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Discover the types of US Visas for International students. Read our blog to learn about visa types, eligibility requirements, employment conditions and more.
Studying in the US is an incredible opportunity to gain world-class education, explore diverse cultures, and experience a transformative journey. Many Indian students understand this and choose the US as the study-abroad site for accomplishing their personal and professional dreams. According to the US embassy, 1,67,582 students from India in the US in the 2020-2021 academic year, and 82,000 US education visa types were issued in 2022 alone. In 2023 the trend is going high according to reports by numerous individual organizations.
Obtaining a student visa is crucial in the process and as the first step, you must have prior learning on different types of US student visas. Depending on your course of study you may be applying for an F-1, M-1, or J-1 visa to the US. The requirement and eligibility conditions vary for the US study visa types which we will see in detail in this blog.
Students across the globe study in the US for various courses based on which the US government categorizes student visas. There are mainly three US student visas types, namely the F, M, and J visas as summarized in the following table:
Visa category | Details | Application fee |
---|---|---|
F-1 |
Full-time degree students or intensive English language learners |
350 USD |
M-1 |
International students enrolled in vocational courses |
350 USD |
J-1 |
Students participating in exchange visitor programs |
220 USD |
The F-1 or Academic Student visa is the most popular student visa to the US.
In short, to get an F-1 visa, your program of study must be a degree, diploma, or a certified intensive language course authorized by the US government.
Eligibility Conditions for F-1 Visa:
Employment Conditions for F-1 Visa Holders:
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An M-1 student visa is required for students enrolling in vocational and non-academic programs in the US other than language training. Popular M-1 visa programs in the US include skill and employability-oriented courses in IT, auto mechanics, aviation, healthcare, cosmetology, carpentry, etc.
Eligibility Conditions for M-1 Visa:
Employment Conditions for M-1 Visa Holders:
J-1 or Exchange Visitor visas are required for students [participating in exchange visitor programs in the United States. The exchange visitor programs are intended to promote mutual understanding and collaboration between people from different countries.
J-1 for Fulbright: Fulbright fellowships are popular among international scholars to co-research in the US. To participate in Fulbright programs you need a J-1 visa from the sponsoring US institution. |
Eligibility Conditions for a J-1 Visa:
Programs Eligible for J-1 Visa:
Employment Conditions for J-1 Visa Holders:
Employment conditions vary for each exchange program and students need to contact their sponsoring organization for employment terms and conditions.
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Corresponding to the F-1, M-1, and J-1 visas, dependents of the visa holders are given derivative visas, namely F-2, M-2, and J-2. Dependents can study or work in the US under varying conditions and permission from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
USCIS: The lawful immigration activities are overlooked by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The USCIS is responsible for granting more work hours out of request to F-1 visa holders. It also holds responsibility for work authorization for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) of a maximum of twelve months. |
In conclusion, each visa category has specific requirements, limitations, and opportunities, and it is crucial for prospective students to carefully consider their educational goals, the program of study, and intended activities to determine the most suitable visa option. By understanding the different types of student visas and their respective provisions, international students can confidently navigate the application process and embark on their educational journey in the United States.
If you stay in the US after your visa expires, it will affect your legal stay in the US. Your visa will be considered ‘Out of Status’ once it expires, meaning that your student status will no longer be valid. Once you are caught and deported, you will not be allowed to enter the US again in future.
Your family (spouse or children) can accompany you and they are eligible for a dependent visa to the US. The dependent visas to the US are F-2, M-2, and J-2 corresponding to the F-1, M-1, and J-1 student visas.
The primary objective of the visa interview is assessing your eligibility and verifying the documents. The questions asked in the interview remain the same for all visa type for international students in the US since the objective of the interview is not directly related to the type of study program. To know more refer to thesample F-1 interview questions here and you will get clarity regarding the US visa interview.
The objective behind different types of student visas in the US for international students is to accommodate diverse educational programs. While the F-1 visa allows students for full-time courses, the M-1 visa is given to students of vocational training programs. A j-1 visa is specifically for participants of international exchange programs. Different categorization helps the US immigration department to filter the applications easily and set guidelines for each type.
An F-1 visa is valid for 5 years from the date of issuance. If your course duration is more than 5 years, your F-1 visa is valid for the whole study period. The validity of your F-1 visa will be specified on form I-20.
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