Student visas
f-1 and m-1 visas

People who wish to study at a school in the United States may seek a visa for the time required to complete their studies. F-1 visas are issued for full-time academic or language students. Non-academic or vocational students are issued M-1 visas. In some cases, visas may be extended to include a period of practical training in the student’s field of study.

If you wish to qualify for a student visa, you must

• Be enrolling full-time in a US-accredited program leading to an educational or vocational degree
• Demonstrate that your proficiency in the English language is at such a level that you can succeed in English-only classes
• Show that you have enough money to study full-time without working
• Intend to return home after you complete your course of study.

Accompanying relatives of F-1 and M-1 visa holders are eligible for visas. They may stay in the United States, but they are not permitted to work.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Quota: unlimited

Length of visa: F-1 visas are issued for the length of the academic program. M-1 visas are issued for a maximum of one year.

Visa extensions: may be applied for as necessary to complete the course of study.

Length of application process:  Varies depending on the applicant’s country of origin.

Note: New INS regulations will soon be imposed on students wishing to study in the United States. The new rules will prohibit non-immigrants admitted in B visitor status from changing to student status unless they stated an intention to study when they were originally admitted to the country.