Visa approved — what do I do next?
Approval is the start of the arrival stage, not the end of the paperwork. Keep your documents in order, plan around your program start date, and follow your school's instructions for arrival and enrollment.
My visa is approved — what happens next, step by step?
A dedicated after-approval guide — entry, status, and practical first steps — is in preparation.
When can I enter the United States, and what should I carry?
Entry timing follows official rules and your program start date, and your passport and Form I-20 are the documents to keep accessible when you travel. Covered in the after-approval guide, in preparation.
How should I plan my timeline around my school start date?
Work backwards from your program start date, and coordinate any change of plans with your designated school official. A step-by-step timeline guide is in preparation.
How does OPT work after I complete my degree?
Eligible students may apply for up to 12 months of post-completion OPT, and a qualifying STEM degree may support a further 24-month STEM OPT extension. Read the STEM vs non-STEM guide
Official sources
Guides on this page are verified against official sources before publication. Official starting point: U.S. Department of State — Student Visa.
General educational information, not individualized legal or financial advice. Follow official instructions and consult your designated school official (DSO) or a qualified U.S. immigration attorney for case-specific questions.
General information based on official sources — not a confirmation for your case. Always check the linked official page. Full disclaimer in our guides
Fresh in this section
NEW After F-1 Visa Approval: Entry, Status and Practical Training
F-1 approved — now what? Collecting your passport, the 30-day entry rule, arriving in status, reporting to your DSO, and how OPT fits after your degree.
NEW F-1 Arrival in the USA: Customs and Immigration Checklist
Landing in the USA on an F-1 visa: what to carry in hand luggage, what immigration officers ask, your I-94, and what to do in your first days after entry.