F-1 Visa - College and University
F-1 Visa
Schools in the United States offer great opportunities for students who wish to further their education and training. The intellectual stimulation and social interaction gained by studying in the US can become vital elements of a student’s growth and development.
Foreign national students who want to study in the US usually apply for the F-1 visa, while vocational students often apply for the M-1 visa. You must apply and be accepted by a USCIS-approved school before applying for either student visa. You will also need to prove to the US consulate that you can financially afford to attend school and take care of your expenses.
F-2 status allows your spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old to join you in the US. You should bring your spouse and children with you when you visit the consulate to apply for your F-1 visa. If your spouse and/or dependent children are joining you later, they will need to submit a copy of your USCIS Form (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status – for academic and language students) to the US Embassy staff, along with documents proving their relationship to you. The F-2 status of a spouse and children is dependent upon your F-1 status. F-1 students have the opportunity to work in their field of study both before graduation (curricular practical training) and after (optional practical training, or OPT).
More information:
How It Works: Maintaining F-1 Student Status
What are US visa options for F-1 students on OPT?
Everything You Need to Know About OPT Work Permit (F-1 Students)
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M-1 Visa - Vocational School
M-1 Visa
The M-1 visa offers students the opportunity to train in a positive US environment while strengthening their technical and non-academic skills (this visa does not apply to language training). The M-1 visa is offered to students who wish to attend full-time at a USCIS-approved vocational or non-academic school in the US.
A spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old may join you in the US if they have nonimmigrant M-2 status. Although M-1 and M-2 Visa holders are not allowed to work, M-1 holders may apply for an extension of up to six months for practical training.
As with all nonimmigrant visas in which a spouse, dependent child, or both are in the US with the principal visa holder, the immigration status of the spouse and dependent(s) is dependent upon the principal visa holder remaining in current, lawful status. This means that if, for any reason, you lose your status, so do your spouse and dependent(s).
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J-1 Student and Job Exchange Programs
The J-1 visa is designed to provide educational and cultural exchange programs and promote the sharing of knowledge, skills, and education in the arts and sciences. This visa enables people to participate in exchange programs in the US.
J-1 visa holders include students, trainees involved in on-the-job training, visiting scholars and researchers, and consultants.
As a J-1 visa applicant, you must prove that you:
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Are a professor or research scholar, trainee or intern, college or university student, teacher, nonacademic specialist, foreign physician, camp counselor, au pair, or summer student in a travel/work program.
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Intend only a temporary stay in the US.
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Will have sufficient funds to stay in the US.
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Intend to return to your home country after the visit.
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Have been approved for a stay in a J-1 program recognized by USCIS.
Trainee programs are generally limited to a maximum of 18 months, except for programs in agriculture, hotels, and tourism, which are generally limited to a maximum of 12 months. The J-1’s spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old may apply for entry in J-2 status and may be eligible for employment authorization. Certain J-1 exchange visitors must return to their home country for two years at the end of their program before they can apply for another nonimmigrant or immigrant status.
More information:
FAQ
What are my next steps?
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