Student Visa Guide | Centauri Resources

Understanding your visa status is essential for maintaining your legal presence in the United States while pursuing your education. This guide covers the most common student visa types, their requirements, and crucial rules you need to follow to remain in good standing.

F-1 vs J-1 Visas

F-1 Visa: The most common student visa for degree-seeking students at accredited institutions.

J-1 Visa: Exchange visitor visa for students in exchange programs, often with a two-year home-country requirement.

Key Document: Your I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1) is your most important document after your passport.

DSO: Your Designated School Official is your primary resource for visa questions.

Maintaining F-1 Status

Full course load: Enroll in at least 12 credits per semester (9 for graduate students)
Valid passport: Keep your passport valid at least 6 months into the future
Employment restrictions: On-campus work only during the first academic year, limited to 20 hours per week
Report changes: Notify your DSO of any address, program, or enrollment changes within 10 days
Travel signatures: Get your I-20 signed by your DSO before any international travel

Employment Options

On-campus: Up to 20 hours during school, 40 during breaks. CPT: Curricular Practical Training for internships related to your major. OPT: Optional Practical Training provides 12 months of work authorization after graduation (36 months for STEM fields). Economic hardship: Available in cases of unforeseen financial difficulty with DSO approval.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Dropping below full-time: Always consult your DSO before reducing your course load
Unauthorized employment: Working without proper authorization can result in visa termination
Expired documents: Track all document expiration dates and renew proactively
Overstaying: Understand your grace period and departure requirements

Pro Strategy: Create a folder (digital and physical) with copies of all immigration documents: passport, visa stamp, I-20/DS-2019, I-94, EAD card if applicable. Keep digital copies in cloud storage. If documents are lost or stolen, having copies dramatically speeds up replacement.