raleigh-Durham. 

F-1 Visa Requirements

To qualify for an F-1 visa, applicants must meet several requirements, including:

1. Acceptance by a SEVIS-approved institution: Prospective students must first be accepted into a Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)-approved educational institution in the United States.
2. Proof of financial support: Applicants must demonstrate that they have sufficient funds to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other related costs for the duration of their academic program.
3. Intent to return home: F-1 visa applicants must prove that they have a residence in their home country that they do not intend to abandon. This is to ensure that they will return home upon completion of their studies.
4. Non-immigrant intent: Applicants must demonstrate that they have no intention of immigrating to the United States and that their sole purpose for entering the country is to pursue a course of study.

Documents Needed for an F-1 Visa

When applying for an F-1 visa, you will need to provide various documents, including:

1. Form DS-160: Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application.
2. SEVIS Form I-20: Provided by the institution where you have been accepted for enrollment.
3. Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States.
4. Proof of financial support: Bank statements, scholarship letters, or affidavits of support.
5. Visa application fee payment receipt.
6. Passport-sized photograph.
7. Additional documents as requested by the U.S. consulate or embassy.

The F-1 Student Visa Process

The process of obtaining an F-1 visa typically involves the following steps:

1. Obtain acceptance from a SEVIS-approved institution. The first step in obtaining an F-1 visa is to secure admission to an approved educational institution. This typically involves applying directly to the institution and following their admissions guidelines. 
2. Pay the SEVIS fee. After being accepted, you will be issued a Form I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. With this form, you must pay the SEVIS fee online through the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System website. 
3. Complete the DS-160 online visa application. Once the SEVIS fee is paid, you will need to complete the DS-160 form online. This form collects biographical information such as your name, date, and place of birth, passport information, and details about your intended stay in the U.S. Be sure to complete the form accurately and truthfully, as any discrepancies could lead to delays or denial of your visa application.
4. Schedule and attend a visa interview: After completing Form DS-160, you will need to schedule a visa interview at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Visa interview wait times can vary depending on the location and time of year, so it's advisable to schedule your appointment well in advance of your intended start date. 
5. Provide required documents and attend the interview. On the day of your visa interview, bring all required documents, including your passport, Form I-20, DS-160 confirmation page, SEVIS fee payment receipt, financial documentation, and any other supporting materials requested by the embassy or consulate. During the interview, a consular officer will review the documents and ask questions about your academic plans, financial resources, and ties to your home country.
6. Await visa approval. The consular officer will make a decision on your visa application after your interview. If approved, your passport will be returned to you with the F-1 visa affixed to one of its pages. If your visa application is denied, the consular officer will provide you with a reason for the denial, and you may have the opportunity to reapply in the future.

How Long Will it Take to Get an F-1 Visa?

The processing time for an F-1 visa can vary depending on factors such as the workload of the U.S. embassy or consulate where you apply and the time of year. 

Because schools typically have firm start dates, it is advisable to apply for your visa well in advance of your intended travel date to accommodate for processing times that can range from a few weeks to several months.

Do I Need a Lawyer for an F-1 Visa?

While it is possible to apply for an F-1 visa without legal representation, having an experienced immigration attorney can greatly simplify the process and ensure you take the correct steps. At Brown Immigration Law, we’re committed to guiding visa applicants step by step through the immigration process and positioning them for positive outcomes. 

Need Help With a Student Visa in Raleigh-Durham? Brown Immigration Law Can Help.

Brown Immigration Law is trusted by clients throughout North Carolina and the nation to handle all types of immigration matters, including student visa applications. If you have questions about applying for an F-1 visa and how our award-winning team can make the process less confusing, don’t hesitate to reach out to our firm.

Contact us online or call (919) 626-3965 to schedule a consultation with one of our Raleigh-Durham F-1 visa attorneys.