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These visas cater to different types of students and exchange visitors.

F-1 Visa (Academic Students)

Purpose:  This is the most common type of student visa. If you wish to engage in academic studies in the United States at an approved school, such as an accredited U.S. college or university, private secondary school, or approved English language program then you need an F-1 visa. You will also need an F-1 visa if your course of study is more than 18 hours a week. 

Duration: As long as it takes to finish the degree program, plus an Optional Practical Training (OPT) period after completion of studies.

M-1 Visa (Vocational Students)

Purpose: If you plan to engage in non-academic or vocational study or training at a U.S. institution or other recognized nonacademic institution, other than a language training program, then you need an M-1 visa. this type of visa does not allow employment.  

Duration: Fixed duration corresponding to the length of the program (usually one year), with limited possibilities for extension.

J-1 Visa (Exchange Visitors)

Purpose: Participate in approved exchange programs, including students, research scholars, professors, and cultural exchange visitors. 

Before applying for a visa, all exchange visitor applicants are required to be accepted and approved by an authorized program sponsor. When accepted, the applicant will receive from the educational institution or program sponsors an approved DS-2019 form to be submitted when applying for a visa. 

Duration: Varies by program; generally corresponds to the period of the exchange program. 

Application Process: 

•  DS-160 Online visa application form, 
• For F and M visa - I-20 Form (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status), issued by the school or university as proof of acceptance.
• For J-1 visa - DS-2019 Form issued by the Program sponsor.
• Visa fee payment (if required).
• SEVIS fee (if required).
• Interview: Required for first-time student visa applicants. Holders of previous student or exchange visas (and sometimes other visa types other than B1/B2) may be eligible to apply via the Drop Box procedure without attending an interview. 
• Documentation: Documents showing the financial ability to cover the expenses during the      first year of study (only for F and M visa applicants).

When you are ready to apply for a visa, you must complete the DS-160 Form (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form), to pay the Visa application fee and to create your profile in the Visa application system that serves the relevant U.S. Embassy or Consular section where you will apply.

Applicants for F and M visa must present at the visa interview their I-20 Form (Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status), issued by the school or university.

J-1 applicants must bring their DS-2019 Form. 

During the interview, F and M visa applicants may be asked to provide documents showing their financial ability to support themselves during the first year of your studies. These may be bank documents showing the relevant amount of your available funds, or any other documents proving that you have access to the funds you need.

Try not to forget to pay the SEVIS fee. You must pay it before the interview. If you haven't do this, you will receive a temporary visa refusal until you pay it.

Dependents of F, M, and J visa holders

Spouses and/or unmarried 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 or her stay require derivative F-2, M-2 or J-2 visas. 

There is no derivative visa for the parents.

Family members who do not intend to reside in the United States with the principal visa holder, but wish to visit for vacations only, may be eligible to apply for Visitor (B-2) visas.

Spouses and dependents of F or M visa holders may not work in the United States. If your spouse seeks employment, they must obtain the appropriate work visa.

The spouse of an exchange visitor in the United States may not work while holding a J-2 visa unless they have filed Form I-765 , Application for Employment Authorization. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) must have reviewed the Form I-765 and given permission to the J-2 holder to work. 

If you have questions just contact us. We can help you with completing and submitting your Student or Exchange Visa application documentation and assist you with the visa interview scheduling.