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International students who come to the United States must follow a specific set of rules, depending on your student type and education level. Use the resources below to learn how to become an F or M international student and maintain your student status.
What's New
Try the Facebook Chatbot
Visit the tool on the Study in the States Facebook page to learn how to become an F or M international student in the United States.
Find Active Special Student Relief Notices
Find a list of active Special Student Relief (SSR) notices for F-1 students in the Special Student Relief section on the What's New page on ICE.gov/SEVP.
Student Resources
Get Started
With the International Student Life Cycle
Are you interested in studying as an F or M students in the United States? Get started with these resources.
International Student Life Cycle
What is a Commission-Based Recruiter?
Bringing Dependents to the United States
Prepare
To Study in the United States
If you have been accepted to an SEVP-certified school, you must take additional steps before you enter the United States. Learn more with these resources.
Travel
To the United States
Prepare to travel to the United States with these resources.
Study
In the United States
If you are a current F or M international student, you are required to maintain your student status. Learn more with these resources.
Transferring to Another School
Maintain F and M Status in Emergency Events
Work
As an International Student
Under certain circumstances, some F and M international students can work or participate in practical training. Visit these resources to learn more about qualifications and requirements.
Obtaining a Social Security Number
Training Opportunities in the United States
Complete
Your Program of Study
F and M international students must take certain steps at the end of their program of study to either extend their stay, change their status or depart the United States. Read these resources to learn more.
Related Content
Tools
Ask a Question
Have a question about the F and M student process?
STEM OPT Hub
Learn about the rules and regulations for the optional practical training (OPT) extension for F-1 students with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) degrees.
SEVP Portal Help Section
In the SEVP Portal Help section, students participating in post-completion practical training will find resources on how to use the SEVP Portal and comply with reporting requirements.