Student Visas

Students (F, J & M visas)

Students may enter the US temporarily for studies under the F, J or M visas. More information on student visas may be found at this link: http://educationusa.state.gov/

Visitor Visas for Students

If you are going to the US primarily for tourism, but want to take a short course of study of less than 18 hours per week, you may be able to do so on a B-1, B-2 visitor visa or under the Visa Waiver Program. You should inquire at the appropriate US Embassy or Consulate. If your course of study is more than 18 hours a week, you will need a student visa.

A student who wants to study more than 18 hours per week and enter the US more than 30 days before the school start date must obtain a B-2 visitor visa. The words “Prospective Student” must be shown on the B-2 visitor visa and the traveler will need to make the intent to study clear to the US immigration inspector at port of entry. The student will need to file an application for change of status to student after entering the US.

F-1 Students

F-1 Benefits

The F-1 visa is the most common visa for those who wish to engage in academic studies in the United States. It is for people who want to study at an accredited US college or university or to study English at a university or intensive English language institute. The spouse and children of the F-1 visa holder may obtain F-2 visas. An F-2 visa holder may not obtain a work permit. The F-1 student is admitted into the US for “Duration of Status.” This means that the student may remain in the US as long as he or she is pursuing a full time course of study and has not other wise violated the terms of admission.

F-1 Requirements

In order to apply for an F-1 student visa, the student must first meet the admission requirements of the US school. Once admitted, the school will issue the student a SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) Form I-20. The student must produce financial evidence that shows sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses during the period of intended study. For example, if the student or sponsor is a salaried employee, the US Consulate will want to review income tax documents and original bank books and/or statements. If the student or sponsor own a business, the US Consulate will want to review business registration, licenses, etc., and tax documents, as well as original bank books and/or statements. The F-1 is a nonimmigrant visa.

F-1 Procedure

Once the student has been accepted into the US school and has received the SEVIS I-20 form, the SEVIS fee must be paid. Information about paying the SEVIS fee is available at https://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901). Next the student pays the visa processing fee to the US Embassy/Consulate and makes an appointment for the visa interview. The student should bring the I-20, financial support documents, proof of payment of the SEVIS and visa fees, and completed visa application forms DS-156, DS-157 & DS-158. The student will also need to bring documentation of nonimmigrant intent, academic transcripts, English language exam test results.

J-1 Students

J-1 Benefits

The J-1 visa is available for those who wish to engage in academic studies in the United States with an institution that has registered an exchange student program with the Department of State. The J-1 student visa is for people who want to study at an accredited US college or university. The spouse and children of the J-1 visa holder may obtain J-2 visas. A J-2 visa holder may obtain a work permit, provided the funds earned are not needed to support the student. The J-1 student is admitted into the US for a specific period of time in accordance with the duration of the academic program. The J-1 student must is pursue a full time course of study.

A J-1 student (and J-2 dependents) may be subject to a two year foreign residency requirement. The DS-2019 form clearly states whether the student will be subject to the rule. The two year residency rule means that the visa holder must stay in the home country for two years before returning to the US with a working visa or permanent residence. The two year rule may apply to a J-1 student in three circumstances:

  • If the student’s US studies are in a field which is considered a shortage occupation in the home country (“Skills List’)
  • If the student receives financial support from the home country government or the US government
  • If the student receives graduate medical education in the US

It is possible to receive a waiver of the two year requirement. The process of obtaining the waiver is uncertain. Therefore one should accept a J-1 visa that carries the two year residency requirement with the expectation of fulfilling the requirement.

There are 14 Types of J-1 Visas.

Types of J-1 Visas & Length of Stay:

  • Professors: Generally 3 years, extensions can be granted
  • Research Scholars: Generally 3 years, can receive extensions
  • Short Term Scholars: 4 Months
  • Trainees: 18 or 24 months depending on situation
  • College and University Students: Depends on situation
  • Teachers: 3 Years
  • Secondary School Students: Up to one year
  • Specialists: Up to one year
  • Alien Physicians: Depends on Situation
  • International Visitors: Up to one year
  • Government Visitors: Up to 18 months
  • Camp Counselors: Limited to summer; maximum of 4 months
  • Summer/Work Travel: Depends on situation
  • Au Pair: Depends on situation

J-1 Requirements

In order to apply for a J-1 student visa, the student must first meet the admission requirements of the US school. Once admitted, the school will issue the student a SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) Form DS-2019. The student must produce financial evidence that shows sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses during the period of intended study. For example, if the student or sponsor is a salaried employee, the US Consulate will want to review income tax documents and original bank books and/or statements. If the student or sponsor own a business, the US Consulate will want to review business registration, licenses, etc., and tax documents, as well as original bank books and/or statements. The J-1 is a nonimmigrant visa.

J-1 Procedure

Once the student has been accepted into the US school and have received the SEVIS I-20 form, the SEVIS fee must be paid. Information about paying the fee is available athttps://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901). Next the student pays the visa processing fee to the US Embassy/Consulate and makes an appointment for the visa interview. The student should bring the DS-2019, financial support documents, proof of payment of the SEVIS and visa fees, and a completed visa application form. The student will also need to bring documentation of nonimmigrant intent. If the J-1 program will make the student subject to the two year residency rule, the US Embassy interviewer will require the student sign a statement specifying that this obligation will be fulfilled.

M-1 Student Visa

M-1 Benefits

The M-1 visa is for those who will be engaged in non-academic or vocational study or training at an institution in the US This includes technical school such as aircraft pilot or mechanic, vocational programs such as cosmetology or massage therapy, and certain certificate programs such as respiratory therapy, pharmacy technician, or computer technician. The spouse and children of the M-1 visa holder may obtain M-2 visas. An M-2 visa holder may not obtain a work permit. The M-1 student is admitted into the US for “Duration of Status.” This means that the student may remain in the US as long as he or she is pursuing a full time course of study and has not other wise violated the terms of admission.

M-1 Requirements

In order to apply for an M-1 student visa, the student must first meet the admission requirements of the US school. Once admitted, the school will issue the student a SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) Form I-20. The student must produce financial evidence that shows sufficient funds to cover tuition and living expenses during the period of intended study. For example, if the student or sponsor is a salaried employee, the US Consulate will want to review income tax documents and original bank books and/or statements. If the student or sponsor own a business, the US Consulate will want to review business registration, licenses, etc., and tax documents, as well as original bank books and/or statements. The M-1 is a nonimmigrant visa.

M-1 Procedure

Once the student has been accepted into the US school and has received the SEVIS I-20 form, the SEVIS fee must be paid. Information about paying the SEVIS fee is available at https://www.ice.gov/sevis/i901). Next the student pays the visa processing fee to the US Embassy/Consulate and makes an appointment for the visa interview. The student should bring the I-20, financial support documents, proof of payment of the SEVIS and visa fees, and completed visa application forms DS-156, DS-157 & DS-158. The student will also need to bring documentation of nonimmigrant intent, academic transcripts, English language exam test results.