Lori Meadows
Foreign nationals who wish to travel to a different country to pursue higher education generally need to obtain a visa. The type of visa depends on the duration of the stay and the type of course the student wishes to pursue. For instance, in the US, there are two types of visas for students – F and M. While F visas are for full-time students at an accredited academic institution, M visas are for those pursuing vocational courses. Similarly, in the UK, students above the age of 16 can apply for a Student visa, while those under 18 can apply for a Child Student visa.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa type | Nonimmigrant visa for a temporary stay |
| Visa category | F or M visa |
| Requirements | Enrolled in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program; School must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, Immigration & Customs Enforcement; Enrolled as a full-time student at the institution; Proficiency in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency; Sufficient funds for self-support during the entire proposed course of study; Maintain a residence abroad with no intention of giving up |
| Accompanying family members | Spouse and unmarried, minor children can apply for F-2 or M-2 visas |
| Application process | Apply and be accepted by a U.S. institution of higher education that is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP); Receive Form I-20 or DS-2019 from the institution's international student office to present when applying for the visa |
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What You'll Learn
Student visa requirements in the US
To study in the United States, international students must obtain a student visa. The type of visa depends on the course of study and the type of school the student plans to attend. The two types of student visas are:
- F Visa (Academic Student): This visa is for students enrolled in an academic educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate. The school must be authorised by the US government to accept foreign students.
- M Visa (Vocational Student): This visa is for students in vocational or other non-academic programs, excluding language training.
To obtain a student visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Enrol as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or other academic institution recognised by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
- Demonstrate English language proficiency or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency.
- Provide proof of sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses during the entire period of study.
- Maintain a residence in their home country that they have no intention of giving up.
- Hold a valid passport for US travel for at least six months after the completion of the program.
The application process for a student visa may include an interview with a consular officer, who will determine whether the applicant qualifies for a visa. Ink-free, digital fingerprint scans are typically taken during the interview. After the visa is approved, the applicant may need to pay a visa issuance fee, depending on their nationality. It is important to note that a visa does not guarantee entry into the United States, and students must separately meet admission requirements, such as restrictions on bringing certain items.
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Visa types and their differences
A visa is an official document that allows a person to enter a country legally. The type of visa required depends on the purpose of travel and other factors. Here is a list of some common visa types and their differences:
Non-Immigrant Visa
Non-immigrant visas are for individuals who have a permanent residence outside the country but wish to stay in the country temporarily. These visas are usually for short-term stays, ranging from a few months to a few years. The specific purpose of the visit, such as tourism, business, or academic pursuits, will determine the exact type of non-immigrant visa required. For example, a D-visa is a type of non-immigrant visa for visiting crew members of airlines and cruises.
Immigrant Visa
An immigrant visa is for those who intend to live and work in a country indefinitely. Immigrant visa holders are typically eligible for a Green Card, which grants them permanent resident status.
Work Visa
A work visa allows individuals to pursue employment or business activities in a foreign country. The criteria for a work visa vary depending on the country and may include factors such as the type of job, career arrangements, and income. Some countries offer specific work visas for digital nomads or highly qualified employees.
Student Visa
Foreign nationals who wish to study in a foreign country usually require a student visa. The specific type of student visa depends on the course of study and the type of school. For example, in the United States, student visas are categorized as F visas or M visas.
Special Visas
In addition to the standard visa types, countries may offer special visas for specific purposes or individuals. For instance, there are visas for renowned artists, athletes, and entire sports teams. Certain countries also have visas specifically for spouses and family members of their citizens or permanent residents, such as the K-1 and K-3 visas in the United States.
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Visa application process
To study in a foreign country, you will most likely need a visa. The type of visa you will need depends on the country you are visiting and the type of school you plan to attend. For example, in the United States, you will need either an F visa or an M visa. In Poland, there are different types of visas, including short-term visas and long-term visas.
United States
- Be admitted to the United States by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials in visitor (B) visa status.
- Apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for a change of status to student (F or M) status before your program starts.
- Schedule an interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. Interviews may be required for any visa applicant.
- Attend the interview and provide ink-free, digital fingerprint scans. You may be asked to provide further documentation after the interview.
- After your visa is approved, pay the visa issuance fee (if applicable to your nationality) and make arrangements to receive your passport and visa.
- Enter the United States no earlier than 30 days before your student visa start date.
Poland
- Find a Polish Consulate or consular section of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland that can process your application.
- Read all the information concerning the visa application on the consulate's website and follow the instructions.
- Submit all the required documents, including a printed and signed application form and the visa fee.
- Wait for your application to be reviewed. This usually takes up to 15 days, but early submission is recommended as processing times may vary.
- If your application is successful, you will receive a Temporary Residence Card, which will allow you to cross the Polish border.
It is important to note that the visa application process can vary depending on the country and specific circumstances. Always refer to the official websites and guidelines of the country you are planning to visit for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Visa cancellations and revocations
The U.S. government has been expanding the grounds for cancelling or revoking international students' visas and legal status to remain in the country. This has caused confusion and concern for students and universities, with some students choosing to return to their home countries rather than risk deportation. The government has been accused of sidestepping the usual regulations governing visa status, with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) taking an unusually active role in terminating visas.
Reasons for Visa Revocation
The DHS can only make decisions on visa terminations in limited circumstances, such as national security, diplomatic, or public safety concerns. However, some students have had their visas revoked with little or no explanation. In some cases, students have had minor infractions on their records, such as traffic violations, but others have had no obvious cause for their visa being revoked. In other cases, students' involvement in pro-Palestinian protests has been cited as a reason for visa cancellation, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating that this hurt U.S. foreign policy interests.
Impact on Universities
The wave of visa revocations could have a significant financial impact on universities that rely on high tuition fees from international students. An estimated 1 million international students generate more than $40 billion for American higher education each year.
Reinstating Visas
Even when a visa is revoked, it is possible for students to have their status reinstated, usually if they meet certain requirements. This is why a visa revocation does not always mean a student's record is terminated from the online database. However, the threat of detention and deportation remains a concern for students who have had their visas revoked.
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Employment on a student visa
To study in the United States, foreign nationals must obtain a student visa, either an F or an M visa. The F-1 visa is for students enrolled in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program. Vocational students fall under the M-1 visa category.
F-1 students may not work off-campus during their first academic year but may accept on-campus employment. After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment:
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT): Employment that trains you in your field of study and for which you fulfill academic credit or a degree requirement.
- Severe Economic Hardship Employment: This benefit is available to students who have completed at least one academic year and proven a severe economic hardship caused by circumstances beyond their control.
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training (OPT) Extension: F-1 students may also be eligible to work off-campus on a case-by-case basis due to special situations such as severe economic hardship or special student relief.
For both F-1 and M-1 visas, any off-campus training or employment must be related to the student's area of study and must be authorized by the Designated School Official before starting work.
On-campus employment for F-1 students has several guidelines:
- Students may work at any qualifying on-campus job that does not displace a US citizen or lawful permanent resident.
- Students may work up to 20 hours per week while school is in session and full-time during vacation periods.
- Students should report their work and receive a certification letter for Social Security purposes.
- Students may begin working up to 30 days before the start of a program of study, but they should inform the DSO before beginning work.
- If an F-1 student finishes a program and starts another program of study at the same campus, they may continue their on-campus employment as long as they plan to enroll in the new program for the next term.
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Frequently asked questions
To study in the United States, you will need to obtain a student visa, either an F or M visa. The F-1 Visa is for academic students, while the M-1 Visa is for vocational students.
To obtain a student visa in the United States, you must first be accepted by a U.S. institution that is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). You must also meet certain criteria, including English proficiency, proof of funds, and maintaining a residence abroad.
Yes, your spouse and unmarried minor children can apply for F-2 or M-2 visas to accompany you during your studies. They must enroll in SEVIS, obtain individual Form I-20s, and provide proof of relationship.
