Visa Requirements

What Is an F-1 Student Visa?

The F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa issued to students who wish to pursue full-time academic or language programs at accredited institutions in the U.S., including colleges, universities, high schools, and language schools.

This visa is granted by a U.S. embassy or consulate after an in-person interview and submission of required documentation. Current F-1 visa holders may also transfer to MCC to continue their education.

What’s the Difference Between F-1 Visa and F-1 Status?

Many international students ask about the difference between an F-1 visa and F-1 status. While they sound similar, they are not the same.

The F-1 visa is a stamp in your passport issued by a U.S. embassy or consulate. It allows you to enter the United States as a full-time student. You need it for travel, but not to stay in the country. How to apply as an International Student.

Your F-1 status begins when you arrive in the U.S. and check in with your Form I-20. This status allows you to stay and study legally in the US and study at MCC or stay legally in the U.S. as long as you maintain F-1 status. As long as you remain enrolled full-time and follow all student visa rules, you will maintain your F-1 status—even if your visa expires.

If you leave the United States and want to return, you must renew your visa before re-entry. However, as long as you stay in the U.S. and maintain your F-1 status, you are legally allowed to remain in the country even if your visa has expired.

What Is an F-2 Student Visa?

The F-2 visa is available for the spouse and minor children of an F-1 student. Each dependent must receive their own I-20 form from MCC. A new I-20 will also be required if the F-1 student makes changes to their program, such as:

• Extending their program length
• Changing schools
• Switching academic majors or levels

Understanding I-20 Form

The Form I-20 (Certificate of Eligibility for Non-Immigrant Student Status) is a crucial document issued by MCC to accepted students. It contains:

• Your personal information
• MCC’s academic program details
• Estimated duration of your program
• Verified financial support information

This document is not only required to obtain your visa but also serves as proof of your legal status while studying in the U.S.

Proof of Funds

To obtain an F-1 visa, you must provide financial documents proving you have funds to study in the U.S. This is called “Proof of Funds”. This shows the U.S. government that you can cover your tuition and living expenses without working during your studies.

Financial support may be shown:

• Directly by the student
• Through a sponsor (such as a parent, guardian, or organization)

Financial support that comes from your sponsor is called the Affidavit of Support.

Original bank statements or financial guarantees must accompany the affidavit.

Original bank statements must be provided. If the original bank statement is in a language other than English, they must be accompanied by a certified translation. If you have a sponsor, the sponsor must sign an affidavit of support or form I-134 if they are a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.

Important Reminders

• Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States. If your country is on the list of countries exempt from this requirement, then your passport need only be validated for your intended stay. You can see the list of exempt countries here (open link).
• After arriving in the U.S., you must begin your studies at MCC on the start date listed on your I-20 and attend for at least one full academic term.
• Students on F-1 Visa can arrive in the United States 30 days prior to their program start. Confirm your arrival date with the college prior to purchasing your plane tickets.