Lori Meadows
International students are some of the most tracked and vetted visitors to the United States. To study in the US, non-immigrant students require either an F or M visa, which is determined by their course of study and the type of school they plan to attend. Students must maintain their visa status by fulfilling the purpose for which the visa was issued and following associated regulations. This includes attending all classes, maintaining academic progress, and only working when authorized. Students may extend their visas to stay longer or switch to a graduate visa, but they must provide evidence of their qualifications and that their circumstances have changed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa type | F or M visa |
| Visa category | Nonimmigrant visa |
| Eligibility criteria | 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; Proficiency in English or enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency; Sufficient funds for self-support; Maintain a residence abroad |
| Visa extension | Possible to extend the visa to stay longer and continue the course or study a new course; Need to prove identity |
| Visa renewal | Same application process as for first-time applicants |
| Visa denial | May reapply if there is additional evidence of qualifications or changed circumstances |
| Visa status | Must maintain normal academic progress; Must maintain full-time study; Must attend all classes |
| Visa restrictions | Cannot work off-campus during the first academic year; Cannot travel on the Visa Waiver Program or with Visitor Visas |
| Visa cancellation | Possible visa cancellation due to involvement in free speech activities or criminal activities |
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What You'll Learn
Requirements for F and M visas
To study in the United States, international students must obtain an F or M visa. These visas are for nonimmigrants intending to pursue full-time academic or vocational study. The type of visa required depends on the course of study and the type of school the applicant plans to attend.
F-1 Visa (Academic Student)
The F-1 Visa is for international students enrolled in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a primary/secondary school program. To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be enrolled full-time in an accredited academic institution, language-training program, or primary/secondary school.
- Have sufficient funds to support themselves during their studies.
- Maintain a residence abroad with no intention of giving up.
- Maintain their student status while in the US by fulfilling the purpose for which the visa was issued and following associated regulations.
- Maintain academic progress and attend all classes.
- Obtain employment authorization for off-campus work. On-campus employment is generally permitted.
M-1 Visa (Vocational Student)
The M-1 Visa is for international students enrolled in vocational or other non-academic programs, excluding language training. To be eligible, applicants must:
- Be enrolled full-time in a vocational or non-academic program.
- Have sufficient funds to support themselves during their studies.
- Maintain a residence abroad with no intention of giving up.
- Maintain their student status while in the US by fulfilling the purpose for which the visa was issued and following associated regulations.
- Maintain academic progress and attend all classes.
- Obtain employment authorization for off-campus work. On-campus employment is generally permitted.
It is important to note that students on F or M visas must not engage in any actions that detract from their purpose of studying in the US. Additionally, they should be mindful of maintaining their student status, especially when considering a reduction in course load, changing academic programs or institutions, or seeking employment.
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Extending your visa
To extend your visa as an international student in the UK, you must apply for an extension if you're already in the country on a Student Visa (or a Tier 4 (General) Visa). You will need to pay a fee of £524 and prove your identity as part of your application. You will usually get a decision within 8 weeks, but you may be able to pay more to get a faster decision. If your application is successful, you will receive an eVisa, which is an online record of your immigration status.
If you need to change something in your application after you've sent it, contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). You can ask to withdraw your application, but your fee will only be refunded if UKVI has not started processing it.
If you are an international student in the UK and have been in the country with a valid visa for less than 12 months, you will need to prove that you have enough money to support yourself when applying for an extension. Your partner or children will need to apply separately to extend their visas.
If you are an international student in the United States, you must maintain your F or M student status. This means fulfilling the purpose for which the Department of State issued you your visa and following the regulations associated with that purpose. F-1 and M-1 visas are for full-time students enrolled in academic and vocational programs, respectively, and both require that you maintain a full course of study each term. F-1 students must complete at least one full academic year at an SEVP-certified school to be eligible for annual vacation. During an annual vacation, students can take as many or as few courses as they want.
If you are an F-1 student in the United States and are planning to change your major, program, or degree level, you should speak with your DSO before doing so. You should also talk to your DSO about requesting a possible program extension if you do not think you will complete your program of study by the end date listed on your Form I-20. An extension must be requested before the program end date.
You may be able to change your status to another visa status, such as H-1B (temporary worker) or O (extraordinary ability in science, art, or business). M students have 30 days after completing their program to leave the United States unless they have filed for an extension with USCIS.
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Switching to a Graduate visa
International students in the UK can switch to a Graduate visa to stay in the country for at least two years after completing their course. This visa is applicable for students who have studied a UK bachelor's degree, postgraduate degree, or other eligible courses for a minimum period of time with a Student visa or Tier 4 (General) student visa. The Graduate visa is valid for two years, or three years for PhD or other doctoral qualifications. It is important to note that you cannot extend your Graduate visa, but you may be able to switch to a different visa, such as a Skilled Worker visa.
To be eligible for a Graduate visa, you must have completed the degree for which your Tier 4/Student visa was granted. If you are studying on a Tier 4/Student visa, you will need to make an application in the UK to be granted permission under the Graduate route after successfully completing your degree. Students who have a Tier 4/Student visa for a four-year Integrated Masters course are eligible to apply for the Graduate visa if they complete their studies and exit with a Bachelor's qualification, choosing not to proceed to the fourth year. However, if they complete the fourth year, they are not eligible to apply for the Graduate visa based on the completion of the Bachelor's qualification.
When applying for a Graduate visa, you will need to prove your identity and provide relevant documents. The application fee for switching to this visa is £524, and you will usually receive a decision within eight weeks. While your application is pending, the working conditions of your student visa will continue to apply. Once you have successfully completed your course and submitted the Graduate visa application, you are allowed to start a full-time permanent vacancy, which is otherwise not possible on a student visa.
To summarise, switching to a Graduate visa is a viable option for international students in the UK who have completed their degree and wish to stay in the country for an extended period. By meeting the eligibility requirements and following the application process, students can benefit from additional time in the country to work or pursue further career opportunities.
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Changing to another visa status
If you are an international student in the United States and want to change to another visa status, there are several options available to you, depending on your current visa and desired status. Here are the steps and considerations for changing to another visa status:
Changing from a Visitor Visa (B-1/B-2) to a Student Visa (F-1 or M-1):
- Timing: Apply for the change before your visitor visa status expires. You must not begin your studies until the change is approved by USCIS.
- Steps: Reach out to your SEVP-certified school or program for Form I-20, with "Change of Status" marked as the issue reason. Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee. File Form I-539 ("Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status") with USCIS and pay the associated fees.
- Consular Processing Option: If you prefer, you can leave the U.S. and apply for an F-1 or M-1 visa through consular processing at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Changing to a Temporary Worker Visa (H-1B):
After completing your studies and any authorized practical training, you may wish to extend your stay in the U.S. by changing to a temporary worker visa status, such as H-1B. Discuss this option with your DSO to understand the process and requirements.
Changing to Other Nonimmigrant Visas:
- Extraordinary Ability Visa (O): If you possess extraordinary ability in science, art, or business, you may be eligible for an O visa.
- Athlete Visa (P): Athletes may consider changing to a P visa if they meet the requirements.
- Diplomatic Visa (A): In certain cases, exchange visitors may apply to change to a diplomatic or government official visa (A visa).
- International Organization Representative Visa (G): Exchange visitors may also be eligible to change to a G visa, representing international organizations.
It is important to note that not all nonimmigrant statuses can be changed to student status (F-1 or M-1). For example, vocational students (M-1) cannot change to temporary worker statuses (H status) if their training qualifies them for the temporary worker position. Always review the regulations and eligibility criteria for your specific situation.
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Maintaining visa status
To maintain your visa status as an international student, it is important to not deviate from the purpose for which the Department of State issued your visa. This means fulfilling the purpose for why you were issued a visa and following the regulations associated with that purpose. For instance, if you have been issued an F or M student visa, your purpose for entering the United States is to study.
F-1 Visa (Academic Student)
- You must be enrolled in a program or course of study that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate.
- Your school must be authorized by the U.S. government to accept foreign students.
- You may not work off-campus during the first academic year, but you may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions.
- After the first academic year, you may engage in three types of off-campus employment: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) OPT Extension.
- To be eligible for annual vacation, you must complete at least one full academic year at an SEVP-certified school.
- If you plan to change your major, program, or degree level, you should speak with your DSO.
M-1 Visa (Vocational Student)
- Your program must be vocational or non-academic in nature, excluding language training.
- 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, Immigration & Customs Enforcement.
- You must maintain a residence abroad that you do not intend to give up.
- M students have 30 days after completing their program to leave the United States, unless an extension has been filed.
General Guidelines for F and M Students
- Attend all your classes and maintain normal academic progress.
- Maintain a full course of study each term. If you cannot study full-time, contact your DSO immediately as you may be eligible for a reduced course load.
- If you do not think you will complete your program of study by the end date, request a possible program extension from your DSO before the program end date.
- Only work when authorized by a DSO or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Working without authorization will result in forced departure from the United States and possible denial of re-entry.
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Frequently asked questions
You may be able to extend your student visa to continue your course or start a new one. You will need to have an unconditional offer of a place on a course with a licensed student sponsor, and your studies must be at a higher academic level than your current course. If you have been in the UK for less than 12 months, you will need to prove that you have enough money to support yourself.
To apply for a student visa, you must be 16 or over and intend to study at an accredited academic institution. You will need to prove your identity and meet certain criteria, including English proficiency and having sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies.
F visas are for students enrolled in academic programs, language-training programs, or academic high schools, while M visas are for students in vocational or non-academic programs.
To maintain your student visa status, you must fulfil the purpose for which the visa was issued to you and follow the associated regulations. This includes attending all your classes, maintaining academic progress, and only working when authorized.
Yes, you can apply to change your visa status to another category, such as a temporary worker visa or an extraordinary ability visa.
