Douglas Olsen
International students are allowed to study in the US, but they must meet certain requirements. These include obtaining a valid student visa, having sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses, and being enrolled in an approved academic program. Students must also demonstrate English proficiency and maintain their F-1 student status by complying with regulations regarding employment, which is generally limited to on-campus work or training related to their field of study.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Visa | F and M visas for new students can be issued up to 365 days before the course start date. Students cannot enter the US more than 30 days before the course start date. |
| Visa Application Process | The U.S. Department of State is responsible for the initial visa application process and issuance. After approval, the applicant may need to pay a visa issuance fee (depending on their nationality) and make arrangements for the return of the passport and visa. |
| Visa Requirements | Students must be enrolled in an academic, language-training, or vocational program, be enrolled full-time, be proficient in English, have sufficient funds for self-support, and maintain a residence abroad. |
| Employment | Off-campus employment is restricted for international students. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) are two types of employment authorizations available for international students. |
| Social Security Number | An SSN is required for on-campus and off-campus jobs. Students cannot apply for an SSN until they have a job offer, and they must provide their SSN to their employer before receiving payment. |
| Tuition and Expenses | The U.S. government generally does not provide funding for international students, but they may qualify for student aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). |
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Student visa requirements
International students who wish to study in the United States must obtain a student visa. There are two types of non-immigrant visas available for students: the F visa and the M visa. The F visa is for academic students and the M visa is for vocational students.
To obtain a student visa, you must undergo an interview with a consular officer, who will determine whether you qualify for the visa. During the interview, your ink-free, digital fingerprint scans will be taken. After the interview, the consular officer may request further administrative processing of your application. If your visa is approved, you may need to pay a visa issuance fee, depending on your nationality.
To qualify for a student visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be enrolled as a full-time student at an accredited academic institution.
- You must be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency.
- You must have sufficient funds available for self-support during your studies.
- You must maintain a residence in your home country that you have no intention of giving up.
- Your passport should be valid for US travel for at least six months after your program completion date.
If you are applying for an F-1 visa, you must also ensure that your chosen institution is certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). This requirement does not apply to M-1 visas.
It is important to note that a visa does not guarantee entry into the United States. A visa only allows a foreign citizen to travel to the country. Additionally, students cannot travel on the Visa Waiver Program or with Visitor Visas.
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Employment options
International students seeking employment in the US will need to obtain a student visa. There are two types of nonimmigrant visa categories: the F-1 Visa and the M-1 Visa. The F-1 Visa is for international students enrolled in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program. The M-1 Visa is for students in vocational or other non-academic programs, excluding language training. To obtain either visa, international students must be enrolled as full-time students, be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency, have sufficient funds to support themselves during their studies, and maintain a residence abroad with no intention of giving up.
For F-1 students, off-campus employment is generally not allowed during the first academic year. However, they may accept on-campus employment and, after the first year, can engage in off-campus employment under certain conditions. F-1 students may also be eligible for post-completion optional practical training upon graduation. In cases of severe economic hardship or emergent circumstances, as defined by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), off-campus employment authorization may be granted.
M-1 students may engage in practical training only after they have completed their studies. For both F-1 and M-1 students, any off-campus training employment must be related to their area of study and must be authorized by the Designated School Official and the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Job hunting as an international student in the US can be challenging due to visa complexities, cultural differences, and employer hesitancy. It is recommended that international students start their job search early, utilize their school's career services, attend career fairs, build relationships with potential recruiters, and take advantage of resources like the International Student Job Center and International Student Resume Writing Center. Understanding visa requirements and restrictions is crucial, as only aliens with permission from DHS to work can apply for a Social Security number.
To obtain a student visa, international students must go through the application process, which may include an interview with a consular officer and ink-free, digital fingerprint scans. The US Department of State handles the initial visa application process and issuance, and once an individual arrives in the US, the Department of Homeland Security becomes the responsible agency. It is important to note that a visa does not guarantee entry into the US, and visa requirements may change if an individual departs the country.
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Visa fees
International students are generally required to obtain a visa to study in the United States. The type of visa needed depends on the course of study and the type of school the student plans to attend. The two primary types of visas for international students are F visas and M visas. F visas are for students enrolled in an academic educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program, while M visas are for students in vocational or other non-academic programs, excluding language training.
Obtaining a student visa for the United States typically involves the following steps:
- Visa Application: Students must complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160) and pay the associated non-refundable application fee, which is currently $185 for non-petition-based nonimmigrant visas. This fee must be paid before the interview and is non-refundable, even if the visa application is denied.
- Interview: After submitting the application, the student will be interviewed by a consular officer to determine their eligibility for the visa. During the interview, the officer will collect ink-free digital fingerprint scans and inform the applicant if further administrative processing is required.
- Visa Issuance Fee: If the visa is approved, the applicant may need to pay a visa issuance fee, depending on their nationality. This fee must be paid to receive the visa and make arrangements for the return of their passport.
- Form I-20 or DS-2019 : Students will receive a Form I-20 (for F and M visas) or DS-2019 (for J visas) from their institution, which allows them to maintain student status even if their visa expires during their studies. The issuing institution must be certified by the Department of Homeland Security SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) or designated by the Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, respectively.
- Entry into the United States : With the visa secured, students can enter the United States no earlier than 30 days before the start date of their course. Upon arrival, they will be processed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials, who will determine their admission into the country.
It is important to note that visa fees may vary based on the specific circumstances of the applicant and the type of visa being sought. Certain applicants, such as those associated with the United Nations or travelling for charitable purposes, may be exempt from paying certain fees. Additionally, the visa issuance fee is not applicable to all nationalities. Therefore, it is essential to refer to the official websites of the relevant U.S. government departments and the specific guidelines of the foreign embassy or consulate for the most accurate and up-to-date information on visa fees and payment procedures.
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School accreditation
International students with F and M visas must attend a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified institution in the US. SEVP certification indicates that a school meets the standards set by the US Department of Homeland Security and is eligible to accept international students. While a school does not need to be accredited to receive SEVP certification, some opportunities may require that a student's degree comes from an accredited institution. Accreditation is a recognition from an accrediting agency that a school maintains a certain level of educational standards.
There are two basic types of educational accreditations. Institutional accreditation applies to an entire institution, indicating that each entity of a school contributes to the achievement of the school's objectives. Specialized or programmatic accreditation applies to the evaluation of specified programs, departments, or small entities within the larger institution. Accrediting agencies, which are organizations made up of educational professionals, issue accreditations. They establish operating standards for educational or professional institutions and programs, determine whether a school meets those standards, and publicly announce their findings.
The US Department of Education explains that agencies determine accreditation standards based on whether graduates can gain admission to other reputable institutions or achieve credentials for professional practice. During the school certification process, SEVP only recognizes schools as accredited if the accrediting agency is recognized by the Department of Education. The Department of Education maintains a database of accredited postsecondary institutions and programs. The Council for Higher Education Accreditation also lists all US institutions' accreditation.
CIS International Accreditation is another accreditation recognized throughout the United States, facilitating the acceptance of students' transcripts with colleges and universities. CIS member schools are committed to high standards of professional performance in international education and continuous improvement. The CIS framework is designed to enable the development and modelling of socially responsible leadership.
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Dependents
International students on F-1 visas are not permitted to attend publicly-funded primary or secondary schools, nor publicly-funded adult education programs. Dependents of nonimmigrant visa holders in most categories, including F-1, may attend public primary school, adult education programs, or other public educational institutions. F-1 visa holders' dependents may attend public secondary school/high school in the US for no more than twelve months, and they must pay the full, unsubsidized per capita cost of providing the education.
The cost of education for dependents of international students can vary depending on the school district and the type of school they attend. The full, unsubsidized per capita cost of education for a dependent of an international student in a public secondary school typically ranges from $3,000 to $10,000.
It is important to note that the rules and regulations regarding international students and their dependents can change over time. For the most up-to-date and accurate information, it is recommended to refer to the websites of the relevant US government departments, such as the US Department of State and the US Department of Homeland Security.
In recent years, there have been concerns about the impact of the Trump administration's policies on international students and their dependents. In 2025, the Trump administration paused new visa interviews for international students, causing uncertainty for both students and schools. This policy was criticized for its potential financial impact on schools and its effect on the recruitment of international students.
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Frequently asked questions
You will need a student visa, either an F or M visa.
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 or enrolled in courses to become proficient, you must have sufficient funds to support yourself during your studies, and you must maintain a residence abroad.
You will need to pay a non-refundable visa application fee and then go through an interview with a consular officer, who will take your ink-free, digital fingerprint scans. After the interview, you may need to pay a visa issuance fee and make arrangements for the return of your passport and visa.
Students on F-1 visas may not work off-campus during their first academic year, but they may accept on-campus employment. After the first year, F-1 students may engage in off-campus employment, including paid or unpaid internships, cooperative education jobs, or practicums, as long as it is related to their field of study. M-1 students may engage in practical training after they have completed their studies.
Yes, your spouse and unmarried minor children may apply for F-2 or M-2 visas to reside with you during your studies.
