An F-1 student is a nonimmigrant who is perusing a “full course of study” to achieve a specific educational objective at an academic institution in the United States that has been certified by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Once the educational objective is attained, the F-1 student is expected by the US government to return to his or her residence abroad.

A student acquires F-1 status using Form I-20 issued by a DHS approved academic institution. Status is acquired in one of two ways:

• If the student is abroad, by entering the United States with the I-20 and an F-1 visa obtained at a U.S. Consulate. See the Visa Application Page for more information.

• If the student is already in the United States and does not wish to travel abroad and re-enter in a new status, they will need to send a copy of their new Form I-20 to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) with an application for a change of nonimmigrant status.