Apply for a U.S. F-1 or M-1 Student Visa

F-1 and M-1 Student Visas

The Immigration and Nationality Act provides two non-immigrant visa categories for persons wishing to study in the United States. The "F" visa is reserved for non-immigrants wishing to pursue academic studies and/or language training programs, and the "M" visa is reserved for non-immigrants wishing to pursue nonacademic or vocational studies.

In addition, students in academic programs can also be admitted to the U.S. in the J-1 visa category, but only if the school sponsors an exchange visitor program recognized by the U.S. Department of State. The J-1 visa category is a unique category and is not covered in this kit.

Qualifications for F-1 or M-1 student status

• The student must be enrolled in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program;
• The school must be approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS);
• The student must be enrolled as a full-time student at the institution;
• The student must be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency;
• The student must have sufficient funds available for self-support during the entire proposed course of study; and
• The student must maintain a residence abroad which he/she has no intention of giving up.

• Qualifications and Eligibility requirements;
• A detailed overview of the application process;
• All of the necessary application forms and guidance on how to complete the forms accurately and completely;
• Tips on successfully navigating the visa interview at a U.S. Consulate;
• Instructions on how to extend your status once you are in the U.S.;
• Rules on working in the U.S.;
• Information on transferring schools; and
• All visa application forms.