Language courses in the US on an F-1: 2026 rules
When a language school qualifies for an F-1 visa: 18 class hours a week, the $185 and $350 fees, where Russians interview and why language courses give no OPT.
- A language programme qualifies for an F-1 if it has at least 18 classroom hours a week.
- Language students get no OPT practical training after their studies.
- Russians apply for a student visa in Astana or Warsaw: a $185 consular fee and a $350 SEVIS fee.
- Pactors will find you an expert free of charge to find a school that issues an I-20.
English courses in the US on an F-1 student visa are a popular way to live in the country longer than a tourist trip allows. This kind of study has its own rules, and some of them differ from university ones.
Which school qualifies
The school must be certified by the SEVP programme and issue Form I-20. Under 8 CFR 214.2(f), a language programme counts as full-time if it has at least 18 hours of classes a week in a classroom format, or 22 hours if the course is mainly lab work.
Work and practical training
| Question | Language courses | College and university |
|---|---|---|
| On-campus work | up to 20 hours a week during studies | up to 20 hours a week during studies |
| OPT after studies | not available | up to 12 months, another 12 after moving to a higher level |
If you're counting on working in the US after studying, a language programme won't give you that. OPT is available to students of academic programmes.
Where to apply and what to pay
Since 6 September 2025, nonimmigrant visas are applied for in the country of nationality or residence. For Russian nationals the State Department has designated the embassies in Astana and Warsaw. If you apply in another country without living there, the visa may be harder to get and the fee is not refunded.
| Payment | Amount |
|---|---|
| Consular fee for an F visa | $185 |
| SEVIS fee for F-1 | $350 |
| Tuition and living costs | per the school's I-20 |
At entry you show the I-20 and proof that you have the amount stated on it. A spouse and minor children get F-2 status. A school can be chosen and documents prepared through the F-1 student visa.
The study-period rule
DHS adopted a rule under which language students could stay no longer than 24 months and others no longer than four years. It was to take effect on 15 September 2026, but on 14 September a court postponed it. For now USCIS is working under the previous rules. If you're already in the US as a tourist, see how to change B2 status to F1, and all the fees are gathered in the article on what a US visa costs.
Common questions
Can I work while on language courses?
Can my family come?
Sources
- 8 CFR 214.2 — rules for nonimmigrant classes
- ICE — I-901 SEVIS fee
- 22 CFR 22.1 — consular fees
- U.S. Embassy in Russia — nonimmigrant visas
- USCIS — Form I-539 and the court order of 14.09.2026
- USCIS — Form I-765 and the court order of 14.09.2026
Links checked on 27 September 2026
