Icon

F1 visa in the USA: the government restricts study abroad for holders of this type of permit

Education
Blog
Expats
USA (United States)
F1 visa in the USA: the government restricts study abroad for holders of this type of permit

The US government has reduced the permitted period of stay abroad for international students. Find out what changes expats can expect and how educational institutions have responded

Legal advice on education abroad
Legal advice on education abroad
Buy


The US immigration agency has approved new changes, according to which holders of F-1 visas, in order not to lose their student status in the country, can only participate in study programs abroad, the duration of which does not exceed five months. Previously, students were allowed to study abroad indefinitely as long as they remained enrolled at an American institution. What has changed? We tell.


The permitted duration of study abroad for F-1 visa holders has been changed


From now on, the duration of study abroad for F-1 visa holders should not exceed 5 months.

In general, the five-month absence rule has existed for a long time, but previously it was not applied to foreign students who study abroad while they are students at American universities. However, on August 27, 2024, the US administration implemented this restriction, and the changes took effect immediately. Such innovations significantly changed the lives of both students and educational institutions.


What will change for F-1 student visa holders?


Many US institutions offer study abroad programs that last more than five months. However, after the approved changes, international students holding F-1 visas can no longer take advantage of these great opportunities.

However, most education and student representatives hope the guidelines can be lifted and are calling for a grace period for students currently studying abroad to give them time to adjust their plans and ensure they don't lose their F-1 status.

The sudden nature of the changes will also affect students who are due to graduate this year and have already planned to participate in programs next semester.




You can get advice on education abroad on the Visit World portal. Our lawyers can answer all your questions about the current rules for admission to certain educational institutions, as well as help with the preparation of documents for admission and study abroad. To order a specialist consultation, follow this link.




How will the approved restrictions affect universities?


These changes will significantly affect not only students, but also university curricula. In particular, Minerva University in San Francisco is calling for changes, because the institution's program is structured in such a way that undergraduate students spend their first year in the United States, and then go to study in Asia, Europe and South America, returning to San Francisco only in the fourth year. to graduate.

Last year and this year, students went to Berlin, Buenos Aires, Hyderabad, London, Seoul and Taipei. A rotation in Tokyo was planned for 2025.

Minerva's unique pedagogic approach, based on study abroad, has resulted in the World Ranking of Innovative Universities (WURI) naming it the most innovative university in the world for three consecutive years.

However, once the changes are approved, students on F-1 visas will no longer be able to participate in these programs.

According to the new rules, this category of students will have to stay in the US for an entire academic year before going again to study abroad, the duration of which should not exceed 5 months.


What is an F-1 visa?


F-1 visa (academic student) visa that allows you to enter the United States as a full-time student to study at an accredited college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or other educational institution in the United States, or language training program.


The innovations shocked representatives of educational institutions and students. They believe that the new policy hinders global educational partnerships and the diversity of international students in the US and hope that the changes will be reconsidered.


We will remind you! The USA is the country that receives the largest number of international students every year. We have already told you how to apply for admission to US universities, what are the deadlines, and how to avoid common mistakes when filling out forms.





Ihor Usyk - head of Visit World's legal department


To simplify moving abroad, as well as facilitate the education procedure, consult a migration specialist. We help solve complex and simple issues for your comfort and safety in any corner of the world.



Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:


Checklist for obtaining a visa and necessary documents in the USA;

Legal advice on immigration to the USA;

Travel insurance for foreigners in the USA;

Medical insurance all over the world.




We monitor the accuracy and relevance of our information. Therefore, if you see any error or discrepancy, please write to our hotline

Recommended articles

2 min

Education Karta pobytu for students in Poland: what changes to expect in 2025

Karta pobytu for students in Poland: what changes to expect in 2025

Students in Poland are eligible to apply for a residence card. However, from 2025, the criteria for obtaining a residence permit will be changed. Read more about the procedure for applying for a residence card for foreign students in Poland

26 sie. 2024

More details

3 min

Education The Best Grants and Scholarships to Study Abroad: A Detailed Guide for International Students

The Best Grants and Scholarships to Study Abroad: A Detailed Guide for International Students

International students can study in different countries of the world on a free basis. Many universities abroad offer study grants to attract more students. Learn more about the best scholarship programs to study abroad

31 sie. 2024

More details

1 min

Education Scholarship for UK: how students can study for free in the UK in 2024/2025 (Chevening Scholarships)

Scholarship for UK: how students can study for free in the UK in 2024/2025 (Chevening Scholarships)

Chevening Scholarships is a prestigious program for international students in Great Britain, which allows talented students to get a free education. Find out who can apply for a scholarship and how to apply

01 wrz. 2024

More details

2 min

Education The Best Student Cities in the Netherlands in 2024: where do most foreigners study and why?

The Best Student Cities in the Netherlands in 2024: where do most foreigners study and why?

In 2024, three Dutch cities were included in the top 50 best student cities in Europe. Find out where you can get a good education in the Netherlands and which cities are considered the best for international students

07 paź. 2024

More details