Janice Lozano
The USA is a popular destination for international students, with over 1,000,000 students choosing to study at a US college or university. To study in the USA as an international student, you will need to obtain a student visa. There are three primary student visa types: F, J, and M. F-1 visas are for academic students enrolled in a degree, diploma, or certificate program at an accredited institution, while M-1 visas are for vocational students. J-1 exchange visas are for exchange programs, including work-and-study-based programs. To obtain a student visa, you will need to complete an online application, schedule an interview, and meet certain criteria, such as demonstrating English proficiency and having sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | F-1 Visa (Academic Student), M-1 Visa (Vocational Student), J-1 Exchange Visa |
| Visa Requirements | Enrolled in an academic, language-training, or vocational program, proficiency in English, sufficient funds, maintenance of residence abroad |
| Visa Application Process | Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160), Visa Interview at U.S. Embassy or Consulate, Form I-20 or DS-2019 documentation |
| Work Opportunities | F-1 students may accept on-campus employment in the first academic year and off-campus employment in STEM fields after the first year |
| Financial Aid | May qualify for student aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) |
| Insurance | International student insurance plans are recommended |
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What You'll Learn
Student visa requirements
To study in the United States as an international student, you must obtain a student visa. The process involves several steps, and the requirements are detailed below:
- Enrolment in an Academic or Vocational Program: You must be enrolled in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program.
- School Accreditation: Your chosen school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
- Full-Time Enrolment: You must be enrolled as a full-time student at the institution.
- English Proficiency: You must be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses that will lead to English proficiency.
- Financial Support: You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself financially throughout your entire course of study.
- Residence Intentions: You must maintain a residence in your home country or elsewhere outside the U.S., indicating that you do not intend to reside permanently in the United States.
- Visa Application: You must complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160. Print the confirmation page and bring it to your visa interview.
- Visa Interview: Schedule a visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country. You may opt to interview in another country, but it may be more challenging to qualify for the visa. Wait times vary, so apply early.
- Supporting Documents: Gather the required documents before your interview, including a passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in the U.S.
- Visa Fees: Pay the non-refundable visa application fee, and if your visa is approved, you may also need to pay a visa issuance fee, depending on your nationality.
The two primary types of student visas are the F-1 and M-1 visas, with the F-1 Visa being for full-time international students pursuing academic studies and the M-1 Visa being for those pursuing vocational studies.
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Application process
International students wishing to study in the USA must follow a specific application process to gain entry to the country. Here is a detailed breakdown of the steps involved:
- Visa Requirements: The first step is to determine the appropriate visa category. For international students, the F and M visas are the most common types. The F-1 visa is for academic students enrolled in accredited institutions, while the M-1 visa is for vocational students in non-academic programs. The J-1 visa is also an option for exchange programs. The visa category depends on the course of study and the type of school.
- School Selection: Choose a school that is approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and accredited by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. Ensure the school offers certified programs for international students.
- Enrollment Criteria: To be enrolled as a full-time student, you must meet specific criteria, including English proficiency, academic qualifications, and sufficient funds for self-support during your studies. You must also maintain a residence abroad with no intention of giving up your non-immigrant status.
- Visa Application: Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160. Print the confirmation page and schedule an interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country. Interviews may be granted up to 365 days before the start date of your course but no later than 30 days before.
- Supporting Documents: Gather all the required supporting documents, such as academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency (TOEFL), letters of recommendation, essays, and financial statements. These documents will be necessary for both your visa application and school admissions.
- Visa Interview: Attend the visa interview, providing all the necessary documentation and demonstrating your qualifications for the visa. Be prepared to answer questions about your academic background, financial situation, and reasons for choosing to study in the USA.
- Visa Decision: After the interview, wait for the decision on your visa application. If approved, you will receive your student visa, allowing you to enter the USA as an international student.
- Travel Arrangements: Once your visa is approved, make the necessary travel arrangements, including booking flights and arranging accommodation. Ensure you have adequate travel essentials, international student insurance, and a plan for staying connected with your home country.
- Entry into the USA: Upon arrival in the USA, present your student visa and Form I-20 or DS-2019 (for F, M, and J visas, respectively) to the Department of Homeland Security at the port of entry. They will grant you admission into the country as a student.
- Maintenance of Status: While studying in the USA, maintain your student status by adhering to the regulations set by the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. immigration laws. This includes enrolling in a full-time course of study, maintaining academic progress, and complying with any employment restrictions associated with your visa type.
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Funding and scholarships
Funding opportunities for international students in the USA are available, but they can be challenging to find. While the US government generally does not provide funding for international students, there are some scholarships available, as well as funding from private organisations and universities.
Scholarships
The Fulbright Foreign Student Program is one of the most popular government-funded scholarships for international students. It offers scholarships for graduate students, young professionals and artists to study in the US for one year or more. The program is open to international students in all fields excluding medicine.
The Foreign Fulbright Student Program also offers scholarships for graduate students from around the world to study in the USA.
The Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program provides comprehensive financial coverage, including tuition, a monthly stipend, airfare, health insurance, and travel allowance, to students from developing countries who have supported their home country's development and who are applying for a development-related Master's program.
The P.E.O. International Peace Scholarship awards scholarships to women from other countries who are earning their graduate degrees in the USA.
The American Association of University Women offers fellowships for non-American women who want to earn a Master's or doctorate in the USA.
The YouAreWelcomeHere Scholarship is offered by the University of Minnesota and the University of Oregon. It is a renewable scholarship that offers $15,000 per year to international students.
The American University Emerging Global Leader Scholarship offers undergraduate scholarships to international students who show leadership potential.
The University of Iowa offers various scholarships for international first-year students.
The Clark University Global Scholars Program offers scholarships of no less than US$10,000, as well as a guaranteed $2,500 taxable stipend for a paid internship for first-year international applicants.
The Emory University Needs-Based Scholarship Program offers funding opportunities for international students who can demonstrate financial need.
Michigan State University, New York University Wagner, the University of Arkansas, and the University of Oregon also offer funding opportunities for international students.
Other Funding Opportunities
International students may qualify for student aid as a non-citizen through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The Boren Award for International Study provides funding for US undergraduate students to study less commonly taught languages in world regions critical to US interests and underrepresented in study abroad.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) supports international research and education through a variety of programs, including fellowships, travel grants, summer institutes, workshops, and research and education projects.
MPOWER Financing offers scholarships for international and DACA students through its Global Citizen Scholarship Program.
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Preparing for life in the USA
Finances
Planning your finances is essential when studying in the USA. Understand the cost of living, budget for your expenses, and be aware of the financial requirements for your visa. While the U.S. government generally does not provide funding for international students, you may qualify for student aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Housing and Insurance
Most first-year international students live in on-campus housing with a meal plan. If you choose to live off-campus, be sure to research the different options and consider factors such as safety and transportation. Additionally, don't forget to acquire health insurance coverage, which is typically provided by your school unless you opt-out.
Social Life and Community
Your social life is an integral part of your stay in the USA. Join clubs or student organizations to meet people with similar interests and build a support system. Seek out other international students, especially those from your home country, to help with homesickness and cultural adjustment. Stay connected with family and friends back home through regular communication and video calls.
Employment
If you plan to work during your studies, familiarize yourself with the regulations and restrictions for international students. On-campus employment is the most common option, but off-campus work opportunities may also be available, provided they are related to your area of study and authorized by the designated officials.
Legal and Immigration Matters
Familiarize yourself with U.S. federal, state, and local laws, especially those related to immigration. Understand the requirements and restrictions of your student visa to ensure you maintain legal status throughout your stay.
Remember, preparing for life in the USA is an exciting journey, and by staying informed, proactive, and open-minded, you can make the most of your experience as an international student.
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Employment options
International students wishing to study in the US will generally need a student visa. There are two nonimmigrant visa categories: the F and M visas. To enter in either of these categories, students must meet the following criteria:
- Enrolment in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program
- Attendance at a school approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program
- Full-time enrolment
- English proficiency or enrolment in courses leading to English proficiency
- Sufficient funds for self-support during the entire course
- Maintenance of a residence abroad with no intention of giving up
Students with an F-1 visa are not permitted to work off-campus during their first academic year. However, they may accept on-campus employment, subject to certain conditions and restrictions. After the first year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment:
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT): This is an integral part of the curriculum and a requirement for degree completion.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): This is temporary employment directly related to the student's major area of study. F-1 students may be eligible for a 12-month extension of OPT if their field of study is in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics.
- Severe Economic Hardship: In cases of severe economic hardship, USCIS may authorize off-campus employment. This can also include emergent circumstances, such as natural disasters or financial crises, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security.
M-1 visa holders are not permitted to work off-campus but may be eligible for practical training after completing their studies.
International students should be aware that job hunting in the US can be challenging due to visa complexities, cultural differences, and employer preferences for US students. However, there are companies in the US that hire international students, and many resources are available to assist in the job search, including career services at schools, career fairs, and dedicated resources like the International Student Job Center and International Student Resume Writing Center.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a student visa, either F or M, depending on your course of study and the type of school you plan to attend. The F-1 Visa is for academic students and the M-1 Visa is for vocational students.
You must be enrolled in an academic, language-training, or vocational program, your school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, you must be enrolled as a full-time student, you must be proficient in English, you must have sufficient funds to support yourself, and you must maintain a residence abroad.
The application process for US colleges and universities can be extensive and confusing, so it is important to be prepared. You will likely need to take standardized tests, write essays, and provide credentials. You will also need to consider finances, as international students are not usually provided funding by the US government.
