Study in the States
The Department of Homeland Security's official guide for F and M students: the I-20, the SEVIS fee, maintaining status, on-campus work, CPT, OPT and STEM OPT. It also explains the 2026 rule that replaced duration of status for new students.
Guide
Career Growth
US Department of Homeland Security
Self paced
All
Free
What it is
Study in the States is run by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program at the US Department of Homeland Security. It explains, for students, the rules that govern F-1 and M-1 status from before arrival until after graduation, and it publishes news when the rules change.
What it covers
- The I-20, the form your school issues, and the SEVIS I-901 fee you pay before the visa. As of 2026-09 the fee is 350 US dollars for F and M students.
- Arrival, maintaining status, transfers and travel.
- Working: on-campus work limited to 20 hours a week while school is in session, Curricular Practical Training, Optional Practical Training of up to 12 months, and the 24-month STEM OPT extension for eligible STEM graduates.
- The role of the designated school official at your university.
The 2026 change
DHS published a final rule in July 2026, effective 15 September 2026, that ends admission for "duration of status" for new F students. As of 2026-09 the Study in the States quick facts say new students are admitted for the programme length on the I-20, up to four years, plus 30 days for arrival and 30 days for departure, and that students who need more time, including for OPT or STEM OPT beyond that period, apply to USCIS for an extension of stay. Students already in the United States under duration of status have transition rules. Read the official quick facts for your case.
How to use it well
- Read the "prepare" pages before your visa interview.
- Read the working pages before accepting any job or internship.
- Keep your designated school official informed and ask them before acting on anything unclear.
- Check the news pages when you hear of a rule change, rather than relying on social media.
Is it worth it?
Yes. It is the primary official source for student status rules. Limits: visa issuance is handled by the State Department at travel.state.gov, and OPT applications are decided by USCIS, so you need those sites too.
Free or paid
Free.
Common questions
Can I work off campus as an F-1 student? Only with specific authorisation such as CPT or OPT, or in limited special cases. Read the working pages and ask your school.
Where do I pay the SEVIS fee? Through the official payment site linked from Study in the States. Never pay through a third party.
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