Janice Lozano
International students planning to study in the USA should arrive no more than 30 days before their program start date. Arriving early gives students time to settle in, meet new people, and get used to their new routine. However, students arriving more than one week late to their program may need to defer to the following semester.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa type | F-1, M-1, J-1, H-1B, B-1/B-2 |
| F-1 Visa criteria | Enrolled in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program; enrolled as a full-time student; proficient in English or enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency; sufficient funds for self-support during the entire course of study; maintenance of residence abroad |
| M-1 Visa criteria | Students in vocational or other non-academic programs, other than language training |
| F-1 Visa duration | Up to 60 days after the program end date |
| M-1 Visa duration | Up to 30 days after the program end date |
| J-1 Visa duration | Differs by classification; interns: 12 months; trainees: 18 months; hospitality trainees and interns: 12 months |
| Work eligibility | F-1 students may not work off-campus during the first academic year, but may accept on-campus employment; after the first year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment, including STEM OPT |
| M-1 Visa work eligibility | May engage in practical training only after completing studies; off-campus training employment must be related to the area of study and authorized by a Designated School Official and USCIS |
| Visa processing time | Up to 90 days |
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What You'll Learn
- International students must apply for an F-1 or M-1 visa to study full-time in the USA
- F-1 visa holders can stay in the US for 60 days after their program ends
- M-1 visa holders can only engage in practical training after completing their studies
- Students on F-1 visas can accept on-campus employment in their first year
- International students can work in the USA after graduation with a work visa
International students must apply for an F-1 or M-1 visa to study full-time in the USA
International students wishing to study full-time in the USA must apply for a nonimmigrant visa. The two most common types of student visas are the F-1 and M-1 visas. The F-1 Visa is for Academic Students, while the M-1 Visa is for Vocational Students.
To obtain an F-1 Visa, you must be enrolled in an accredited academic program, a language-training program, or a 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 and be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program. You must also be enrolled as a full-time student and be proficient in English or be taking courses to improve your English proficiency. Additionally, you must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself throughout your studies and maintain a residence abroad with no intention of giving up.
F-1 students may accept on-campus employment during their first academic year, subject to certain conditions and restrictions. After the first year, they may engage in off-campus employment, including through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). CPT employment must be an integral part of the curriculum and directly related to the student's major. OPT is a form of temporary employment that directly relates to the student's program of study.
On the other hand, the M-1 Visa is for international students pursuing vocational studies. M-1 students are not eligible for employment during their program of study but may obtain authorization for practical training employment after completing their studies. To be eligible for an M-1 Visa, you must meet similar requirements to the F-1 Visa regarding proficiency, funding, and residence. However, your school does not need to be authorized to accept foreign students, and you cannot be enrolled in a language-training program.
Both F-1 and M-1 students must enter the United States no more than 30 days before their program of study begins and must maintain their legal status throughout their stay. After completing their studies, F students have 60 days to leave the country, while M students have 30 days.
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F-1 visa holders can stay in the US for 60 days after their program ends
International students who wish to study in the United States full-time will typically need a student visa. There are two types of non-immigrant visa categories: F and M visas. The F-1 Visa (Academic Student) allows international students to enter the US as full-time students at an accredited academic institution or language training program. To be eligible for an F-1 visa, students must be enrolled in a program that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate, and their school must be authorized by the US government to accept foreign students. Students must also be enrolled full-time, be proficient in English or enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency, have sufficient funds to support themselves during their studies, and maintain a residence abroad.
F-1 visa holders can stay in the US for 60 days after their academic program ends. This 60-day "grace" period is intended to allow students to prepare to leave the country. During this time, students should exercise caution if they plan to travel, as USCIS may send requests for evidence that require a response. Additionally, F-1 students must complete their studies by the termination date specified on their Form I-20.
It is important to note that F-1 students are subject to specific employment restrictions. While on-campus employment is generally permitted without prior authorization, off-campus employment is more restricted. F-1 students may not work off-campus during their first academic year but may engage in certain types of off-campus employment after that, including Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT). To maintain their status, F-1 students must work closely with their school's International Student Office and comply with all visa requirements.
If F-1 visa holders wish to extend their stay in the US beyond the 60-day grace period, they can explore options such as transferring to another school, changing their education level, or applying to change their visa status. Consulting with the Designated School Official (DSO) at their school can provide guidance on maintaining legal status and navigating any necessary steps for extensions or changes.
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M-1 visa holders can only engage in practical training after completing their studies
International students who wish to study in the United States full-time will need a student visa. The two nonimmigrant visa categories are the F and M visas. The F-1 visa is for academic students, while the M-1 visa is for vocational students. To qualify for an M-1 visa, students must be enrolled in a vocational or non-academic program at an SEVP-approved institution. This includes vocational studies such as cooking classes, technical courses, mechanical classes, flight school, and cosmetology.
M-1 visa holders are only permitted to engage in on-campus employment, and even then, they can only work part-time when school is in session and full-time during breaks. The maximum amount of time they are allowed to work is six months. To be allowed to work, they will need to obtain an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) by filing Form I-538 and Form I-765. All work undertaken with an EAD must be related to the holder's field of study.
It is important to note that there are difficulties in changing to an H-1B visa if you intend to work using the skills gained during your studies as an M-1 student. M-1 visa holders are expected to return to their home country after completing their education.
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Students on F-1 visas can accept on-campus employment in their first year
International students who wish to study in the United States full-time will generally need a student visa. The two nonimmigrant visa categories are the F and M visas. The F-1 visa is for academic students, while the M-1 visa is for vocational students.
There are three types of off-campus employment available to F-1 students after their first academic year: Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and employment with a "recognized international organization." CPT is an off-campus employment option when practical training is an integral part of the curriculum or academic program. OPT is permitted for up to 12 months full-time and requires prior authorization from USCIS and the school's International Student Office. To qualify for employment with a recognized international organization, the organization must be on the official State Department list, such as the Red Cross or the World Health Organization.
It is important for international students to maintain lawful F-1 status and work closely with their school's International Student Office to ensure they follow all necessary steps and regulations regarding employment in the United States.
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International students can work in the USA after graduation with a work visa
International students who wish to study full-time in the United States typically need a student visa. The two most common types of nonimmigrant visas for students are the F and M visas. The F-1 Visa (Academic Student) allows you to enter the US as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, school, or other academic institution. The M-1 visa (Vocational Student) is for students in vocational or other non-academic programs.
Students on F-1 visas are allowed to work on campus without requiring USCIS approval. However, on-campus employment opportunities are often limited, and students may need to obtain permission from the International Student Office before accepting such employment. F-1 students may not work off-campus during their first academic year but may do so after this period under certain conditions. There are several categories of off-campus employment for F-1 visa holders, including:
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT): Many schools offer work and study programs that provide immediate employment through CPT. Students who have engaged in 12 months or more of full-time CPT are not eligible for OPT.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT): F-1 students may be eligible to work off-campus through OPT, which is permitted for up to 12 months full-time in total. Part-time OPT reduces the available full-time OPT by half of the amount of part-time work.
- Employment with a "Recognized International Organization": This category includes organizations such as the Red Cross, World Health Organization, and the World Trade Organization. Students must have a job offer and sponsorship from one of the listed organizations.
It is important to maintain your visa status and comply with the terms and restrictions of your F-1 visa. Getting approval from USCIS can take up to 90 days, so it is recommended to submit applications well in advance. Additionally, F-1 students may be eligible for a 60-day "grace" period after graduation to prepare for leaving the US or to apply for post-completion OPT to continue working.
After graduating, international students can explore various visa options to work in the USA. Some common visa options include:
- F-1 Visa Post-Completion Practical Training: F-1 students are generally entitled to up to one year of post-completion practical training, which starts after graduation or completion of their course of study.
- H-1B Visa: This visa is granted for an initial period of three years and can be extended for an additional three years. To qualify, the employer must initiate the visa process.
- B-1/B-2 Visa: This is a temporary, non-immigrant visa that allows for business or tourism-related travel to the US. While it does not grant permanent residence, holders of this visa can apply for a green card.
- Green Card: A green card permits indefinite work and residence in the US, but they are in high demand and may take many years to obtain.
International students can also explore other visa categories, such as those for persons of extraordinary ability, outstanding professors and researchers, or multinational executives and managers. It is recommended to consult with the international students department of your university and seek advice from an immigration attorney to understand the specific requirements and options available.
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Frequently asked questions
International students should arrive in the US no more than 30 days before their program starts.
International students must arrive no later than the program start date.
It is recommended that international students arrive at least 15 days before the start of their program. This allows them to settle in, open a bank account, and get used to their new routine.
International students should get their student ID as soon as they arrive. They should also attend an international student orientation, where they will learn about academic expectations, campus life, and visa and immigration policies.
Students can apply for their US student visa up to 365 days before the start date of their course. However, they will not be allowed to enter the US more than 30 days before the start of their program.
