As an F1 visa student, you probably have many questions about health insurance options for international students studying in the United States.

It's important to understand that having health insurance is crucial for protecting your health and finances in case of unexpected medical emergencies.

One option available to F1 visa students is to purchase an insurance plan through their school. Many high schools, universities, and colleges work with companies to offer student health insurance plans that can provide coverage for various medical services, including doctor visits, hospitalizations, mental health care, and prescription drugs.

Another option is to purchase a plan on your own. This can be a good option if your school does not offer health insurance plans or if you prefer to have more control over your coverage.

However, it's important to carefully research different plans to ensure they meet the health insurance requirements of your school and provide adequate health insurance coverage for your needs.

This blog covers the most common questions about insurance for F1 international students and can help you find the best international student health insurance plan to meet your needs.

FAQ #1: Do F1 visa students need health insurance in the USA?

While there is no US government requirement for international students to buy health insurance, most schools require it. Not having an insurance plan can actually prevent you from attending the school of your choice!

The requirement to purchase health insurance is meant to ensure international students are protected from unexpected medical expenses that can be quite costly in the US.

FAQ #2: What insurance coverage do F1 visa students need?

Again, the US Department of State does not require any specific medical insurance coverage. However, you need to check your school's minimum requirements for international student insurance plans.

For example, the University of New Mexico’s  health insurance requirements for international student insurance include:

• $100,000 minimum per person per accident or illness
• $25,000 for repatriation of remains
• $50,000 for emergency medical evacuation
• No more than $500 deductible per accident or illness
• Coinsurance must not exceed 25% payable by the exchange visitor or sponsor

Be sure to contact your academic institution’s international office to determine if they have specific requirements for international student medical insurance.

FAQ #3: Can F1 visa students purchase health insurance from any provider?

The short answer: It depends on your school's requirements.

Most international students in the US fall into one of these three health insurance scenarios:

1. Mandatory Group Plan

Your middle school, high school, university, or college may mandate that you purchase health insurance from a mandatory group plan, which means you have to purchase health insurance from a provider selected by your school.

This can be helpful because your school will have already done the research and selected a provider they feel provides comprehensive coverage for its students and meets their requirements.

However, for some international students, the mandatory group plan can cost more than expected or perhaps not that international student’s medical needs.

In this case, you may be able to complete a waiver form to opt out of the mandatory group plan. However, you will need to show that you can obtain insurance that meets or exceeds your school's coverage requirements.

2. Voluntary international student health insurance plans

Another scenario could be that instead of mandating you opt into the mandatory group plan, your school may provide voluntary health insurance plan(s) from which you can choose. This means you can review the medical insurance plans and select the plan best for you.

You may also have the option to submit a waiver form if there isn't a student health insurance plan that fits your needs,but you will need to show that you can obtain coverage that meets or exceeds your school's coverage requirements.

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3. Find your own student health insurance provider

If your school does not have a mandatory group plan, or provide voluntary plans from which you can choose, you have the option to shop for, select and purchase medical insurance that meets your needs and budget, and provide proof of coverage to your school.

FAQ #4: What happens if an F1 visa student does not have health insurance?

It's understandable that for many international students, every penny counts when studying in the US, but if you're looking for ways to save money, cutting your medical care coverage is not a wise decision for many reasons.

First, if you do not show your school proof that you have health insurance that meets its requirements, it could place a hold on your student account. This would mean you could not register for classes, which could ultimately affect your legal status in the country and prevent you from finishing your studies.

Secondly, while the US has stellar health care, if you don't have your own coverage, you could face extremely high medical bills and prescription costs.

So while F1 international students aren’t required by the US government to have health insurance, not having it can cause extreme stress and be financially devastating.

FAQ #5: What is a deductible and how does it affect my health insurance?

International students in the US usually scratch their heads at the word "deductible." We get it, it's probably something you have not encountered in your home country.

Simply explained, a deductible is an amount you must pay before your insurance plan "kicks in."

For example, you have a $500 deductible and you received a $1,000 medical bill. You must pay the $500 deductible first, then your insurance company will pay the remaining $500.

Generally speaking, plans with higher deductibles will have lower monthly premiums (payments), while plans with lower deductibles will have higher monthly premiums.

It's always important to review deductibles when reviewing insurance policies, especially if you have any pre-existing conditions, as they can really impact your out-of-pocket expenses.

FAQ #6: Can I use government-related health insurance (Obamacare) as an F1 visa student?

F1 visa students can look for a plan provided by “Obamacare”, also known as the Affordable Care Act. ACA plans are provided by private insurance companies, but they must meet minimum requirements established by the US government. But it can be a bit tricky to find a plan that takes into account your non-immigrant status. 

Lewerglobal specializes in health insurance for international students so you can easily purchase an insurance policy that provides comprehensive coverage and meets your school or university requirements.

In Summary: Steps to Finding Health Insurance Coverage for F1 Visa International Students

Now that you have a better understanding of insurance for F1 international students, here is a summary of the next steps you can take:

1. Check whether your school has a mandatory group plan. This is usually listed on the website of your international office, or you can ask an international student advisor.
2. If there is a mandatory plan, and you'd like to find a different one, ask if you can select your own coverage and submit a waiver form.
3. If your school provides voluntary plans, but they still don’t meet your needs, ask if you can select your own coverage and submit a waiver form.
4. If you can select your own coverage (or if school doesn’t have a mandatory group plan or voluntary plan options), find a plan that meets your needs and budget.
5. Purchase your insurance and complete and submit your waiver form (if necessary).

Additional tips when shopping for insurance

We provide other important tips on what to consider when shopping for insurance on our F1 Student Health Insurance page under "acquiring health insurance for F1 visa students."

Reliable Insurance for International Students with Lewerglobal

Whether you're an F1 visa student attending an English language school, private elementary school, secondary school, university, or community college, Lewerglobal offers affordable and comprehensive coverage for you.

Learn more by visiting our F1 Student Health Insurance page.

If you're an international student planning to study in the United States, most likely you will need an F1 visa to enter the country. An F1 visa allows you to enroll in a full-time academic program at a U.S. college or university. However, before obtaining an F1 visa, you must attend an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.

The F1 visa interview is a crucial step in obtaining an F1 visa. During the interview, a consular officer will evaluate your application and determine whether you meet the requirements for the visa.

The interview is an opportunity for you to demonstrate that you have a legitimate reason for studying in the United States and that you intend to return to your home country after completing your studies.

In this article, we'll provide tips and advice on preparing for your F1 visa interview and answer some of the most common questions international students have about their F1 visa interview.

Key Takeaways: Student Visa Interview

• The F1 visa interview is a crucial step in obtaining an F1 visa.
• During the interview, a visa officer will evaluate your student visa application and determine whether you meet the requirements for an F1 visa.
• To increase your chances of success, it's important to thoroughly prepare for the interview and be ready to answer common questions about your academic background, financial status, and future plans.
• If you are denied an F1 visa, you will be informed why and can apply again after three months.

What is an F1 Visa?

If you are planning to study at a US university or college, you will need a student visa that allows you to enter the country legally. The F1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreign students to enter the United States for purposes of  attending an academic institution or language training program.

To qualify for an F1 visa, you must enroll in a full-time degree or language training program at an accredited, SEVP-certified school in the United States. You must also demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition, living expenses, and other costs while in the United States.

As an F1 visa student, you can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time (40 hours per week) during school breaks.

It is important to note that the F1 visa is a non-immigrant visa, which means it does not provide a path to permanent residency or citizenship in the United States. However, after completing your academic program, you may be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows you to work in the United States for up to 12 months in a field related to your area of study, and for STEM students, up to 36 months. 

How Do I Schedule My F1 Visa Interview?

To schedule your F1 visa interview, follow these three steps:

1. Pay the $350 SEVIS fee: Before scheduling your F1 visa interview, you must pay the SEVIS fee. This fee is required for your school to issue an I-20, which you will need for your interview. You can pay the fee online. Be sure to print a receipt to bring with you to the US visa interview.
2. Complete the DS-160 form and pay the $185 application fee: The DS-160 form is the online application for a nonimmigrant visa. You must complete this form before scheduling your interview. You'll also need to upload your photo with the application. Make sure to print the confirmation page after completing the form, as you will need it for your interview.
3. Schedule your interview: Once you have paid the SEVIS fee and completed the DS-160 form along with your payment, you can schedule your F1 visa interview. To do this, visit the website of the US embassy or consulate in your home country. Follow the instructions on the website to schedule your interview. You will need to provide your SEVIS ID number and the barcode number from your DS-160 confirmation page.

Preparing for the F1 Visa Interview

It's important to be organized and well-prepared in your F1 student visa interview,. Here are some tips to help you get ready:

F1 Visa Documents

Make sure you bring all necessary documents, and have them organized to provide to the visa officer. Those documents include:

• Your passport
• Your I-20 form issued by your school
• Your acceptance letter from the university
• Proof of financial support, such as bank statements and sponsor's annual income
• Academic transcripts and test scores
• Receipts you paid the SEVIS fee and visa application fee
• DS-160 confirmation page

Double-check that all your documents are up-to-date and accurate for the visa interviewer. Keep them organized in a folder or binder for easy access during your interview.

How to Dress

Making a good first impression at your F1 visa interview is essential. Dress professionally and conservatively with formal attire, as if you were going to a job interview. Avoid wearing anything too flashy or revealing.

Practice Your English

The F1 visa interview will be conducted in English, so it's important to practice your English skills beforehand. Try to speak English as much as possible in the weeks leading up to your interview.

Be Ready to Discuss Finances

One of the main focuses of the F1 visa interview will be your financial status. Be prepared to discuss how you plan to cover your school costs and other expenses in the United States. Bring any relevant financial documents, such as family members' bank statements or loan agreements, to help support your case.

What Are the Most Common Questions During an F1 Visa Interview?

When you attend a student visa interview, the visa officer will ask you a series of questions to determine your eligibility. Here are some of the most common questions you can expect as a student visa applicant:

1. Why do you want to study in the United States? The visa officer asks this question to assess your intentions and motivations for studying in the US. Be prepared to explain why you have chosen a particular school or program and how it fits into your post graduation plans.
2. Why did you choose your specific university or college? The visa officer may ask this question to see how many colleges you researched before selecting a particular university. They may also ask how many schools you applied to and how many offered you admission to gauge your genuine dedication and academic capability.
3. What is your academic background? The officer may ask you about your educational qualifications, including your previous degrees, grades, test scores, and any academic achievements. Make sure you have all your transcripts and certificates in order.
4. How will you finance your studies? You will need to demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees, living costs, health insurance, and other expenses associated with studying in the US. Be prepared to provide all the documents that evidence your financial resources, such as bank statements, scholarship letters, or sponsorship letters that help demonstrate you'll have sufficient financial support.
5. What are your plans after you complete your studies? The visa officer may ask you about your plans after you finish your program. Be prepared to explain how you will use your education to benefit your home country and how you plan to apply your skills and knowledge. Remember, an F1 visa is a non-immigrant visa, which means there is no intent to immigrate to the US.
6. Have you ever been to the US before? The officer may ask you about your previous travel history, including any trips you have taken to the US. Be honest and provide accurate information.

Remember to answer the questions honestly and confidently. Be prepared to provide additional information or documentation if requested by the officer.

Most Common Reasons for an F1 Visa Denial

F1 visa applications may be denied for a number of reasons. Below, we'll discuss the most common reasons for denial.

Insufficient Ties to Your Home Country

One of the most common reasons for student visa denial is insufficient ties to your home country. The US government wants to make sure that you will return home after your studies are complete. If you cannot demonstrate strong ties to your home country, your F1 visa application may be denied.

Examples of strong ties to your home country may include your family owning property, a letter from your current employer, stating you will return to work, or all your immediate family members living in your home country.

Lack of Financial Support

Another common reason for F1 visa denial is not showing sufficient financial support. You must be able to prove that you have enough money to cover your school costs, living costs, and other expenses associated with studying in the United States. If you cannot demonstrate that you have sufficient funds, your F1 visa application may be denied.

Incomplete or Inaccurate Application

Your visa may be denied if your F1 visa application is incomplete or inaccurate. Make sure you fill out all required fields accurately and completely. Double-check your application before you submit it to avoid any mistakes or omissions.

What Happens if Your Visa is Denied?

If your F1 visa application is denied, you will receive a letter explaining the reason for the denial. Unfortunately, the decision is final, and there is no appeal process.

However, you can apply again after addressing the issues that led to the denial. But you must wait at least three months before reapplying. It's important to note that there is no guarantee that your application will be approved the second time around.

International Students: Stay Positive About Your Visa Interviews!

Remember, the visa officer's goal is to assess your genuine intention to study in the US and return home post-graduation. Keeping this in mind and maintaining a positive attitude will help you to prepare for your F1 visa interview. 

The international office at your US college or university may also provide additional tips and practice interview questions to help you prepare. If you have any questions related to your visa interview, don't hesitate to reach out to your international student advisor. 

Last year, Kathleen spoke online to international students at Texas A&M. The questions they asked are common ones, so we’re running them in hopes that they help you with your situation. Our first batch dealt primarily with H-1B visas; this batch deal with F-1 visas and Optional Practical Training (OPT).

These answers are the first words—not the last words—on these issues, and if you have any questions, consult an experienced, reputable immigration lawyer. 

If my F-1 status is about to end and I’m pending a Change Of Status, am I legally able to stay within the United States?

If you were in status at the time your change of status was filed, and you timely filed the change of status, then the pending change of status is a period of authorized stay.

If I am pending a Change Of Status and it is rejected, when does the unlawful presence start to accrue? The date of rejection or the date the previous status expired?

It depends on the status you held at the time of the filing, and the actions you take after a rejection—like re-filing—could make a difference. From a very conservative point of view, I would say that your violation of status began once your initial status ran out.  Your unlawful presence, however, only begins when your I-94 expires or there is a finding of a violation of status from the agency.  An application rejected in the mailroom and not based on the merits is not the same thing as a finding of a violation of status.

I am a Fulbright Graduate Student (sponsored by U.S. and my government financially). How much is it possible for me to request wavier for 2-year home residence rule if I get a job in academia?

It is notoriously difficult to get a waiver of the home residence requirement when you have a Fulbright.  A route that may succeed is to find an interested government agency (IGA) to sponsor a waiver.  Historically, NASA, the FDA, the military, and many others will support such a waiver.  Each agency has very different rules about when they will sponsor a waiver.  A job in academia is not sufficient for a waiver, but grants/funding/research that fit within the scope of an IGA can support a waiver.

Does an I-485 petition disqualify me from applying for OPT / STEM?

No. However, you cannot travel as an F-1 with an I-485 pending. The timing of the OPT can get tricky, and if you have already received a work card through the I-485, you may run into confusion or push back from USCIS.  If you have used the work card through the I-485, there may be issues about OPT eligibility to look at.  Your best course of action is to get all your paperwork together and discuss with a lawyer.

Can being on OPT allow students to self-petition for a green card or is it required to be on H-1B to do so?

You can file a self-petition while in OPT status. However, filing a petition for permanent residence shows you have immigrant intent. You should not travel in OPT or F-1 if you are filing for residence.

I am a minority in my country and in certain portions of my country, people like me aren’t treated well at all. I have not gone back to my country for past three years. I wanted to know how likely it would be for a PhD graduate with F-1 status to apply for permanent residency.

This is very fact specific. Your chances with a self-petition really depend on your field, and your awards/success/publications/endeavor. Put together a very thorough CV. List every award, grant, accomplishment, invitation, you have ever received, and then meet with a lawyer. Do get opinions from different lawyers about the chances of success. 

What are the ways one can improve their chances to get a Green Card in a research field? What might be some criteria to look for in a EB1 petition so that one can pursue that route in their research career?

My general advice is to say “Yes.” Say yes to reviewing, editing, serving on committees, being listed in grants, mentoring, collaborating, etc. Make friends and colleagues across the aisle. By that, I mean try to work with people who aren’t just like you, who aren’t from the same country or school or hyper-specialty. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself to people in your field that you admire. Letters of recommendation are a huge part of the immigration self-petition process. Apply for everything. No grant or award is too small. This includes micro private sector grants.