Student Visas

Going to study in the United States can be a life-changing experience for any student. Every year, thousands of foreign students seek student visa opportunities. Some people even manage to develop such successful connections and careers that they can get permanent job offers in American companies and work their way to becoming lawful permanent residents and citizens.

Finding information about student visas can be confusing. Students and their families can find answers to common questions about student visas here, including what visas are available for students and how long they can stay in the U.S. This is general U.S. visa information, but for answers to your specific questions about a student visa, contact an experienced immigration lawyer in your area for legal advice.

How to Get a Student Visa

Foreign students wishing to study in the United States must apply for a student visa. The document must be processed in the prospective student’s country of origin and will allow them to enter the U.S. temporarily. The student visa application process is relatively simple, but you need to start your application early and gather all the necessary documentation.

There are several types of immigration visas in the United States, including different types of student visas. Student visas fall under the category of non-immigrant visas. To get a student visa, the applicant must plan to be a student the entire time they are in the U.S. More information is available at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website.

F1 Visas

• The F1 visa is for full-time students at “an accredited college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or other academic institution, or in a language training program.”
• The program or course of study you will be enrolled in must culminate in a degree, diploma, or certificate.
• Your school must be approved by the U.S. government to accept international students.

M1 Visas

• The M1 visa is for vocational studies, “or other nonacademic programs, other than language training.”
• These studies are short and technical and offer certificates (not a university degree). If M1 students want to continue their studies, they must change to F1 student status.

J-1 Visas

• The J1 visa is for exchange students and is intended to promote international exchange in the fields of education, arts, and science.
• A J1 visa can be used for programs that are broader than the typical scope of a formal U.S. school, such as a university. These can be used in approved programs “for the purpose of teaching, instructing or lecturing, studying, observing, conducting research, consulting, demonstrating special skills, receiving training, or to receive graduate medical education or training.” Exchange visitors can also work as professors, research assistants, camp counselors, or au pairs, in addition to just students.
• This visa is available for full-time students with a designated sponsor.

Steps To Apply for a Student Visa

Step 1: Begin Your Visa Application Process

You should begin the visa process at least 12 months before you plan to arrive in the United States to avoid delays with your classes. During this stage, you should evaluate the requirements of universities and colleges, think carefully about whether studying in the U.S. is right for you, and what type of program you are looking for: full-time, vocational, or exchange.

You should also organize your academic documents, such as high school transcripts, relevant programs, and letters of recommendation. All material must be translated into the English language by an accredited professional.

Step 2: Appy To Schools

When you have decided on your course of study, you must apply for a place at the university of your choice. Your acceptance letter will become a key part of applying for the student visa.

Do not limit yourself to applying to only one academic institution, which could limit your chances of receiving acceptance. Contact the international student department of the schools to find out their placement possibilities, special requirements, costs, and scholarship opportunities.

Step 3: Prepare Your F1, M1, or J1 Student Visa Application

After university acceptance, prepare for your F1, M1, or J1 student visa application. To do this, you must organize your financial documents, account statements, and evidence that you have sufficient funds to pay for your living and education expenses. Find out more from the designated school official for your university or college.

You can also use an affidavit to show a financial sponsor. The U.S. government generally does not allow an alien with student visa status to work for money. You can only work legally as a student under special circumstances.

Step 4: Gather Your Documents

Obtain all your documents to complete the necessary immigration applications. The type of application depends on the type of student visa:

• Form I-20 Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status for F-1 and M-1 visas
• Form DS-2019 Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status for J-1 visas

The receiving university or academic institution processes the applicant’s documents. And only an educational institution authorized by the U.S. Department of State can do this.

Take into account that it is very common for foreign students to be subject to scams. There are scam artists who specifically target foreign students for phishing, hacking, and email scams. Make sure you only get advice from U.S. government offices and agencies or an experienced and licensed attorney.

Visa applicants will need the following documents to apply:

• Valid passport
• Form DS-160 (Nonimmigrant Visa Application)
• Application fee payment receipt
• Passport photos
• Form I-20 or Form DS-2019 for the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)
• Proof of payment to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS fee)

Step 5: Set Up Your Interview Appointment

Request an appointment for the interview with the consular officer of the U.S. embassy or consulate in your home country.

During the interview, to apply for the F1, M1, or J1 student visa, the officer will verify all the documents and evaluate your qualifications to go to study in the United States. The applicant must answer the questions honestly and sincerely. The U.S. immigration officer is supposed to make sure that you are going to study in the U.S. for legitimate reasons.

Some of the common student visa interview questions are:

• What are your study plans?
• What university are you going to attend?
• How long is your academic program?
• What do you plan to do when you finish your academic studies?
• When are you going to return to your country?
• Who is going to pay for your studies and maintenance?
• Have you previously visited the U.S.?
• Do you have family in the U.S.?

If your application is approved, you will receive your student visa. If the visa holder is married, their spouse may also be able to travel on an F2, M2, or J2 visa. However, a spouse must be included as a listed companion on the visa application form.

How Long Can I Stay in the U.S. on a Student Visa?

Foreign citizens with F1 student visas can stay in the United States if they meet the following conditions:

• Enrollment in a higher education program
• You are a full-time student
• You are making progress in completing the syllabus

Education visas have a start date and an end date. Once the qualifying education program ends, you must leave the country. However, you generally have a 60-day grace period before you leave the U.S. If, at the end of their study program, the person has an approved application for optional practical training, they can stay in the country for another 12 months. Students in STEM fields may be eligible for a 24-month extension.

More Information and Student Visa Assistance

The information on this page gives an overview of student visas for people coming to the U.S. to study. However, each applicant may have their own questions and requirements for applying to a college or university in the United States. Find an immigration attorney to answer your questions and help you get approved for a student visa.