F-1

The F-1 is the standard student visa for international students attending accredited US colleges and universities. But it's much more than just a study permit, the F-1's real power lies in the work opportunities it unlocks after graduation.

Every F-1 student is eligible for 12 months of Optional Practical Training (OPT), which lets you work full-time in a job directly related to your field of study. If your degree is in a STEM field (science, technology, engineering, or mathematics), you qualify for an additional 24-month STEM OPT extension, giving you up to 3 years of work authorisation.

This makes the F-1 + OPT pathway one of the most common launchpads for international talent in the US. Many founders and professionals use STEM OPT as a bridge while applying for the H-1B lottery or building their profile for an O-1A visa. The F-1 also allows Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for internships and co-ops during your studies.

The F-1 is for anyone enrolling in a full-time degree programme at a SEVP-certified US institution. This includes bachelor's, master's, and doctoral students across all fields. If you're considering a US degree and want to work in America afterward, the F-1 is your entry point.

It's especially valuable for STEM students, who get up to 3 years of post-graduation work. For aspiring founders, the F-1/OPT period is often when you build the track record that qualifies you for an O-1A or EB-1A later. Many successful startup founders started their US journey on an F-1.