Understanding F-1 Visa Expiration and Its Impact on Employment

Published: March 28, 2025

Foreign nationals seeking to enter the US temporarily for tourism, business, medical treatment, or temporary work must obtain a nonimmigrant visa. US immigration law determines the specific nonimmigrant visa required based on the traveler’s intended purpose of visit.

One must obtain a student visa (either an F or M visa) to travel for study purposes in the US. Specifically, an F-1 visa allows international students to study full-time at an academic institution. 

Nonimmigrant Visa Data revealed that approximately 400,737 F-1 visas were issued in FY 2024. This nonimmigrant visa classification offers numerous opportunities for international students. However, like any nonimmigrant visa, F-1 visas are subject to certain terms and conditions. 

Failure to adhere to this can be grounds for removal from the US, making re-entry challenging in the future. Hence, understanding the expiration of an F-1 visa and its potential impact on employment is imperative to maintaining lawful status and planning a career in the US. 

Understanding F-1 Visa and Its Expiration Date

International students seeking academic studies or language training programs must acquire an F-1 visa. This visa category allows them to temporarily live in the US for a predetermined period while studying at a SEVP-certified institution or approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. 

Unless canceled or revoked, the validity of an F-1 visa is until its expiration date. This date is printed on your visa, along with the visa issuance date. The time between these dates represents your visa’s validity period. As part of the admission process, the US immigration officer determines how long you can remain in the US. 

It’s worth noting that your visa expiration date does not reflect your authorized stay in the US. Instead, it indicates the last day you can use it to enter the US port of entry. Regardless of your F-1 visa’s expiration date, you can stay in the US, provided you’re a full-time student and adhere to all regulations. 

Generally, F-1 students must leave the country within 60 days following the program end date specified on the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status form. That includes any period of authorized practical training. 

Employment Opportunities on an F-1 Visa

F-1 visa holders are expected to cover all expenses without depending on paid employment opportunities. Even so, they have limited rights to secure employment in the US. Accepting unauthorized work can result in the termination of F-1 status and other serious immigration repercussions. 

Understanding your specific rights to work in the US is essential to preserve your lawful status and ensure compliance with immigration regulations. Below are some of the work options available for F-1 Students.

On-campus employment

F-1 students can qualify for on-campus employment no earlier than 30 days before their program of study starts. However, they can only do so if the employment doesn’t displace a US citizen or green card holder. 

Additional authorization from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is not required for on-campus jobs. However, F-1 students must inform their Designated School Official (DSO) about their employment status. 

Off-campus employment

F-1 students can only accept certain types of off-campus employment after at least one full academic year. They must also secure authorization from the DSO or USCIS. Those participating in Curricular Practical Training (CPT) can get approval from the DSO, while USCIS grants permission for Optional Practical Training (OPT). 

Impact of F-1 Visa Expiration on Employment

Working illegally is one way an F-1 student can fall out of status. Your F-1 status depends on the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student document, the length of your program study, and authorized post-completion training.

That means as long you maintain your lawful status as an F-1 student, you can stay in the US even if your F-1 visa has expired. Still, while an expired F-1 visa doesn’t affect employment within the country, it can complicate international travel plans due to reentry requirements. Thus, you must renew the F-1 visa if you leave the US and wish to re-enter.

Consequences of Overstaying Your F-1 Visa

Overstaying your F-1 visa can have immediate and significant repercussions. Each can affect your ability to obtain visas and secure future opportunities in the US. These include but are not limited to continuing your studies, traveling, or staying in the US. 

The enforcement of such consequences is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the immigration system and promoting compliance with visa requirements. The following are the potential consequences of overstaying your F-1 visa: 

• Loss of your lawful status and eligibility for the benefits associated with your visa
• Termination of your Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) record, making it hard to reinstate your status.
• Accumulation of unlawful presence, which starts immediately upon your authorized period of stay, ends.
• Increased scrutiny at entry ports for future travel attempts in the US.

Explore Potential Pathways After Your F-1 Visa Expires

Several immigration pathways exist to remain in the US, either through a nonimmigrant or immigrant visa. However, securing a job and extending one’s stay in the US requires significant time and effort. 

That can be overwhelming to navigate on your own, which is why working with an experienced Los Angeles immigration lawyer is highly beneficial. Connect with our team at ALG Lawyers. We can guide you through the process and options available after your F-1 visa expires.