Student Visas

Last Updated on 08/12/2010

Please note: If the primary purpose of your travel is study, you cannot travel under the Visa Waiver Program. You must apply for a student (F-1 or M-1) visa. Please schedule a visa interview to submit your application.

To study in the U.S. in an academic or vocational institution, applicants must first be certified as potential U.S. students before submitting their applications for visas. The required document is form I-20. It is issued by a school or institution that has been approved by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and sent directly to the prospective student.

Furthermore, the student applicant must be registered by the school in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). The student submits the DS-160 confirmation page for consideration. More information about SEVIS and student visas can be found on the Student Visas page of the U.S. Department of State.

Academic (F-1) Visa

A student wishing to attend a university or other academic institution in the United States, including primary and secondary schools, or a language training program requires an F-1 visa.

Students are prohibited from attending public elementary and middle school (grades K through 8, approximately ages 5 to 14) and publicly funded adult education programs such as foreign language classes. Students applying for F-1 visas to attend public secondary schools (grades 9 through 12, approximately ages 14 to 18) are limited to a maximum of 12 months of public high school in F-1 status and must show proof that payment has been made for the full, unsubsidized cost of the education before a visa can be processed.

Students attending private elementary and secondary schools are not affected by this ruling.

Vocational (M-1) Visa

A student wishing to pursue a course of study which is not principally academic in nature at an established vocational or other recognized nonacademic institution such as a post secondary vocational or business school requires an M-1 visa.

Work

It is possible in certain limited circumstances for the holder of an F-1 visa to obtain permission to work in the United States. Holders of M-1 visas may only engage in employment if it is a required part of their practical training and the employment has been approved in advance by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). 

Entry & Length of Stay

The holder of a student F-1 or M-1 visa may enter the United States up to 30 days before the designated registration date on the I-20A-B or I-20M. The 30 day limitation does not apply to students returning to resume studies; they may enter the U.S. at any time. The holder of an F-1 visa may remain in the United States for up to 60 days following the completion of the course or practical training. Note: The duration of status of an F-1 student in a publicly funded secondary school cannot exceed an aggregate of 12 months schooling.

Please note: If the reporting date specified in the applicant's I-20 Form is already past, or the applicant will be unable to arrive in the U.S. and report to the school before the reporting date, the Consular Section must suspend further action on the visa application. If the school has not amended the SEVIS record to change the program date, the applicant must request the school enter a new program begin date in SEVIS that the applicant can meet. Alternatively, the school may provide a letter stating that the student will be enrolled even though the date specified in the original form has not been or cannot be met. The F-1 visa can be issued only if the Consular Section verifies the corrected start date in SEVIS or letter from the school is presented to the consular officer.

The holder of an M-1 visa may remain in the United States for the period of time it will take to complete the course of study as indicated on the I-20M plus 30 days, or for one year, whichever is less.

If you wish to remain longer, you will be required to apply for an adjustment of status or extension of stay from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services having jurisdiction over your place of residence in the United States.

Spouses, Children & Partners

Spouses and/or children under the age of 21 who wish to accompany or join the principal visa holder in the United States for the duration of his/her stay require derivative F-2 or M-2 visas. Spouses and/or children applying for F-2 or M-2 visas have to present their marriage/birth certificates to demonstrate family ties.

Spouses and/or children who do not intend to reside in the United States with the principal visa holder, but visit for vacations only, may be eligible to apply for business/tourism visas, or if qualified, travel visa free under the Visa Waiver Program.

F-2/M-2 Versus F-1

There is no requirement that the spouse and/or children of an F-1 or M-1 visa holder apply for an F-1 visa if they wish to study in the U.S.; they may study on an F-2 or M-2 visa. However, if they are qualified, they may apply for the F-1 visa. If you have school age children, you should refer to the regulations governing the issuance of F-1 visas.

Working on an F-2/M-2 Visa

The holder of a derivative F-2 or M-2 visa may not work. If he or she is seeking employment, the appropriate work visa is required.