Are you considering enrolling in a U.S. high school? International students who attend high school in the United States may benefit from improved English and social skills, better navigation of the U.S. college system, and college readiness.

Keep in mind that F-1 students can only maintain status by attending a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school. Check the school search page to find a certified school.

There are two types of high schools in the United States, which are public and private. In addition to making sure your school of choice is SEVP-certified, read the rules below before selecting a U.S. high school.

• Public High School. F-1 students can attend a certified school for only one year and must pay the full, unsubsidized cost of attendance before they arrive at a U.S. port of entry.
• Private High School. F-1 students can attend a certified school for the entirety of their high school education. There is no limit on the length of enrollment at a private high school.

After high school graduation, an F-1 student can continue studying in the United States by applying to an SEVP-certified college or university. For more information about transferring, please visit our Instructions for a Transferring F-1 student page.

If you are a dependent (F-2 or M-2) who wants to study full-time beyond the high school level, you must apply for a change of status to F-1. You can learn more on Study in the States’ Change of Status page.