Guides for every step of the F-1 journey
Plain-language guides for international students and their families.
Academic consulting, not legal advice. Immigration legal work is done by our partner law firm.
F-1 Visa Requirements: The Complete 2026 Checklist
The F-1 visa requirements, step by step and in the right order, from your school acceptance and Form I-20 to the consulate interview. Plain English, official sources.
OPT for F-1 Students: Timeline, STEM Extension and Common Mistakes
A plain-English guide to OPT for F-1 students: eligibility, the filing window, the STEM extension and the mistakes that cost students their work authorization.
CPT for F-1 Students: Rules, Eligibility and Day 1 CPT
CPT lets F-1 students gain real work experience as part of their program. Here is how curricular practical training works, who is eligible, and what to know before choosing a Day 1 CPT school.
Can You Work on an F-1 Visa? What Is Allowed and What Is Not
Yes, F-1 students can work, but only in specific, authorized ways. Here is what is allowed, what needs permission first, and what can cost you your status.
Life as an F-1 Student in the U.S.: What Nobody Tells You
The rules, the rent and the loneliness nobody mentions. An honest guide to daily life on an F-1 student visa, from your first week to the day you finish.