Foreign nationals may enter the United States as non immigrants in order to engage in academic studies in this country, subject to certain restrictions. These students, who can range from elementary school students to doctoral candidates and persons engaged in post-doctoral studies, are classified in the F visa category.

Duration of Stay

Unlike most other nonimmigrant who are given a definite period of stay in the United States, foreign students are permitted to remain in the U.S. for the "duration of status." Duration of status means that a student remains in valid status during enrollment in any number of academic programs (e.g., high school followed by college followed by master's degree), plus any periods of authorized practical training, and a 60-day grace period to the depart the U.S.

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