• If the applicant is presently in the United States, in status, VisaNow.com^® can submit the application here in the U.S.
• If the applicant is residing outside of the United States, the applicant submits Form DS-156 to the U.S. Consular office where he/she resides.

1. They have been accepted by an approved school in the United States, as evidenced by the certificate of eligibility (Form I-20A-B), signed by the applicant;
2. Possess sufficient funds or have made other arrangements to cover expenses;
3. Have sufficient scholastic preparation and knowledge of the English language to pursue a full course of study, or if the student's knowledge of English is inadequate, the approved school has accepted him or her for a study in a language with which the student is familiar, or has made special tutoring arrangements that are adequate to enable the student to pursue a full course of study.

• Postgraduate study or postdoctoral study or research at a college or university, or undergraduate or postgraduate study at a conservatory or religious seminary, certified by a designated school official as a full course of study.
• Undergraduate study at a college or university, certified by a designated school official to consist of at least 12 semester or quarter hours of instruction per academic term, except when the student needs a lesser course load to complete the course of study during the current term.
• Study for at least 12 hours weekly, or its equivalent, in a postsecondary language, liberal arts, fine arts, or other nonvocational training program, certified by a designated school official to consist of at least 18 hours of
  classroom attendance a week if the dominant feature of the course is classroom attendance, and 22 hours weekly if the dominant feature is laboratory work.
• Study in a primary or secondary school for not less than the minimum number hours prescribed by the school for normal progress towards graduation.

• On-campus employment  An F-1 student may engage in on-campus employment without obtaining specific permission from the USCIS if the student is engaged in a full course of study and the employment will not displace a U.S. resident based on the following guidelines:

1. The on-campus employment must be performed on the school's premises or at an off-campus location affiliated with the school and is an integral part of the school's educational program;
2. The on-campus employment must not exceed 20 hours a week while school is in session and full time when school is not in session as long as the student maintains status; and
3. Authorization for employment may continue for the duration of the student's F-1 status.

• Pilot program employment  To be eligible for this program, an F-1 student must:

1. Be in good academic standing;
2. Have been an F-1 status for one academic year; and
3. Demonstrate that accepting employment will not interfere
   with her or his ability to carry a full course of study.

• Off-campus employment due to severe economic hardship   An F-1 student may be authorized for off-campus employment based on severe economic hardship under the following conditions:

1. The student must be in good academic standing for at least one academic year and must be carrying a full course of study.
2. The student cannot work more than 20 hours a week when school is in session, but can work full time during holidays or school vacations.
3. Cases which would be considered include:
• Loss of financial aid;
• Loss of on-campus employment;
• Substantial fluctuations in the value of currency or exchange rate;
• Inordinate increases in tuition and/or living costs;
• Unexpected changes in the financial condition of the student's source of support, medical bills, or other unexpected and substantial expenses.

• International organization internships  An F-1 student may request employment authorization as an Intern with an International Organization.

• Curricular practical training  Programs that are an integral part of an established curriculum. The training must be either:
  • An alternate work-study;
  • An internship;
  • Cooperative education, or
  • Any other type of required internship or practicum that is offered by a sponsoring employer through a cooperative agreement with the school.

A F-1 student must satisfy two general qualifications for curricular practical training:

1. Lawful enrollment on a full-time basis in a Service approved college, university, conservatory, or seminary for at least nine consecutive months; and
2. Request for authorization for practical training in a position that is directly related to the student's major field of study.

• Optional practical training This type of training refers to practical training in two time periods

1. Before the completion of the student's course of study; and
2. After completion of degree requirements or the course of study.

• During vacation periods when the school is not in session if the student is currently enrolled, and intends to register for the next term or session;
• While school is in session, provided that practical training does not exceed 20 hours a week;
• After completion of all requirements for the degree;
• After completion of the course of study (within 14 months).