Student Visas & Education Immigration

F-1 Academic Students

Most common student visa for academic study at colleges, universities, and language schools. Offers work authorization options and pathways to permanent residence.

M-1 Vocational Students

For vocational and technical training programs. More limited work authorization and shorter duration compared to F-1 visas.

J-1 Exchange Visitors

For educational and cultural exchange programs. May include 2-year home residency requirement depending on program.

Student Visa Types Comparison

F-1 - Academic Students

For academic study at colleges, universities, seminaries, conservatories, academic high schools, and language training programs

F-1

Duration:

Duration of studies plus 60-day grace period

Work Authorization:

Limited on-campus work, CPT, and OPT available

Dependents:

F-2 visa for spouse and unmarried children under 21

M-1 - Vocational Students

For vocational or technical study at institutions other than language training programs

M-1

Duration:

Up to 1 year or duration of program plus 30 days

Work Authorization:

Very limited, practical training only after completion

Dependents:

M-2 visa for spouse and unmarried children under 21

J-1 - Exchange Visitors

For educational and cultural exchange programs including students, researchers, trainees, and scholars

J-1

Duration:

Varies by program category (students: duration of studies)

Work Authorization:

Academic training, research, teaching as authorized by program

Dependents:

J-2 visa for spouse and unmarried children under 21

F-1 Requirements

Acceptance at SEVP-approved school in academic or language training program
Full-time enrollment (minimum 12 credit hours for undergraduate, varies for graduate)
Sufficient financial resources to cover tuition and living expenses
Intent to return to home country after completion of studies
English proficiency adequate for chosen program
Valid passport and clean background check

M-1 Requirements

Acceptance at SEVP-approved vocational or technical school
Full-time enrollment in established vocational program
Sufficient financial resources for tuition and expenses
Intent to return to home country after program completion
Program must be non-academic (not leading to degree)
Valid passport and background clearance

J-1 Requirements

Participation in approved exchange visitor program
Sponsorship by designated Exchange Visitor Program sponsor
Sufficient English proficiency for program participation
Adequate financial resources or program funding
Intent to return to home country to share acquired knowledge
Health insurance coverage meeting Department of State requirements

F-1 Visa Application Process

Step-by-Step F-1 Visa Application Process

Get Accepted to SEVP School

Apply and receive acceptance from a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) approved institution

Varies by school application timeline

Required Documents:

•School application
•Academic transcripts
•English proficiency test scores
•Financial documents

Receive Form I-20

School issues Form I-20 after determining you meet requirements and have sufficient financial resources

2-8 weeks after acceptance

Required Documents:

•Proof of financial resources
•Completed school enrollment forms
•Passport copy

Pay SEVIS Fee

Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee online before scheduling visa interview

Immediate online payment

Required Documents:

•Form I-20
•$350 SEVIS fee payment

Apply for F-1 Visa

Complete DS-160 application and schedule visa interview at U.S. consulate

2-12 weeks depending on location

Required Documents:

•Form DS-160
•Form I-20
•SEVIS fee receipt
•Financial evidence
•Academic documents

Attend Visa Interview

Attend consular interview and provide biometrics

1-2 weeks for processing after interview

Required Documents:

•All original documents
•Passport
•Visa application fee payment

Important F-1 Application Notes

• Apply for visa no earlier than 120 days before program start date
• Enter U.S. no earlier than 30 days before program begins
• SEVIS fee must be paid at least 3 days before visa interview
• Demonstrate strong ties to home country to overcome immigrant intent presumption
• Financial evidence must show ability to cover at least first year of expenses

Work Authorization for Students

On-Campus Employment

Work on the school campus up to 20 hours per week during studies, full-time during breaks

Eligibility:

F-1 students in good academic standing

Duration:

Throughout F-1 status

Application Process:

No USCIS application required, just employer authorization

Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

Work directly related to major field of study as part of curriculum

Eligibility:

Completed one year of studies, integral part of curriculum

Duration:

As authorized by school, full or part-time

Application Process:

School authorization, no USCIS application

Optional Practical Training (OPT)

Work in field related to major before or after graduation

Eligibility:

F-1 students who have been in status for one year

Duration:

12 months (36 months for STEM fields)

Application Process:

Form I-765 with USCIS, $410 fee

Economic Hardship (OFF-Campus)

Off-campus work due to severe economic hardship beyond student's control

Eligibility:

Completed one year, good academic standing, demonstrated hardship

Duration:

Up to one year, renewable

Application Process:

Form I-765 with USCIS, detailed hardship documentation

STEM OPT Extension

24-Month STEM Extension

Students with degrees in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics can apply for a 24-month extension of OPT, bringing total work authorization to 36 months.

Requirements:

• Degree from STEM Designated Degree Program List
• Currently on approved post-completion OPT
• Job with E-Verify enrolled employer
• Apply before current OPT expires

Application Process:

• Form I-765 with supporting documents
• Form I-983 Training Plan with employer
• $410 USCIS filing fee
• Apply 90-150 days before OPT expires

USCIS: STEM OPT Extension

Transition to Permanent Status

F-1 to H-1B

Common pathway for STEM graduates

Transition to work visa after graduation

Requirements:

•Bachelor's degree or higher
•Job offer in specialty occupation
•Employer H-1B petition

Timing:

Apply during H-1B season while on OPT

F-1 to Green Card

Possible but requires careful timing

Direct application for permanent residence

Requirements:

•Qualifying employment or family relationship
•Priority date availability

Timing:

Can apply while maintaining F-1 status

J-1 to Other Status

Depends on program and home residency requirement

Change from exchange visitor to other visa category

Requirements:

•May require 2-year home residency requirement waiver

Timing:

Address home residency requirement first

Important Resources for Students

Official Government Resources

Study in the States (DHS)SEVIS Information (ICE)USCIS Students Guide J-1 Visa Information (State Dept)

Key Forms and Fees

Form DS-160: Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application

Form I-765: Application for Employment Authorization Document ($410)

Form I-983: Training Plan for STEM OPT Students

I-901 SEVIS Fee: $350 for F/M students, $220 for J students

Visa Application Fee: $185 for F/M/J visas

J-1 Exchange Visitor Program Categories

Academic Categories

Student (College/University)

Degree-seeking students at U.S. colleges and universities

Research Scholar

Individuals primarily conducting research, observing, or consulting

Professor

Teaching or conducting research at universities or similar institutions

Short-term Scholar

Lecturing, observing, or consulting for up to 6 months

Training & Cultural Categories

Trainee

Structured training programs in business, industrial, or agricultural fields

Intern

Students or recent graduates gaining practical experience

Au Pair

Cultural exchange providing childcare to American families

Summer Work Travel

University students working temporarily during summer vacation

J-1 Two-Year Home Residency Requirement

Critical Immigration Restriction

Some J-1 participants must return to their home country for 2 years before being eligible for H or L visas or permanent residence. This requirement applies if:

Subject to Requirement if:

• Government-funded program (U.S. or home country)
• Field appears on Exchange Visitor Skills List
• Graduate medical education or training
• DS-2019 form shows "2-year rule applies"

Waiver Options Available:

• No objection statement from home country
• Request from interested U.S. government agency
• Fear of persecution upon return
• Exceptional hardship to U.S. citizen/LPR spouse or child

J-1 Waiver Process

Waiver Application Process

Step 1: Determine Waiver Type

Identify which waiver category applies to your situation

Step 2: Gather Documentation

Collect supporting evidence for your waiver category

Step 3: Submit to State Department

File waiver application through appropriate channel

Step 4: USCIS Processing

If recommended, apply for I-612 waiver with USCIS

Processing Timeline & Costs

State Department Review:

6-12 months average processing time

USCIS Application (if approved):

Form I-612 with $930 filing fee

Total Timeline:

12-24 months for complete process

Important: Cannot apply for H/L visa or green card until waiver is approved or 2-year requirement is fulfilled.

Maintaining Student Status

It's crucial to maintain valid student status throughout your stay in the U.S. Key requirements include:

• Maintain full course load (unless authorized reduction)
• Make normal progress toward degree completion
• Keep passport valid (at least 6 months validity recommended)
• Report address changes to school within 10 days

• Don't work without proper authorization
• Extend program if needed before I-20 expires
• Transfer SEVIS record if changing schools
• Apply for reinstatement if status is lost