Student visas in the United States are designed for foreign nationals who wish to pursue academic or vocational studies in the country. Here is a detailed overview of the most common student visa categories:
- F-1: Academic Student Visa
- For students enrolled in an accredited academic educational program, such as a university, college, high school, private elementary school, or language training program.
- The applicant must be accepted by a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified school.
- The applicant must demonstrate sufficient financial support to cover tuition and living expenses during their stay in the U.S.
- F-1 students may work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic term and full-time during breaks.
- Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows F-1 students to work off-campus in their field of study for up to 12 months (or up to 36 months for certain STEM degrees) after completing their program.
- The visa duration is tied to the length of the academic program and a grace period of 60 days after completion.
- M-1: Vocational Student Visa
- For students enrolled in a vocational or non-academic program, such as technical, trade, or vocational schools.
- The applicant must be accepted by an SEVP-certified school.
- The applicant must demonstrate sufficient financial support to cover tuition and living expenses during their stay in the U.S.
- M-1 students may work only through approved practical training after completing their studies.
- The visa duration is tied to the length of the program, with a maximum of one year, and a grace period of 30 days after completion.
- J-1: Exchange Visitor Visa
- For individuals participating in approved exchange programs, such as high school or university students, scholars, interns, or trainees.
- The applicant must be sponsored by an approved exchange program and receive a Form DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J-1) Status.
- The applicant must demonstrate sufficient financial support to cover their expenses during their stay in the U.S.
- J-1 students may work under certain conditions, such as on-campus employment or through the Academic Training (AT) program for off-campus employment related to their field of study.
- The visa duration is tied to the length of the exchange program, and a grace period of 30 days after completion.
- Some J-1 visa holders may be subject to a two-year home country physical presence requirement after completing their program, which requires them to return to their home country for two years before applying for certain U.S. visas or seeking permanent residence.
Please note that student visa holders are required to maintain a full course of study and comply with the rules and regulations of their visa category. Failure to do so may result in the termination of their visa status. To extend their stay or change their visa status, students must apply for a change of status with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) before their current visa expires.