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- October 19, 20269°
- BIST10011,572-1.28%
- USD49.45+0.05%
- EUR55.62+0.37%
- GOLD4,182.70+0.04%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN82,421+0.50%
- October 19, 20269°
I'm a student
The F-1 pathway from school admission to OPT
Topics in this section
- 10.0 New arrivals: first 30 days checklistThose newly arriving in the USA should complete I-94, registration, address reporting, SSN, banking, health insurance, and other important procedures in order during the first 30 days. Most steps are not required for short-term tourists; checking the I-94 is important.
- 1.1 The two ways to go to the United StatesThere are two basic ways to go to the United States: a nonimmigrant visa for a temporary purpose and period, or an immigrant visa (green card) for permanent residence. Your purpose of travel determines your choice.
- 17.2 Social Security tax (FICA) and exemptionsFICA consists of the Social Security and Medicare taxes paid by people working in the U.S.; certain foreign national statuses may be exempt. For incorrect withholding, first contact the employer, then the IRS using Form 843 and, if necessary, Form 8316.
- 1.3 Temporary visa application step by stepFor temporary visas, the process proceeds with the DS-160 form, creating an appointment account and paying the fee, followed by an interview in Ankara or Istanbul. The confirmation page, correct barcode, and required documents are critical.
- 15.3 Tax returnFederal income tax returns in the U.S. are filed every year based on your tax status and income. Follow the steps for form selection, deadlines, free assistance, and refund tracking.
- 1.4 FeesU.S. visa fees vary by visa type; application and SEVIS fees are generally nonrefundable. Turkish citizens are not charged a reciprocity fee, but some new fees have not yet been added to the official list.
- 1.5 Visa validity periods (Turkish citizens)Visa validity is not the period you may stay in the United States; it is the period during which you may request entry. Your stay in the United States is determined not by the visa but by the I-94 record.
- 15.5 Türkiye–U.S. tax treaty for the prevention of double taxationThe Türkiye–U.S. income tax treaty contains rules intended to prevent the same income from being taxed in both countries and tax provisions for different types of income. To claim benefits, you must make a claim on the relevant returns and forms.
- 1.6 InterviewPrepare properly for your temporary visa interview with the correct documents, demonstrate your ties to your country, and do not bring prohibited items into the building. Some B-1/B-2 and other applications may qualify for interview waiver renewal.
- 16.6 Services accessible regardless of statusRegardless of immigration status, you may access services such as emergency medical care, K-12 public school, some school meals, vaccinations, and disaster assistance. However, the rules for some programs may vary by state.
- 1.9 Entering the U.S.A visa does not guarantee entry to the U.S.; a CBP officer decides admission and the length of stay. Prepare your documents before traveling, follow declaration rules upon entry, and check your I-94 record.
- 2.2 Student visa (F-1): from application to graduationF-1 is for academic education, while M-1 is for vocational training. This guide covers admission, the I-20, SEVIS, the visa, entry into the United States, maintaining status, and OPT.
- 2.3 Exchange visitor (J-1)J-1 is the visa issued to participants in BridgeUSA exchange programs. Applying first requires acceptance by an approved sponsor and a DS-2019; some people are subject to the two-year home-country return requirement.
- 2.7 Spouse and child (dependent) visasSpouses and unmarried children under 21 may come to the United States on a visa linked to the principal visa holder’s status. Work, school, extensions, and age-21 rules vary by visa type.
- 2.8 Change of status and extension of stay (from inside the United States)People who are temporarily in the United States can extend their stay or change their status by applying to USCIS before their I-94 period expires. The form to use is I-539 or I-129, depending on the applicant and status.
- 5.1 Who can work: work authorization by visa typeWork authorization in the United States is determined not by the name of the visa, but by immigration status. Your status may fall into one of three groups: unlimited authorization, authorization tied to a specific employer, or authorization requiring you to obtain an EAD first.
- 5.2 Employment Authorization (EAD / I-765) and categoriesAn EAD is a photo identification work authorization card showing that you may work in the United States, obtained through Form I-765. The application category, timing, fees, validity period, and renewal rules vary by category.
- 5.3 How to get a Social Security Number (SSN)An SSN is a 9-digit number used to track wages and tax records in the United States; applying and receiving the card are free. The application method depends on your status, and the SSA requires original documents for most applications.
- 5.6 Diploma equivalency (credential evaluation)No single federal institution decides whether your diploma is equivalent in the U.S.; the school, employer, state professional board, or immigration authority evaluates it for its own purpose. If necessary, obtain a credential evaluation report from a private organization.
- 6.1 The US education systemThere is no single centralized education system in the USA; rules vary by state and school. Learn about types of education, degree structures, credit and grading systems, and ways to check a school's reliability.
- 6.2 University applicationFor university applications in the United States, each school sets its own requirements and deadlines. To apply, you must prepare the documents, exams, and proof of financial sufficiency requested by the school and submit the form on time.
- 6.3 Rules for maintaining I-20, SEVIS, and F-1 statusF-1 students must keep their I-20 and SEVIS records up to date and remain in contact with their DSO to maintain status. In case of a violation, Form I-539 and a new I-20 may be required for reinstatement.
- 6.4 Scholarships and fundingCompare funding options such as Fulbright, MEB 1416, TÜBİTAK, university scholarships, assistantships, and FAFSA for education in the United States. Check each program's eligibility, application requirements, and obligations.
- 6.6 Turkish and Turkish culture classes (MEB), weekend Turkish schoolsMEB offers free online Turkish and Turkish culture classes to children aged 5–16 living in the United States. Verify with the education attaché whether weekend Turkish schools are affiliated with MEB.
- 6.7 Equivalency when returning to TürkiyeFor those who want to use a US diploma in Türkiye, the equivalency process is handled through YÖK, ÜAK or MEB depending on the education level. Application documents, fees, e-Government procedures and points to consider are explained on this page.
- 9.2 Health insurance optionsIn the U.S., health insurance can be obtained through an employer, the Marketplace, Medicaid/CHIP, Medicare, or school plans. Eligibility depends on status, age, income, and the 2027 change to premium assistance.
- 9.6 Bringing medicine from Türkiye (FDA / CBP rules)The rules for bringing medicine from Türkiye vary depending on your status in the United States, whether the medicine is a controlled substance, and the method of transport. Carry medicines in their original containers, with the necessary documents and in quantities permitted by the rules.
- 10.7 Leaving and returning to the U.S.Before leaving the U.S., determine the return document appropriate for your status. Traveling without checking the rules for green cards, travel authorization, reentry permits, visas, and I-94s may cause your application to be considered abandoned or create problems when you return.
Last reviewed October 16, 2026. This content is general information, not legal advice.