Admission Information
Immigration Information
Select a visa type below to learn more.
F-1 Student Visa – I-20
The F-1 is the most commonly used student visa. To obtain it, students must:
- Have a valid educational purpose for coming to the United States
- Be a full-time student, AND
- Provide proof of their ability to fund their education
When a student is admitted to a USF program, they are contacted by USF International Services, who asks them to provide their passport and financial documentation.
The student is issued an I-20, which they use to obtain the F-1 visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The spouse and/or children of an F-1 student enter the U.S. on F-2 visas and are not eligible to work in the U.S.
Transferring F-1 Status From Another U.S. Institution:
F-1 students who are already attending a school in the U.S. may transfer their immigration status to USF if they:
- Are admitted into a USF program
- Provide proof of financial support, AND
- Have continuously maintained immigration status while in the U.S.
Students must enroll in courses at USF within 5 months of the last date of attendance at the previous school or the end date of OPT.
After the student is admitted to USF and receives their official offer letter, they must ask their current institution to transfer their SEVIS record to USF. USF International Services will produce the USF I-20 once the student provides the necessary financial documentation. Students must have a USF I-20 to enroll in a degree seeking program.
Changing to F-1 From Another Non-Immigrant Visa:
Students who are in the U.S. using a non-immigrant visa other than F-1 may choose to change their status to F-1 prior to beginning their USF academic program. This may be accomplished either by traveling outside the U.S. or by applying to USCIS for a change of status.
After the student is admitted to a degree seeking program, they should contact USF International Services to discuss their eligibility to change status and the correct procedure to follow. Advisors are available during advising hours.
J-1 Student Visa – DS-2019
The J-1 visa is an "exchange visitor" visa, which is managed under the auspices of the Exchange Visitor Program of the U.S. Department of State. The J-1 visa is used primarily by exchange students (non-degree seeking) and students sponsored by United States government agencies.
- Students who meet the criteria for the J-1 visa will be issued a DS-2019 by USF or by a U.S. government agency (IIE, OAS, etc.).
- The spouse or children of a J-1 student enter the U.S. on a J-2 visa.
- Spouses in J-2 status may apply to USCIS for permission to work after their arrival in the U.S. Spouses and children may also attend school.
After being admitted, students will be contacted by USF International Services and asked to provide the necessary documentation.
Other Visa Types (Non F-1 Visa Holders)
Students who do not hold an F-1 (student) visa status may study at USF if their current visa status permits studying in a degree seeking program. Please note that individuals in B1/B2 (visitor) status are PROHIBITED from studying in a degree seeking program.
Students admitted to USF degree and non-degree programs will be contacted by USF International Services and asked to provide proof of their current immigration status in the U.S.
F-2 visa holders may attend school on a part-time basis only.
For information about non-immigrant visas, go to the website.