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Florida remains one of the top destinations for international students pursuing higher education in the United States. However, securing and maintaining the proper visa is often complex and time-sensitive. A Tampa student visa lawyer at Brown Immigration Law can help you navigate every step, ensuring compliance with U.S. immigration law and minimizing risk to your academic future.
With years of experience assisting international students, our attorneys provide hands-on guidance to ensure your application is accurate, complete, and strategically prepared.
What Is a Student Visa?
Student visas allow international students to live, study, and potentially even work while in the United States. There are three categories:
- F-1 Academic Visa. For students attending academic institutions like the University of South Florida (USF) or University of Tampa (UT). You must be enrolled full-time at a USCIS-approved, accredited institution. The F-1 visa is the most common for college and university students.
- J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa. For students, scholars, researchers, and professionals participating in U.S. government-approved exchange programs. This visa is typically limited in duration and includes a 30-day grace period post-program.
- M-1 Vocational Visa. For students pursuing vocational or non-academic studies at certified institutions. These programs do not include language training. M1 visa programs in Tampa, FL include Southern Technical College, Global Pilot Academy, and Summit Salon Academy.
Florida is very popular with international students. In fact, the state is ranked 7th in the US for overall international student enrollment and hosts around 45,000 international students per academic year, according to the State Department. In Tampa, USF has the highest number of international students, with around 7,000 F1 visa holders enrolled.
Who Can Apply for a Student Visa in Tampa?
You might be eligible to apply for an F1 or M1 international student visa in Tampa, FL if:
- Be accepted to a SEVP-certified institution.
- Enroll full-time in an eligible program.
- Demonstrate English proficiency (or be enrolled in ESL coursework).
- Hold a valid passport that extends at least six months beyond the program end date.
- Show proof of non-immigrant intent—i.e., you plan to return home after your studies.
- Provide financial proof of ability to pay tuition, living expenses, and other costs.
- Pay applicable fees and attend a consulate visa interview (if outside of the U.S.)
For J1 visas, the following are also required to qualify:
- You are sponsored by a US organization that has an approved international exchange program.
- You have valid health insurance for the duration of your stay.
- You have at least 50% of your funding for your tuition, housing, and expenses come from non-personal and non-family resources, for example professional stipends or financing.
How Our Tampa Student Visa Lawyers Can Help
Brown Immigration Law offers comprehensive support for student visa holders and applicants, including:
- Application Review & Filing – Ensuring your forms and documents are accurate and complete.
- Change of Status – Transitioning from one visa type to another (e.g., B-2 to F-1, or J-1 to F-1).
- Interview Preparation – One-on-one prep for your consulate interview.
- Transfers & SEVIS Updates – Helping you maintain status during school or program changes.
- Reinstatement Support – If you fall out of status, we can assist with filing for reinstatement.
- CPT/OPT Work Authorization – Advising on internships, training, and work options while on F-1 status.
- STEM OPT Extension – Assistance with 24-month extensions for eligible STEM graduates.
- F-2 Dependent Visas – Helping spouses or children of F-1 visa holders join them in the U.S.
- Post-Graduation Immigration Strategy: Counseling on transitioning to H-1B employment, pursuing permanent residency, or exploring other long-term immigration options after completing your studies.
Visa Challenges for Foreign Students Studying in or Near Tampa
Recent years have brought new challenges for foreign students studying in Florida. Brown Immigration Law may be able to provide assistance if you are facing any of the following:
Denial of Visa Application
One of the main reasons why foreign students see their F1, J1 or M1 visas denied is because they were suspected of having “immigrant intent.” USCIS screens student applicants for their ties to their home country. You must be able to demonstrate that you do not plan on remaining in the US after your degree has been completed – even if you hope to apply for jobs after graduation here. A student who is unable to demonstrate sufficient ties to their home country can be rejected by USCIS for a student visa. Our Tampa immigration attorneys may be able to help you prove that you have family, property, or a business back in your home country that can help you prove “non-immigrant intent” for USCIS purposes.
Status Violations
Changes to your status can affect your visa. For instance, issues within your degree-granting program, like failing to attend classes or accusations of plagiarism may reverberate when it comes to your student visa. Additionally, if you or your family is no longer able to afford your tuition and expenses while in the US, you may no longer meet the qualifications for an F1, M1 or J1 visa.
Loss of SEVP Certification
If your school loses its SEVP certification, there may be consequences for international students currently enrolled there for a degree. The Student and Exchange Visitor Program administers certifications for universities federally. SEVP is a branch of the US Immigration Customs and Enforcement.
If a school loses its SEVP certification, there may be help available for international students so you do not also have to cut your studies short as well. Contact a Tampa student immigration attorney immediately for help in this case, as there is a limited window of time (30 days) for action.
Do You Have a Student Visa Lawyer Near Me?
Brown Immigration Law’s Tampa office is located at 400 N. Ashley, Suite #1900, at the start of the Tampa Riverwalk off W. Kennedy Blvd. We have a parking garage on the other side of the building, and a bus stop nearby. We maintain additional offices in Orlando, Durham, NC, Columbus, OH, and Cleveland, OH for your convenience.
Contact a Tampa Student Visa Attorney at Brown Immigration Law
Brown Immigration Law offers experienced, practical guidance for students who need help with visa questions. Our firm is based in Florida, North Carolina and Ohio to meet the needs of international students in multiple locations. If you need help, don’t wait to reach out to one of our student visa lawyers. Contact us today.
