A method and apparatus for drawing an optical fiber from an optical fiber preform is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: measuring an outer diameter of the optical fiber as being drawn from the preform and cooling the optical fiber; coating a sheath layer on the peripheral surface of the cooled optical layer; and curing the optical fiber coated with the sheath layer under a nitrogen atmosphere. The quantity of nitrogen charged into the nitrogen atmosphere may be controlled in such a manner that the sheath layer coated optical fiber has a strip force of not less than 1N.