Foreign Language Courses
Frequently Asked Questions
Applying for an F1 Visa involves extensive paperwork, which means you will need to have several completed forms and supporting documents with you at each stage of the application process. Because the documentation requirements and procedural steps can be overwhelming, many international applicants encounter difficulties along the way. To help, we’ve compiled answers to the most common questions asked by F1 Visa applicants in this article.
1. How Can I Extend My F1 VISA In my PASSPORT?
Renewing an F1 VISA in your PASSPORT must be done outside of the United States, as visas are issued only by U.S. embassies or consulates in your home country. This means that if your visa expires while you are still in the U.S., you will need to travel back to your home country to apply for renewal.
Your most important document during this process is your I-20 form. Be sure to keep it accurate and up to date - any changes in your academic or personal information must be reflected on the I-20 form. As long as your I-20 is valid and properly maintained, you may legally remain in the United States as a student, even if your PASSPORT F-1 VISA stamp has expired.
Your most important document during this process is your I-20 form. Be sure to keep it accurate and up to date - any changes in your academic or personal information must be reflected on the I-20 form. As long as your I-20 is valid and properly maintained, you may legally remain in the United States as a student, even if your PASSPORT F-1 VISA stamp has expired.
2. How Can I Maintain My F1 Visa Status? (SEVIS RECORDS)
Your SEVIS record is very important because it contains your personal information in a secure, web-based system for SEVP. It is essential to keep this record up to date to avoid potential issues with law enforcement or government officials during your stay in the U.S.
Your Designated School Official (DSO) is responsible for maintaining your SEVIS information. If you need to make any changes, you should contact your international student office immediately.
If you need to extend your I-20, be sure to do so, BEFORE IT EXPIRES, as this document becomes especially important when your F-1 visa is close to expiring. Additionally, when you begin a new educational program, after you renew/ extend your program, you will be required to obtain a new I-20 form.
Your Designated School Official (DSO) is responsible for maintaining your SEVIS information. If you need to make any changes, you should contact your international student office immediately.
If you need to extend your I-20, be sure to do so, BEFORE IT EXPIRES, as this document becomes especially important when your F-1 visa is close to expiring. Additionally, when you begin a new educational program, after you renew/ extend your program, you will be required to obtain a new I-20 form.
3. PASSPORT VALIDITY
• It is essential to keep your passport valid at all times. All foreign nationals, including F-1 visa students, must present a valid passport to enter the United States. Your passport should have at least six months of validity remaining BEYOND your intended stay. If your passport expires, only your country’s consulate or embassy can issue a renewal.
• You must also keep your I-94 card with you at all times. In the event of a law enforcement check, you may be required to prove your lawful status in the U.S. Therefore, carrying both your passport and I-94 ensures you have the necessary documentation to confirm your legal residence.
• You must also keep your I-94 card with you at all times. In the event of a law enforcement check, you may be required to prove your lawful status in the U.S. Therefore, carrying both your passport and I-94 ensures you have the necessary documentation to confirm your legal residence.
4. WORK PERMISSIONS
$The Department of Homeland Security has the full responsiblity for administration of Student and Exchange Visitor Program. You will need approval from both DHS and your international student office if you want to work off-campus. Working off-campus without any approval is a serious violation. All F1 visa students have right to work part-time on-campus after they complete an I-9 form.
5. DSO CONSULTANCY
Designated school officials (DSO) are your best source of information if you want to participate in certain activities or event applications. Every SEVP-certificied school has to have DSOs to solve any problems of F1 visa students and communicate with SEVP upon student-related issues. F1 visa student employment in the U.S. and obtaning driver’s license are the most common benefits among F1 visa students. There are some other things that you may benefit when you consult to your DSO. These can be listed as follows:
- Working in the U.S.
- Driver’s license application
- Travelling outside of the country
- Address change
- Vacations
- Social security number application
- Absency from classes
- Name changes
- School changes
- Major or program changes
It is for your own best to meet your DSO after your arrival in the U.S. They have all the information upon the legal requirements you have during your stay in the U.S. Consulting your DSO for important issues could also affect your U.S. stay maintenance.
- Working in the U.S.
- Driver’s license application
- Travelling outside of the country
- Address change
- Vacations
- Social security number application
- Absency from classes
- Name changes
- School changes
- Major or program changes
It is for your own best to meet your DSO after your arrival in the U.S. They have all the information upon the legal requirements you have during your stay in the U.S. Consulting your DSO for important issues could also affect your U.S. stay maintenance.
6. Can I Take My Dependents with me?
If you already hold a valid F-1 visa, your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 may apply for an F-2 visa. The F-2 is a dependent visa with certain restrictions. F-2 visa holders are not permitted to work in the United States, including part-time employment. They are considered financially supported by their F-1 family member under U.S. immigration regulations.
F-2 visa holders are not eligible to enroll in degree-seeking programs at schools, but they may take courses at non-academic or hobby-related schools. However, children holding F-2 visas may attend elementary and secondary schools if they meet the age requirements.
F-2 visa holders are not eligible to enroll in degree-seeking programs at schools, but they may take courses at non-academic or hobby-related schools. However, children holding F-2 visas may attend elementary and secondary schools if they meet the age requirements.
7.How Can F-1 Students Get A Driver's License?
Visitors to New York - including F-1 students, may drive in New York with a valid driver’s license from their home country, accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued in that country. This is permitted for as long as they maintain non-resident status and hold a valid I-20 - there is no fixed time limit.
Visitors to New Jersey - including F1 students, are allowed to drive with a valid foreign driver’s license for up to one year, provided it’s accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued in your home country.
You MUST wait at least 10 days after arriving in the U.S. before submitting your application for a drivers license . This waiting period allows your Form I-94 information to be properly updated in all government systems.
Visitors to New Jersey - including F1 students, are allowed to drive with a valid foreign driver’s license for up to one year, provided it’s accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued in your home country.
You MUST wait at least 10 days after arriving in the U.S. before submitting your application for a drivers license . This waiting period allows your Form I-94 information to be properly updated in all government systems.
8. All Documents Needed for F-1 Student Driver’s Licence Application
If you’re an F-1 student in New Jersey:
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) uses a 6-Point ID Verification System, which requires you to present documents that total at least six points. For F-1 students, the typical documents include: • Valid passport (primary ID, usually worth 4 points)
• Signed Form I-20 confirming current F-1 student status
• I-94 record (MOST RECENT printout from CBP website)
• Two proofs of New Jersey address (e.g., lease, utility bill, bank statement, or credit card bill)
• Student ID (usually worth 2 points) plus proof of enrollment (such as an acceptance letter or transcript). You may also bring your foreign driver’s license with an International Driving Permit (IDP) & a bank card.
• Social Security status document: since F-1 students are not eligible for a Social Security Number (since not authorized to work), you’ll need to provide a letter of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration (SSA).
• Health insurance documentation (optional but often accepted as supporting ID).
Step 1: Schedule Your NJ MVC Appointment
• Appointments are required at NJ MVC licensing offices and open daily, so check the website frequently.
• Bring all required documents to your appointment.
• Complete Form BA-412C (Auto Permit Application).
• Pass both a vision test and a written knowledge test (~50 questions; passing score is 80%).
• Pay the necessary fees for the permit, plus photo and application fees.
Step 2: NJ Learner’s Permit Requirements
• Under 21 years old: At least 6 months of supervised driving (50 total hours, including 10 hours at night) with a supervising driver who is at least 21 and has held a license for 3 years.
• 21 years or older: At least 3 months of supervised driving.
Step 3: NJ Road Test and License Issuance
• Once eligible, schedule and take the road test at an MVC testing site.
• If you pass, you’ll be given a temporary paper license immediately.
• Your official license card will arrive by mail within 1–2 weeks.
If you’re an F-1 student in New York:
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires F-1 students to provide the following when applying for a driver’s license:
• Valid passport with visa, most recent I-94 record, most recent active/continued attendance I-20, student ID with proof of enrollment (acceptance letter or transcript). You may also bring a foreign driver’s license with an International Driving Permit (IDP) and a bank card.
• 2 Proofs of New York residency: such as a lease, utility bill, bank statement.
• Social Security status document: since F-1 students are not eligible for a Social Security Number (since not authorized to work), you’ll need to provide a letter of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration (SSA).
NY Steps to Obtain a Driver’s License
1. Complete Form MV-44 (Application for Permit, Driver License, or Non-Driver ID).
2. Pass the written knowledge test (traffic laws and road signs).
3. Pass a vision test (done at the DMV or with a doctor’s certificate).
4. Pay the required fees.
NY Next Steps
• Complete the 5-Hour Pre-Licensing Course (MV-278), offered by driving schools.
• Schedule a road test through the DMV (wait times in NYC can be long, so book early).
• On the day of the road test, bring:
• Your learner permit
• Your 5-hour course certificate (MV-278)
• A properly insured and registered vehicle
If you pass:
• You’ll receive a temporary paper license immediately.
• Your official plastic license card will arrive by mail within 1–2 weeks.
The New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission (MVC) uses a 6-Point ID Verification System, which requires you to present documents that total at least six points. For F-1 students, the typical documents include: • Valid passport (primary ID, usually worth 4 points)
• Signed Form I-20 confirming current F-1 student status
• I-94 record (MOST RECENT printout from CBP website)
• Two proofs of New Jersey address (e.g., lease, utility bill, bank statement, or credit card bill)
• Student ID (usually worth 2 points) plus proof of enrollment (such as an acceptance letter or transcript). You may also bring your foreign driver’s license with an International Driving Permit (IDP) & a bank card.
• Social Security status document: since F-1 students are not eligible for a Social Security Number (since not authorized to work), you’ll need to provide a letter of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration (SSA).
• Health insurance documentation (optional but often accepted as supporting ID).
Step 1: Schedule Your NJ MVC Appointment
• Appointments are required at NJ MVC licensing offices and open daily, so check the website frequently.
• Bring all required documents to your appointment.
• Complete Form BA-412C (Auto Permit Application).
• Pass both a vision test and a written knowledge test (~50 questions; passing score is 80%).
• Pay the necessary fees for the permit, plus photo and application fees.
Step 2: NJ Learner’s Permit Requirements
• Under 21 years old: At least 6 months of supervised driving (50 total hours, including 10 hours at night) with a supervising driver who is at least 21 and has held a license for 3 years.
• 21 years or older: At least 3 months of supervised driving.
Step 3: NJ Road Test and License Issuance
• Once eligible, schedule and take the road test at an MVC testing site.
• If you pass, you’ll be given a temporary paper license immediately.
• Your official license card will arrive by mail within 1–2 weeks.
If you’re an F-1 student in New York:
The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires F-1 students to provide the following when applying for a driver’s license:
• Valid passport with visa, most recent I-94 record, most recent active/continued attendance I-20, student ID with proof of enrollment (acceptance letter or transcript). You may also bring a foreign driver’s license with an International Driving Permit (IDP) and a bank card.
• 2 Proofs of New York residency: such as a lease, utility bill, bank statement.
• Social Security status document: since F-1 students are not eligible for a Social Security Number (since not authorized to work), you’ll need to provide a letter of ineligibility from the Social Security Administration (SSA).
NY Steps to Obtain a Driver’s License
1. Complete Form MV-44 (Application for Permit, Driver License, or Non-Driver ID).
2. Pass the written knowledge test (traffic laws and road signs).
3. Pass a vision test (done at the DMV or with a doctor’s certificate).
4. Pay the required fees.
NY Next Steps
• Complete the 5-Hour Pre-Licensing Course (MV-278), offered by driving schools.
• Schedule a road test through the DMV (wait times in NYC can be long, so book early).
• On the day of the road test, bring:
• Your learner permit
• Your 5-hour course certificate (MV-278)
• A properly insured and registered vehicle
If you pass:
• You’ll receive a temporary paper license immediately.
• Your official plastic license card will arrive by mail within 1–2 weeks.
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