Lana Oconnell
International students who wish to study in the United States must apply for a student visa. There are two types of nonimmigrant visas available: the F-1 Visa for academic students and the M-1 Visa for vocational students. To obtain either visa, students must first apply to a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-approved school. Once accepted, students must register for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and pay the associated fees. Students can then apply for their visa at a US embassy or consulate, where they will be required to attend an interview and provide necessary documentation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa type | F-1 or M-1 visa |
| Course type | Academic, language-training, or vocational |
| School accreditation | Must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program (SEVP) |
| Visa fee | $535, including processing and maintenance fees |
| Application form | DS-160 |
| Required documents | Form I-20, passport, travel itinerary, photo for visa |
| Visa interview | Required, must prove financial means and intent to return home |
| Visa validity | Issued up to 365 days before the course start date, entry allowed up to 30 days prior |
| Work eligibility | F-1 visa holders may work off-campus after the first academic year, M-1 visa holders may not |
| Dependents | Dependents must enroll in SEVIS, obtain Form I-20, and apply for a visa |
| Social Security Number | Only available to those with permission from DHS to work |
| Benefits | Students may be eligible for certain benefits, which must be applied for separately |
| Employment | Most opportunities require authorization from USCIS |
| Status maintenance | Students must fulfill the purpose of their visa and follow regulations |
| Port of entry | Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer verifies information and admission |
| Departure | F-1 students and dependents have 60 days after the program end date to depart |
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What You'll Learn
Enrolling in an F or M visa program
To enrol in an F or M visa program, you must be enrolled in an academic educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program. The specific type of visa you need will depend on the course of study and the type of school you plan to attend.
The F-1 Visa is for academic students and allows you to enter the US 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. You must be enrolled in a program or course of study that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate, and your school must be authorised by the US government to accept foreign students.
The M-1 visa is for vocational students and includes students in vocational or other non-academic programs, excluding language training.
For both visas, you must be enrolled in a course certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). You must also be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency, have sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies, and maintain a residence abroad that you do not intend to give up.
To apply for an F or M visa, you must first apply to a SEVP-approved school in the US. If the school accepts your enrollment, 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 must present to the consular officer when you attend your visa interview at a US Embassy or Consulate.
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Completing the DS-160 form
The form itself is free to file, but there is a visa application processing fee that must be paid. The fee varies depending on the visa type and can be found on the US Department of State website.
To complete the form, you will need to upload a photo that meets the photograph requirements. You will also need to provide your international travel history for the past five years, including the dates of your last five trips to the US (if applicable). You may also be asked for your current and previous education and work history, so it is a good idea to have your résumé or curriculum vitae to hand.
Students and exchange visitors will be asked to provide their SEVIS ID, which is printed on Form I-20 or DS-2019. You will also need to provide the address of the school/program at which you intend to study. If you do not know the address of where you will be living, you can enter "not yet known" for the street address, but you must enter the city and state.
Once you have completed the form, you must electronically sign it by clicking the "Sign Application" button. This certifies that you have read and understood the questions and that your answers are true and correct to the best of your knowledge. After submitting the form, you will get a confirmation page with a barcode, which you must bring to your visa interview. You should also print and keep the DS-160 barcode page.
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Preparing for the interview
Know the Interview Process:
Understand that the interview is a significant aspect of your visa application. The consular officer conducts the interview to learn more about you beyond the documents you've submitted. They aim to ascertain your genuine intention to enter the country as a student and your plans for returning to your home country. The interview will be conducted in English, which can be intimidating for non-native speakers, so it is advisable to practice English conversations with a native speaker beforehand.
Gather Required Documents:
Ensure you have all the necessary documents organized and readily available. This includes your passport, visa application confirmation, and other relevant academic and financial documents. Check the website of the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will be interviewed for country-specific requirements.
Understand Interview Questions:
Familiarize yourself with the types of questions that are typically asked during the interview. These questions often revolve around your study plans, choice of university, academic qualifications, financial situation, and intentions to return to your home country. Knowing these categories in advance can help you prepare clear and concise answers.
Demonstrate Strong Ties to Home Country:
Officers will assess your ties to your home country, such as family, property, or job prospects, to ensure you intend to return after your studies. Be prepared to discuss your specific intentions, future employment plans, and any obligations or relationships that will bring you back home.
Financial Preparedness:
You must be able to demonstrate your financial capability to cover your educational, living, and travel costs. Have a clear understanding of the expenses, including tuition fees, accommodation, and other expenses. Provide details on your sources of funding and ensure they are sufficient for your stay. If applicable, discuss any plans for on-campus employment, but avoid mentioning this as your primary source of income.
Be Honest and Confident:
Remain calm and honest during the interview. Answer the questions clearly and concisely, focusing on providing relevant information. Be open about your academic and professional goals and showcase your qualifications and intentions confidently. Remember, being well-prepared will help you stay composed and navigate the interview process successfully.
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Paying the fees
To apply for a student visa, you must first pay the I-901 SEVIS fee before attending your visa interview. You can pay the fee online or by using Western Union Quick Pay. You will need to present the receipt as proof of payment when you apply for your visa, so ensure you keep it safe. It is important that the SEVIS ID number on your receipt matches the number on your Form I-20. If there is a mismatch or you encounter other issues, you must contact SEVP.
After paying the I-901 SEVIS fee, you will need to apply for your visa at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate. You must bring your Form I-20, passport, travel itinerary, visa photo, and other required documents. You will also need to complete a DS-160 visa application form to receive an F-1 visa. After submitting your DS-160, you will receive a printed confirmation with a barcode, which you will need for your interview, along with your Form I-20.
In some cases, you may be required to pay a non-refundable visa application fee before your interview. If your visa is approved, you may also need to pay a visa issuance fee, depending on your nationality.
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Maintaining student status
Entry and Contact
When entering the United States, F and M students must arrive no more than 30 days before their program of study commences. Upon arrival, it is imperative to contact your designated school official (DSO). This contact should be made immediately upon entering the country and again when you arrive at the school, no later than the program start date listed on your Form I-20.
Attendance and Academic Progress
While studying in the United States, it is essential to attend all your classes and maintain satisfactory academic progress. If you encounter difficulties that may hinder your ability to study full-time, it is important to promptly contact your DSO to discuss your options. Maintaining student status typically requires full-time enrolment, with a minimum number of credits or units needed each semester to remain in good standing.
Work Authorisation
Working without the necessary authorisation can result in immediate expulsion from the United States and potential difficulties with re-entry. F students may be eligible for curricular practical training (CPT) or optional practical training, but this must be directly related to their major area of study and authorised by the DSO and/or U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Travel and Documentation
International students intending to travel outside the United States and then return to their studies must obtain a travel signature on their Form I-20 (F-1 visa) or Form DS-2019 (J-1 visa). It is also crucial to ensure that your passport remains valid and that your contact information, including your local address, is kept up to date within 10 days of any changes.
Compliance with Regulations
Failing to comply with U.S. government immigration regulations can jeopardise your student status and future visa applications. It is important to understand and adhere to these regulations, which may include maintaining a residence abroad with no intention of relinquishing it and demonstrating sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies.
Program Completion and Extensions
Upon completing your program of study, F students have 60 days, while M students have 30 days, to depart the United States. If you wish to extend your stay, discuss options with your DSO, such as transferring to another school or changing your education level.
Remember, careful planning and a comprehensive understanding of the visa process are essential to successfully maintaining your student status in the United States.
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Frequently asked questions
There are two types of student visas: F-1 and M-1. The F-1 Visa is for academic students and allows you to enter as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, school, or other academic institution. The M-1 visa is for vocational or other non-academic programs.
You will need to complete a DS-160 form, and have your I-20, passport, travel itinerary, and a photo for your visa. You will also need to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee before applying and have proof of payment when you attend your interview.
The interview is to confirm that you are a legitimate student and that you have the funds to cover your studies. You will also need to confirm your intention to return home after your studies.
Wait times vary by country and can take months, so apply as early as possible. New students can get a visa up to 365 days before the course start date, but no more than 30 days before.
