What must F-1 visa holders prove to obtain and maintain their visa status?

F-1 visa holders are required to demonstrate foreign residence as a critical aspect of obtaining and maintaining their visa status. This requirement ensures that the visa holder intends to return to their home country after their studies in the United States are complete. It is a fundamental principle of the F-1 visa that applicants must not only be accepted into an accredited institution but also prove their ties to their home country to alleviate concerns about potential immigration intent. By establishing a strong foreign residence, F-1 students are signaling to immigration authorities that they plan to return home after their educational experience.

The other choices do not align with the requirements for F-1 visa holders. For instance, a permanent residency application is not applicable, as F-1 visas are specifically intended for students who plan to study temporarily in the U.S. Previous academic performance, while it may be considered during the admissions process for a school, is not a formal requirement for maintaining visa status once the visa is issued. Similarly, a social security number is not a prerequisite for holding an F-1 visa; it is often required for employment purposes when those students engage in authorized work, but it is not linked to the visa status itself.