Ibrahim Gardner
International students who wish to study in the United States are generally considered nonimmigrants and must obtain a student visa. There are two types of nonimmigrant visas for international students: the F visa and the M visa. The F visa is for students enrolling in academic programs at universities, colleges, schools, or other academic institutions, including language training programs. The M visa is for students enrolling in technical or vocational programs at recognized non-academic institutions, excluding language training programs. To obtain a student visa, international students must first be accepted into a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school and meet other requirements such as demonstrating English proficiency and having sufficient funds for self-support during their studies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nonimmigrant visa categories | F and M visas |
| F-1 visa category criteria | Enrolled in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program |
| M-1 visa category criteria | Enrolled in a technical program at a vocational or other recognized non-academic institution |
| F-1 visa eligibility | May be eligible to work off-campus on a case-by-case basis |
| M-1 visa eligibility | May engage in practical training only after completing their studies |
| F-1 and M-1 visa requirements | Any off-campus training or employment must be related to their area of study and must be authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO) and USCIS |
| Nonimmigrant status | Foreign nationals admitted into the country temporarily for a specific purpose |
| Student visa requirements | Must be enrolled as a full-time student at an approved institution, be proficient in English, have sufficient funds for self-support, and maintain a residence abroad |
| Student visa application process | Apply online, complete a visa interview, and submit required documents |
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What You'll Learn
International students in the US are considered nonimmigrants
F and M students studying in the US need a Form I-20, also known as the "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status." This form is issued by the designated school official of an SEVP-certified school and serves as proof of legal enrolment in a program of study in the United States. It is required for subsequent steps in the international student life cycle, such as applying for nonimmigrant benefits or changing one's nonimmigrant status to F or M. The form contains information about the student, including their name, personal details, and the school they plan to attend.
To obtain the Form I-20, international students must first gain acceptance into an SEVP-certified school. The designated school official will then send the student the Form I-20, which records their information in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) database. The SEVIS database tracks student information, such as personal details and their chosen program of study. Additionally, an I-901 SEVIS fee must be paid before entering the United States, and F and M students will need to provide their personal and educational details to process this payment.
It is important to note that different rules and opportunities may apply depending on the student's type and visa status. For example, F-1 students enrolled in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) programs may be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) and, in special situations, may be able to work off-campus. Additionally, international students already in the US on a nonimmigrant visa for purposes other than schooling can change their status to enrol in school. However, nonimmigrant students are typically not allowed to work in the US, and any student visa fraud or unlawful employment should be reported to the appropriate authorities.
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F-1 Visa for international students
International students in the United States are considered nonimmigrants because their sole purpose for being in the country is to complete a program of study. The F-1 Visa (Academic Student) is a non-immigrant visa that allows international students to enter the US and enrol full-time in a course of study at an accredited college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or other academic institution, including a language training program.
To be eligible for an F-1 Visa, you must be enrolled in a program or course of study that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate, and your school must be authorized by the US government to accept foreign students. You must be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency, and you must have sufficient funds available for self-support during your entire proposed course of study. You must also maintain a residence abroad, which you have no intention of giving up, and you must plan on returning home after your studies are complete.
The process of obtaining an F-1 Visa begins with the submission of a DS-160 online visa application, along with a photo, and the payment of the application fee. You will then receive a printed confirmation with a barcode, which you must save for your visa interview. After acceptance to an SEVP-certified school, the school will send you a Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Status," which confirms your acceptance into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). You will need to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee and present the receipt during your visa interview.
During the interview, the US consulate or embassy will confirm that you are coming to the US as a legitimate, serious student with sufficient funds to cover your studies. After a successful interview, you will be granted your F-1 Visa and can begin studying in the USA. It is important to note that F-1 students are generally not allowed to work off-campus during their first academic year, but they may accept on-campus employment and, in certain situations, off-campus employment with prior authorization.
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M-1 Visa for international students
International students are considered nonimmigrants. To study in the United States, nonimmigrant students must obtain a student visa, of which there are two types: F-1 visas and M-1 visas. The type of visa required depends on the course of study and the type of school the student plans to attend.
M-1 Visa
The M-1 visa is for international students pursuing non-academic or vocational studies in the United States. It is intended for students enrolled in technical and vocational programs. To be eligible for an M-1 visa, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Enrolment in a full course of study: Applicants must be enrolled in a full course of study at a community or junior college, or a post-secondary vocational or business school. A full course of study typically means at least 12 semester or quarter hours.
- Financial support: Applicants must provide evidence of sufficient funds to cover all tuition and living costs for the entire period of their intended stay.
- English proficiency: Students must be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency.
- Maintenance of foreign residence: Applicants must demonstrate strong ties to a residence in a foreign country that they have no intention of leaving permanently.
- Valid passport: Each person included in the passport must submit a separate visa application.
- Recent photograph: Applicants must provide a digital photograph taken within the last six months, against a plain background, directly facing the camera with a neutral expression.
- Proof of ties to home country: Applicants must prove that they intend to return to their home country after completing their studies.
- Form I-20: Applicants must obtain a "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status for Vocational Students" from their school. This form confirms that the applicant has been accepted into an approved vocational program and that their information has been entered into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) database.
It is important to note that M-1 visa holders are not permitted to work during their studies. Additionally, applicants may need to demonstrate proof of health insurance coverage and meet specific admission requirements determined by their chosen university or vocational school.
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Form I-20: Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status
International students who come to the United States to study are considered nonimmigrants and must follow specific rules. These rules differ depending on the student type. For instance, an F-1 nonimmigrant student is one who enrolls in academic programs at a university, college, high school, or other academic institutions.
The Form I-20, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status – For Academic and Language Students", is a document issued by a Designated School Official (DSO) at SEVP-certified institutions (colleges, universities, or vocational schools). It is a record of the student's information in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) database.
The Form I-20 is necessary for students with F-1, F-2, M-1, and M-2 statuses. It includes the student's tracking number (SEVIS ID number) and school code. The form also lists the program start date, and students are allowed to enter the US 30 days before this date.
Students must obtain the original Form I-20 for their visa interview and keep the signed form on hand when entering the country. It is also required when applying for benefits available to F and M students, such as a driver's license or a social security number.
If the physical copy of the form is lost, for travel endorsement, or when the student’s SEVIS status changes, a new Form I-20 is issued by the DSO. The student must use the most up-to-date Form I-20 when demonstrating their student status.
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Rules and regulations for nonimmigrant students in the US
International students are considered nonimmigrants in the US. Nonimmigrant students who come to the United States to study must follow specific rules and regulations. Here are the rules and regulations for nonimmigrant students in the US:
F-1 Visa (Academic Student)
The F-1 Visa is for nonimmigrant students enrolling in academic programs at a university, college, high school, private elementary school, seminary, conservatory, or another academic institution, including an English language program. To obtain an F-1 visa, you must be enrolled in an "academic" educational program or a language-training program at a school approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE).
M-1 Visa (Vocational Student)
The M-1 Visa is for nonimmigrant students enrolling in a technical program at a vocational or other recognized non-academic institution, excluding a language training program.
Employment Restrictions
Nonimmigrant students on F-1 visas may be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows them to work off-campus in certain situations, such as severe economic hardship. Any off-campus employment must be related to their area of study and authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO) and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) prior to starting work. Most employment opportunities require authorization from USCIS.
Visa Application Process
To apply for a nonimmigrant student visa, you must complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-160, and pay the non-refundable visa application fee. You will need to provide a valid passport, proof of acceptance or enrollment at an approved school, and other required documents. Once your visa is approved, you may also need to pay a visa issuance fee, depending on your nationality.
Maintaining Student Status
To maintain your student status in the US, you must fulfill the purpose of your visa and follow all associated regulations. This includes maintaining your course load and academic standing, as well as complying with any work restrictions.
Reporting Requirements
If you become aware of student visa fraud or nonimmigrant students working unlawfully, you should report it to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) by calling 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or by email.
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Frequently asked questions
A nonimmigrant is a term used by the U.S. government to refer to foreign nationals admitted into the country temporarily for a specific purpose.
An F visa is a nonimmigrant visa for persons wishing to study in the United States. F-1 nonimmigrant students enrol in academic programs at universities, colleges, schools, seminaries, conservatories, or other academic institutions, including English language programs.
An M visa is a nonimmigrant visa for persons wishing to study in the United States. M-1 nonimmigrant students enrol in technical programs at vocational or other recognised non-academic institutions, excluding language training programs.
