Lori Meadows
The visa requirements for international students pursuing continuing education vary depending on the country and the specific program. In the United States, international students can apply for different types of visas such as F-1, M-1, or J-1 visas. To obtain an F-1 or M-1 visa, students must be enrolled full-time in an academic, language-training, or vocational program at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school. On the other hand, the J-1 exchange visitor visa is for foreign nationals participating in work-and-study exchange programs. In the United Kingdom, the entry requirements for international students pursuing continuing education may differ, and students are advised to refer to the International Students website for detailed information on visa requirements.
Characteristics of international student visas for continuing education:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa types | F, J, and M |
| F visa type | For study at an accredited U.S. college or university or to study English at an English language institute |
| J visa type | For participation in an exchange program, including high school and university study |
| M visa type | For non-academic or vocational study or training in the United States |
| Visa application process | Handled by the U.S. Department of State |
| Visa issuance | Handled by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security |
| F-1 visa criteria | Enrolled in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program |
| M-1 visa criteria | Enrolled in a vocational or other non-academic program, excluding language training |
| Student status | Full-time enrollment at an accredited institution |
| English proficiency | Required or actively working towards it |
| Financial requirements | Sufficient funds for self-support during the entire program |
| Residence | Must maintain a residence abroad with no intention of giving up |
| Entry to the UK | At the discretion of UK Visas and Immigration and Border Force |
| Supporting letter | Available from the University |
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What You'll Learn
Student visa requirements for the US
International students wishing to study in the United States will likely need a student visa. There are three types of student visas offered by the United States government: F, J, and M. F visas are for studying at an accredited US college or university, or to study English at an English language institute. J visas are for exchange programs, including high school and university study. M visas are for non-academic or vocational study or training.
F and M visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons wishing to study in the United States. To enter in the F-1 or M-1 visa category, you must meet the following criteria:
- Enrolled in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program
- Your 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 available for self-support during the entire proposed course of study
- Maintain a residence abroad which you have no intention of giving up
The F-1 Visa (Academic Student) allows you to enter the United States as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or other academic institution or in a language training program. The M-1 visa (Vocational Student) category includes students in vocational or other non-academic programs, other than language training.
To apply for a student visa, you must first apply and be accepted by a US institution of higher education that is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Once accepted, you will receive a Form I-20 or DS-2019 from the institution's international student office to present when you apply for your student visa. You will then need to review the instructions for how to apply for a visa on the website of the US Embassy or Consulate where you will apply. A consular officer will interview you to determine whether you are qualified to receive a student visa. They may request additional documents, such as evidence of standardized test scores required by your US school, your intent to depart the US upon completion of the course, and how you will pay all educational, living, and travel costs.
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Student visa types for the US
To study in the US as an international student, you must obtain a student visa. The US government offers three primary types of student visas: F, J, and M. Here is a detailed breakdown of each visa type:
F Student Visa (F-1 Visa)
The F-1 Visa is for full-time international students pursuing academic studies at an accredited US college, university, or English language institute. To qualify for this visa, you must be enrolled in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program at a school approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program (SEVP). You must also be enrolled as a full-time student, demonstrate English proficiency, have sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies, and maintain a residence abroad with no intention of giving up. F-1 students may not work off-campus during their first academic year but may accept on-campus employment under certain conditions. After the first year, F-1 students may engage in specific off-campus employment, such as STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT).
J Exchange Visa (J-1 Visa)
The J-1 Exchange Visa is for individuals participating in exchange programs, including high school and university-level studies. This visa is for foreign nationals approved to take part in work-and-study-based exchange programs, such as visiting scholars, camp counselors, au pairs, or research assistants. Institutions designated for J visas must be accredited by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
M Student Visa (M-1 Visa)
The M-1 Visa is for international students pursuing vocational or other non-academic programs, excluding language training. M-1 visa holders are not permitted to work off-campus during their studies. They may only engage in practical training after they have completed their studies, and it must be related to their area of study. Similar to F-1 students, M-1 students must meet specific requirements, including full-time enrollment, English proficiency, sufficient funds, and maintaining a residence abroad.
It is important to note that the visa application process is managed by the US Department of State, while the Department of Homeland Security is responsible for enforcing international student regulations once a visa holder arrives in the US. Additionally, certain family members accompanying students may need to enroll in SEVIS and obtain individual Form I-20s from the SEVP-approved school.
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UK visitor visa for continuing education
If you are planning to visit the UK as a student for continuing education, you may need to apply for a Standard Visitor visa. This visa allows you to visit the UK for up to 6 months for certain activities related to your studies. These activities include:
- Doing an elective at a UK higher education institution as part of your course.
- Taking an entrance exam, retaking an exam or course module, or doing a PhD oral exam (viva).
- Doing an unpaid clinical attachment if you're a graduate of medicine, dentistry, or nursing.
- Taking the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) or the Professional and Linguistic Assessment Board (PLAB) test.
If you are planning to stay in the UK for longer than 6 months, you will need to meet additional requirements and may need to apply for a student visa through the Student Route. This includes providing proof of your English language proficiency, demonstrating sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay, and obtaining a Certificate of Acceptance of Studies (CAS) from your chosen university.
It is important to note that the eligibility requirements for a Standard Visitor visa may vary depending on your nationality. Therefore, it is recommended to check the official UK government website for the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding visa requirements for continuing education in the UK.
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UK visa requirements for international students
Most international students need a student visa to study in the UK. The type of visa you need depends on your degree program. Most undergraduate or postgraduate courses require a Student visa, but some courses to study English or shorter programs may require a different type of visa.
Student Visa Requirements
- You can apply for a Student visa if you're 16 or over and want to study on a further or higher education course in the UK.
- You must complete your application and have it accepted before you arrive in the UK.
- You'll need to prove your identity as part of your application.
- You'll need to give your biometrics at your VFS centre after you've submitted your online visa application.
- You may need to provide additional documents depending on your circumstances.
- You must pay the visa fee for each person that joins you.
- You’ll also have to pay the healthcare surcharge as part of your application.
- You can usually arrive up to one month before your course starts, as stated on your visa (for courses lasting longer than six months).
- You might be able to extend your visa to stay longer in the UK.
- If you break the conditions of your visa, you may not be able to come to the UK again.
Child Student Visa
If you're under 18 and want to study at an independent school in the UK, you may be eligible for a Child Student visa. You will need proof of parental or other legal guardian consent and proof of your relationship to your parent or guardian.
Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Certificate
If you're doing a master's degree or above, you may need to apply for the ATAS certificate.
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US visa fees
To study in the United States as an international student, you will need a student visa. The type of visa you will need depends on your course of study and the type of school you plan to attend. The US government offers three types of student visas: F, J, and M.
F Visa
The F visa is for international students studying at an accredited US college, university, or English language institute. It is also for those enrolled in an academic educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program at a school approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. To be eligible for an F visa, you must be enrolled as a full-time student and be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses that will lead to English proficiency. You must also have sufficient funds to support yourself for the duration of your course and maintain a residence abroad that you do not intend to give up.
The F-1 visa application costs $185, and the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee is $350, so budget about $535 in total. You will need to pay the SEVIS fee before completing the DS-160 form. You may also pay a visa issuance fee if your visa is approved, depending on your nationality.
J Exchange Visa
The J Exchange Visa is for students participating in an exchange program, including high school and university studies.
M Visa
The M visa is for non-academic or vocational studies or training in the US. The M-1 visa category includes students in vocational or other non-academic programs, excluding language training.
Other Fees
In addition to the visa application fees, there may be other costs associated with obtaining a US student visa. For example, you may need to pay for travel to and from your visa interview, which takes place at the US Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. You may also need to provide evidence of your financial ability to support yourself during your studies, such as bank statements or other documentation.
It is important to note that the visa application process may vary depending on the US Embassy or Consulate where you apply, so be sure to review the instructions on their website.
Fees for Dependents
If your spouse and/or children will live with you in the United States while you study, they must enroll in SEVIS and obtain individual Form I-20s from the SEVP-approved school. They do not need to pay the SEVIS fee, but they must apply for a visa. Your minor children are permitted to attend school in the United States while accompanying you.
Fee Exemptions
There are some cases in which visa fees are exempted. These include:
- Official representatives of a foreign government or an international or regional organization of which the United States is a member.
- Applicants transiting to and from United Nations Headquarters.
- Applicants participating in a US government-sponsored program, which may include dependents.
- Applicants travelling to provide charitable services as determined by Visa Services.
- US government employees travelling on official business.
- Close family members of a US government employee killed or critically injured in the line of duty travelling to attend the employee's funeral, burial, or during emergency treatment and convalescence.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you will need to apply for a visa to study in the US as an international student. There are three types of student visas: F, J, and M. The type of visa you need will depend on your course type and level of education.
To qualify for an F-1 visa, you must be enrolled in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program. Your school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, and you must be enrolled as a full-time student. You must also be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses that will help you gain English proficiency.
M-1 visas are for international students pursuing vocational studies. Students with an M-1 visa must be enrolled in a full course of study at a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school.
