Studying in the USA is an incredible opportunity for students from around the world. With many renowned institutions pioneering higher education in the world, the USA offers potential academics or industry professionals the background necessary to advance their journey towards achieving their career goals. On the other hand, before you prepare to start your education, you need to obtain a student visa to start building your future in the USA. First, you need to know what exactly a student visa is, what type of student visa you should apply for, and how to apply. Being able to answer these questions will be crucial to getting the right student visa.
What is a Student Visa?
A student visa is a type of non-immigrant visa issued to potential students who want to come and study in the United States. The duration of your visa depends on the time required to complete your student program, training program or work assignment. There are three student visas you can apply for, depending on your program of study and the type of institution you wish to study. The three student visas are F, M, and J, and we will take an in-depth look at each visa below.
What is F1 Visa?
The F1 visa is the most common non-immigrant student visa issued to thousands of students and researchers each year. It is especially for academic purposes. There is no limit on the issuance of an F1 visa, making it available to anyone who qualifies. Additionally, for an F1 visa, your proposed study program must provide you with a degree, diploma or certificate at the end. Don’t worry, the F1 visa is valid as long as your education in the USA continues and you can request an extension if necessary for your work.
Who Can Apply for F1 Visa? Which Institutions Can I Apply To?
If you have been accepted to an accredited US school and will be studying as a full-time student, you can apply! You can apply to colleges, universities, conservatories, faculties of theology, language education institutions, high schools and primary schools.
However, public elementary schools and adult education programs (such as foreign language classes) are not among the schools where you can apply for an F-1 visa. Public high schools are not affected by this rule. However, for high school applicants, an F-1 visa can be valid for up to 12 months and you must show proof of payment for an entire year of study. If you are applying to a private primary or high school, you should not worry about these nuances at all!
What is M1 Visa?
The M1 visa is a special student visa for students who wish to pursue professional training in the United States. This differs from the F1 visa in that it is designed for ‘non-academic’ studies. Your visa is valid for up to one year, but can be extended for up to 3 years depending on your study programme.
Who Can Apply for M1 Visa? Which Institutions Can I Apply To?
If you speak English, can afford your accommodation, and reside outside the US, you are eligible to apply! The institutions you can apply to are numerous and include schools such as business, flying, cooking, cosmetology, and various other institutions that offer different professional training. Language education programs are not among the schools eligible for application. To be eligible for an M1 visa, the school or schools you plan to apply to must be recognized by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
What is J1 Visa?
The J1 visa is a non-immigrant, exchange-based visa issued for the purpose of teaching, lecturing, studying, researching and receiving training. It aims to create a mutually beneficial relationship between the United States and other countries. There are various public and private organizations that the United States recognizes as sponsors. These sponsors, such as the Fulbright Commission, facilitate the exchange of people, knowledge, and skills with the United States in areas such as the arts and sciences and education. Sponsors also act as your visa sponsors and manage your visa issuance process.
Who Can Apply for J1 Visa? Which Institutions Can I Apply To?
There are many individual categories under which many people can apply for a J1 visa. Since J1 aims to improve international relations between the United States and other countries, most categories relate to education. Some accepted categories are as follows:
- Students
- Teachers
- Professors or academics
- Research Assistants
- Interns
- Experts
- Couples (Au Pair)
- Camp Counselors
A student visa could be the start of your lifelong journey. It is for idealistic, adventurous and ambitious people who seek growth, progress and success. Fortunately, student visas have no limits. Whether F1, M1 or J1, student visas are issued every year to thousands of students, researchers, academics and many people from different professions. We believe that if you are qualified to apply and passionate enough to come to the USA and make a difference, you will be granted the student visa you desire!
