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F-1 Student Visa + OPT Eligibility Calculator

By VISA AI Editorial TeamReviewed by VISA AI Immigration Research DeskUpdated May 16, 2026

Use our free tool to quickly assess your eligibility for the F-1 Student Visa and Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the United States. This calculator will guide you through key requirements and provide an estimated eligibility score.

Processing:F-1 Visa: Varies by embassy/consulate, typically 2-12 weeks. OPT: 3-5 months for EAD approval.Min score:70FreeOfficial source

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1. Have you been accepted into a program at a SEVP-approved U.S. institution?

2. Can you demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your studies and living expenses?

3. Have you completed or are you prepared to complete at least one academic year in F-1 status?

4. Do you intend to return to your home country upon completion of your studies and OPT?

Answer all questions to see your score

F-1 Student Visa & OPT Overview

F-1 Student Visa + OPT is one of the most searched immigration pathways for people moving to USA

This page gives you a fast, no-signup way to check where you stand before you spend money on application fees or agents. Our calculator mirrors the official rule set and then translates the answers into a clear, percentage-based eligibility score. You will see exactly which requirements you already meet, which ones need work, and what the realistic next step looks like.

If you want a deeper, AI-personalised plan covering documents, timeline, costs and alternative pathways, run the full assessment — it compares your profile against every visa we track for your destination and ranks the routes most likely to succeed for someone with your background.

F-1 Visa and OPT Eligibility Requirements

Accredited Program

You must be accepted into a program of study at an SEVP-approved institution in the United States.

Full-Time Enrollment

You must be enrolled as a full-time student at your chosen institution.

English Proficiency

You must demonstrate English proficiency through standardized tests or by completing an English language program, unless exempt.

Financial Support

You must prove you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition, living expenses, and other costs for the duration of your program.

Non-Immigrant Intent

You must demonstrate your intent to return to your home country after completing your studies.

Valid Passport

You must possess a passport valid for at least six months beyond your period of stay in the United States.

OPT Eligibility

You must have completed at least one full academic year in F-1 status to be eligible for OPT.

Verify with the official government source

Want to double-check requirements? Read the rules directly from . Our calculator is a guide — official policy can change at any time. U.S. Department of State.

F-1 Student Visa & OPT FAQs

At-a-glance summary

Headline numbers for this visa route. Always verify the live figure on the official source linked at the bottom of this page.
Item	Value
Typical processing time	F-1 Visa: Varies by embassy/consulate, typically 2-12 weeks. OPT: 3-5 months for EAD approval.
Minimum qualifying score	70 points
Last verified by editorial team	2026-05-16

Step-by-step application process

Self-assess eligibility. Use this calculator and review the official F-1 Student Visa + OPT Eligibility Calculator criteria before paying any fees. Confirm you meet every hard gate (age, language, health, character, qualifying offer or investment) — failing one gate cannot be offset by scoring well elsewhere.
Gather and translate documents. Collect passport, civil documents, qualifications, language test, police clearances from every country lived in 12+ months since age 17, and proof of funds. Obtain certified translations and apostilles/attestations where the destination authority requires them.
Submit the formal application. Lodge online through the official government portal listed on this page. Pay the correct government fee, complete biometrics at the designated centre, and upload supporting evidence in the exact format the authority specifies.
Respond to requests for evidence. Caseworkers commonly request additional payslips, employer letters, or medicals. Respond inside the deadline given — most refusals come from missed deadlines, not weak profiles.
Travel and activate status. On approval, collect your visa vignette or eVisa, enter the country before it expires, register your address where required, and collect any biometric residence permit/card. Keep digital and paper copies of every document.

Sources & references

Every figure on this page is sourced from official government or regulator publications. Cross-check before applying — rules change.

This calculator is editorial guidance, not legal advice. Immigration thresholds, points, salary floors and occupation lists change frequently — always verify your route against the official government source linked on this page before applying. For complex cases, consult a licensed immigration adviser regulated in the destination country.