Janice Lozano
If you're considering studying in the UK, you may be wondering if you qualify as an international student. The definition of an international student varies across different universities and countries, but in the UK, your fee status (whether you pay home or international fees) is what determines your student classification. Generally, to be considered a home student in the UK, you must meet specific residency requirements and have no immigration restrictions on the length of your stay. International students, on the other hand, are typically those who do not meet the home fee criteria and may be subject to different application processes and requirements, such as providing proof of English language proficiency and obtaining a student visa.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country | The characteristics and definition of international students vary from country to country. |
| US | Individuals on a non-immigrant, temporary visa that allows for academic study at the post-secondary level. Most international students hold an F1 Visa. |
| US (Dartmouth) | All non-U.S. citizens except permanent residents, eligible non-citizens, and undocumented students in the U.S. |
| UK | No specific information found. |
| Canada | Non-Canadian students who do not have 'permanent resident' status and have to obtain authorization from the Canadian government to pursue their education. |
| India | No specific information found. |
| Visa | In most countries, international students are required to obtain a student visa. |
| US Visa | F, J, and M. |
| F-1 Student Visa | Study at an accredited U.S. college or university or to study English at an English language institute. |
| J-1 Exchange Visa | Participation in an exchange program, including high school and university study. |
| M-1 Student Visa | Non-academic or vocational study or training. |
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What You'll Learn
International student visa requirements
To study in the United States as an international student, you must obtain a student visa. The type of visa you need depends on the course of study and the type of school you plan to attend.
The most common student visas are F-1 and M-1 visas. F-1 visas are for full-time international students pursuing academic studies, while M-1 visas are for those pursuing vocational studies. To qualify for an F-1 visa, you must be enrolled in an academic educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate. Your school must also be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and authorized by the US government to accept foreign students.
M-1 visas, on the other hand, are for students in vocational or other non-academic programs, excluding language training. Similar to the F-1 visa requirements, your school must be SEVP-certified.
Additionally, there is the J-1 exchange visitor visa, which is for foreign nationals participating in work-and-study-based exchange programs. Examples include visiting scholars, camp counselors, au pairs, and research assistants.
To obtain a student visa, you must first apply to a SEVP-approved school in the US. Once accepted, you will be registered for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. The school will then issue you a Form I-20, which you will need to present during your visa interview at a US Embassy or Consulate.
It is important to note that you may need to schedule an interview for your visa application, and wait times for interview appointments vary. New students can obtain their student visas up to 365 days before the start date of their course but cannot enter the US more than 30 days in advance. Continuing students can obtain their visas at any time, provided they are enrolled at a SEVP-approved school.
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US-specific visa types
To study in the US as an international student, you must obtain a student visa. There are three primary types of student visas: F, J, and M. Each visa type has different categories and requirements.
F Visa
The F visa is for international students intending to pursue an academic degree, a language-training program, or a vocational program at an accredited US college or university. There are three types of F visas:
- F-1 visas for full-time students
- F-2 visas for dependents of F-1 visa holders (spouse and unmarried children under 21)
- F-3 visas for border commuters (Mexican and Canadian students who reside in their home country while attending school in the US)
F-1 visa holders can work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week. To work longer hours or off-campus, they must obtain prior authorization from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). F-1 students may also be eligible for off-campus work in cases of severe economic hardship or special student relief.
M Visa
The M visa is for international students engaging in non-academic or vocational studies. There are three types of M visas:
- M-1 visas for students in vocational or non-academic studies
- M-2 visas for dependents of M-1 visa holders
- M-3 visas for border commuters engaging in vocational or non-academic studies
M-1 visa holders are generally not allowed to work on- or off-campus during their studies. They may engage in practical training after completing their studies, provided it is authorized by the Designated School Official and USCIS.
J Visa
The J visa is for exchange students participating in work-and-study-based exchange programs, such as visiting scholars, camp counselors, au pairs, or research assistants. There are two types of J visas:
- J-1 visas for exchange students on a relevant exchange program
- J-2 visas for dependents of J-1 visa holders
J-1 visa holders may be subject to a two-year home-country physical presence requirement if they are part of a government-funded exchange program or if their training is listed in the Exchange Visitor Skills list.
To maintain student status in the US, visa holders must have a Form I-20 (F and M visas) or DS-2019 document (J visas) issued by their institution. These documents are issued by US institutions certified by the Department of Homeland Security SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) or designated by the Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.
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International student numbers
The definition of an international student varies from country to country. In the United States, an international student is typically defined as an individual studying in the country on a non-immigrant, temporary visa that allows for academic study at an accredited college or university. This typically includes holders of F (student) visas and J (exchange visitor) visas. Those with permanent residency in the US do not qualify as international students.
In 2023, there were 1,126,690 foreign students enrolled in American colleges, with the largest number (331,602) coming from India. This represents a significant contribution to the US economy, with nearly one million international students contributing $33.8 billion and supporting 335,000 jobs in the 2021-2022 academic year.
Other countries have different definitions of international students. For example, Canada defines international students as "non-Canadian students who do not have 'permanent resident' status and have obtained authorization from the Canadian government to enter Canada for educational purposes." The European Union has the Erasmus Programme, which allows students from member countries to study in other countries under a government agreement.
The number of international students in a country can be influenced by various factors, including visa and immigration policies, political developments, and the reputation of the education system. For example, the 2016 Brexit referendum and the 2016 election of Donald Trump as US President may have influenced the attractiveness of the UK and the US as study destinations. At the same time, countries in East Asia, such as China, Korea, Japan, and Taiwan, are increasingly attracting foreign students due to their growing reputations and demographic reasons.
Some countries are actively working to increase their international student numbers. For example, India hosted over 47,000 overseas students in 2019 and aimed to quadruple that number to 200,000 by 2023. Similarly, Japan has set targets to increase its international student population from around 180,000 to 300,000 in the coming years.
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International student economic impact
International students have a significant positive economic impact on the United States. In the 2023-2024 academic year, 1.1 million international students in the US contributed $43.8 billion to the US economy and supported more than 378,000 jobs. This is a $2.8 billion increase from the 2018-2019 academic year, which previously held the record for the highest amount calculated by NAFSA.
International students also bring a range of other benefits to the US. They contribute to scientific and technical research, bring international perspectives into US classrooms, and help prepare American undergraduates for global careers. Additionally, international students often lead to longer-term business relationships and economic benefits. According to the US Department of Commerce, international students contributed $45 billion to the US economy in 2018, with about 62% of all international students receiving the majority of their funds from outside the United States.
The positive impact of international students on the US economy is also evident at the state level. In the 2021/22 academic year, international students contributed $2.0 billion to the economies of California, New York, Massachusetts, Texas, and Illinois, the five states that saw the largest economic activity. Overall, twelve states broke the $1 billion mark in economic contributions from international students, generating 57% of the total dollar contribution to the US.
The economic impact of international students is not limited to the United States. In 2020, over 6.3 million international students worldwide contributed $370 billion to the global economy. International students have created jobs, built billion-dollar companies, and invented processes that have changed the way we live. The US remains a popular destination for international students due to its large economy and low unemployment rates. However, the US faces increasing competition from other countries for attracting top international students.
To maintain its competitiveness and maximize the economic benefits of international students, the US should adopt more proactive policies to attract and retain global talent. This includes expanding dual intent for student visas and creating pathways to green cards for international student graduates. By reducing barriers for international students to stay and work in the US, the country can further enhance the positive economic impact of this group.
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International student language barriers
An international student is defined as anyone studying at an institution of higher education in the United States on a temporary visa that allows for academic coursework. These include primarily holders of F (student) visas and J (exchange visitor) visas. However, this definition may vary depending on the institution. For example, Dartmouth considers all non-U.S. citizens as international students, except for permanent residents of the United States, eligible non-citizens, and undocumented students in the U.S.
Now, moving on to the topic of language barriers for international students, this can indeed be a significant challenge and a cause of stress for many. A study of 70 international students at Universitas Airlangga in Indonesia found that 68% suffered from stress due to the language barrier in their academics. Similarly, international students in the UK also face challenges due to language barriers, affecting their mental health and day-to-day lives.
The language gap can lead to complications and shocks during cultural transitions and academic adjustments. Students may fear not understanding lectures or worry about not grasping instructions, leading to anxiety and brain freezes. This can result in students becoming quieter or feeling invisible, impacting their mental well-being. The use of metaphors, jargon, and terminology unique to the host country can further compound these challenges.
Additionally, international students may experience prejudice and discrimination due to language barriers. They may feel isolated and uncomfortable communicating with local students and staff, affecting their sense of belonging. Overcoming this barrier can be a complex process, requiring time and practical support from educational institutions.
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Frequently asked questions
An international student is generally defined as someone who is enrolled in a temporary academic program in a country of which they are not a citizen.
To be considered an international student in the US, you must be a non-US citizen and hold a temporary visa that permits academic study at a post-secondary level. The most common type of visa for international students in the US is the F1 Visa.
There are three primary types of student visas for international students in the US: F, J, and M. F visas are for academic study at accredited colleges or universities, J visas are for exchange programs, and M visas are for non-academic or vocational study.
Yes, there are some exceptions to who is considered an international student in the US. Permanent residents of the US, eligible non-citizens, and undocumented students are typically not considered international students, even if they are not US citizens.
