Lana Oconnell
International students intending to study in the US need to obtain a student visa. There are three primary types of student visas: F, J, and M. The F-1 visa is for full-time students studying at an accredited US college or university or an intensive English language institute. The J-1 visa is for exchange students participating in exchange programs, including high school and university studies. The M-1 visa is for students pursuing vocational or non-academic studies. These visas have different requirements and restrictions, and it is important for prospective international students to understand the eligibility criteria and application processes for each type of visa.
Visa Types for International Students
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa Types | F, J, and M |
| F-1 Visa | For full-time study at an accredited U.S. college or university or to study English at an English language institute |
| F-2 Visa | For dependents of F-1 visa holders (spouse and unmarried children under 21) |
| F-3 Visa | For border commuters (Mexican and Canadian students) who reside in their country of origin while attending school in the U.S. |
| J-1 Visa | For participation in an exchange program, including high school and university study |
| J-2 Visa | For dependents of J-1 visa holders |
| M-1 Visa | For non-academic or vocational study or training in the U.S. |
| M-2 Visa | For dependents of M-1 visa holders |
| M-3 Visa | For border commuters engaging in vocational or non-academic studies |
Additional Information:
- F visas are also known as "student visas".
- F-1 visa holders may be eligible for work in the U.S., including on-campus employment.
- J-1 visa holders must contact their responsible officer to determine if they are eligible to work outside their program of study.
- M-1 visa holders must demonstrate financial stability and are not allowed to work on- or off-campus while studying.
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What You'll Learn
F-1 Student Visa
In the United States, the F-1 visa is one of the primary visa types for international students, alongside the J-1 and M-1 visas. The F-1 visa allows a student to temporarily live in the US while studying at an accredited college or university, or to study English at an English language institute.
To obtain an F-1 visa, students must first be enrolled and accepted into a course at an academic institution approved by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) through the Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP). The institution can be a high school, seminary, private elementary school, conservatory, or a language program. The student must be enrolled as a full-time learner and be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency. They must also have sufficient funds to support themselves during their studies and maintain a residence abroad, demonstrating their intention to return to their home country after their studies.
The process of obtaining an F-1 visa begins with the student's enrollment and acceptance into a SEVP-approved school. The student will then be added to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and will need to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee, which is currently $350. Following this, the school will issue a Form I-20, confirming the student's acceptance and eligibility for the F-1 visa.
The next step is to submit the online DS-160 visa application form, which includes disclosing all social media identifiers and setting social media profiles to "public" for consular review. The student must also prepare the required documents, including their CV, academic transcripts, proof of financial funds, and a research plan. A visa interview will then take place, averaging 5 minutes, focusing on the student's academic plans, career goals, and financial situation.
It is important to note that obtaining an F-1 visa can take several weeks, and applicants should carefully follow the instructions provided by the relevant consulate. The F-1 visa allows students to work, but with restrictions on the type of work and where they can work. F-1 visa holders may be eligible for off-campus employment in specific situations, such as severe economic hardship.
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J-1 Exchange Visa
In the United States, international students can apply for three primary visa types: F, J, and M. The J-1 Exchange Visa is for international students who wish to participate in an exchange program, including high school and university study. This visa is also suitable for those who intend to teach, instruct, or lecture, study, observe, conduct research, consult, demonstrate special skills, receive training, or receive graduate medical education or training.
The J-1 Exchange Visa is authorized by the Department of State, which designates public and private entities to act as exchange program sponsors. These sponsors are usually exchange visitor programs run through pre-approved organizations in the United States. The J-1 visa applicant must be accepted into a qualifying program and will then be automatically registered in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).
To obtain a J-1 visa, applicants must first submit Form DS-2019, the Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status. This form is provided by the sponsoring agency, and an official known as a responsible officer (RO) or alternate responsible officer (ARO) will explain what documents are required to issue this form. After obtaining Form DS-2019, applicants may apply for a J-1 visa through the U.S. Department of State at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate.
It is important to note that J-1 visa applicants in the Trainee and Intern categories also need to submit Form DS-7002. Additionally, J-1 visa applicants and their dependents are exempt from paying application processing and issuance fees if participating in specific U.S. government-sponsored programs. Furthermore, the J-1 visa holder's spouse and unmarried children under 21 may apply for J-2 visas to accompany them, and the minor children are permitted to attend school in the United States.
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M-1 Student Visa
The M-1 student visa is a type of non-immigrant visa for international students who want to pursue non-academic or vocational studies in the United States. This visa category includes students enrolled in technical and vocational programs, excluding language training. To be eligible for an M-1 visa, applicants must meet several criteria:
- Enrolled as a full-time student in a vocational or non-academic program.
- Proficiency in English or enrolled in English language classes.
- Ability to demonstrate financial self-sufficiency for the duration of their stay.
- Maintenance of a residence outside the United States with no intention of giving it up.
- Enrollment in a program approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
The process of obtaining an M-1 visa involves several steps. Firstly, applicants must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee of $330 and an application fee of $185. They will then receive Form I-20, the "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status," which is required for the visa interview. During the interview, a consular officer will determine eligibility and may take digital fingerprints. If the visa is approved, applicants may need to pay an issuance fee, depending on their location.
It is important to note that M-1 visa holders are not permitted to work during their studies. Additionally, international students with M-1 visas must maintain their student status by registering for a minimum number of credits each semester, as per immigration regulations.
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F-2 Visa for dependents of F-1 visa holders
International students who wish to study in the United States typically need to obtain a student visa. The three primary types of student visas are F, J, and M. The F-1 visa is for students studying at an accredited US college or university, or enrolled in an English language institute.
The F-2 visa is a non-immigrant visa for the immediate family members of F-1 visa holders. This includes the spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 of the F-1 visa holder. F-2 visa holders are allowed to reside in the US but are not permitted to take up paid employment or pursue a degree. However, F-2 children can attend elementary or secondary school, and adult F-2 dependents can engage in non-vocational or recreational courses of study.
To apply for an F-2 visa, the following documents are typically required:
- DS-160 visa application and fee
- Any required photos as determined by the individual embassy
- F-2 I-20 produced by the school the F-1 student will attend
- Marriage certificate (for dependent spouses)
- Birth certificate or adoption documents (for dependent children)
- Evidence of sufficient funds to support the family while in the US
- Proof that the family will return home when the F-1 student's education is completed
It is important to note that F-2 visa holders are generally admitted for the duration of the F-1 student's status. They do not need to apply for an extension of stay as long as the F-1 student maintains their student status. F-2 visa holders can travel outside the US multiple times as long as they maintain valid immigration status.
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M-2 Visa for dependents of M-1 visa holders
International students who wish to study in the United States require a student visa. The three primary types of student visas are F, J, and M. The M-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa for international students who wish to pursue non-academic or vocational study in the United States. This visa is suitable for those enrolled in vocational or other non-academic programs, excluding language training.
The M-2 visa is a complementary visa for the spouses and dependent children under 21 of M-1 visa holders. It allows families to stay together without being separated by visa rules. The process of obtaining an M-2 visa is relatively straightforward after the M-1 visa has been issued. It involves verifying the status of the M-1 visa holder and the relationship with their spouse or children.
M-2 visa holders can attend elementary, middle, or high school on a full-time basis. They are also permitted to engage in avocational or recreational study or part-time education. If M-2 visa holders wish to pursue full-time academic study beyond the high school level, they must apply for a change of status to F-1 or M-1. M-2 visa holders are not authorized to work in the United States.
The duration of stay for M-2 visa holders is dependent on the validity of the M-1 visa holder's status. If the M-1 visa holder loses their status, the M-2 visa holder will also lose their status. M-2 visa holders can apply for an extension of stay by submitting Form I-539 to the USCIS before their current status expires. There are no travel restrictions on the M-2 visa, and holders can freely leave and re-enter the country with a valid visa and endorsed Form I-20 from the school.
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Frequently asked questions
There are three primary visa types for international students: F, J, and M.
An F visa is for academic study. There are three types: F-1 visas for full-time students, F-2 visas for dependents of F-1 visa holders (including spouses and unmarried children under 21), and F-3 visas for border commuters (Mexican and Canadian students who reside in their country of origin while attending school in the US).
An M visa is for non-academic or vocational study. There are three types: M-1 visas for students, M-2 visas for dependents of M-1 visa holders, and M-3 visas for border commuters for vocational or non-academic studies.
A J visa is for international exchange visitors participating in programs that promote cultural exchange. There are two types: J-1 visas for exchange students on a relevant exchange program and J-2 visas for dependents of J-1 visa holders.
