Student Visa

A student visa in the United States is a type of visa that allows foreign nationals to enter the U.S. for the purpose of studying at an accredited academic institution, such as a university, college, or language school. There are two main types of student visas:

  1. F-1 Visa (Academic Students)

• Purpose: The F-1 visa is for individuals who wish to study at an accredited U.S. college, university, or language training program.
  
• Eligibility:Applicants must be enrolled in a full-time academic program at a U.S. institution that is approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). The school must also be certified by SEVP to enroll international students.
  
• Duration:The F-1 visa is valid for the duration of your academic program, typically for the length of your course, plus any optional practical training (OPT) period. You can extend it if necessary
  
• Work Permission: Limited to working on-campus during your studies (up to 20 hours a week during the semester, full-time during breaks). Off-campus work is allowed in certain circumstances, such as through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT), but this requires approval.
  

2. M-1 Visa (Vocational or Non-Academic Students)

• Purpose: The M-1 visa is for students enrolled in non-academic or vocational programs, such as technical courses or training schools.
• Eligibility: Similar to the F-1 visa, applicants must prove financial ability to support themselves and must demonstrate intent to return home after completing their program.
• Duration: The M-1 visa is usually granted for the length of the vocational program.
• Work Permission: Students on an M-1 visa are generally not permitted to work during their studies. There are very limited exceptions for practical training after completing the program, but this must be authorized by U.S. immigration authorities.
  

• Intent to Return:One key aspect of the F-1 and M-1 visas is that you must prove your intent to return to your home country after completing your studies. This is typically demonstrated through ties to your home country, such as family, job prospects, or financial commitments.
• Dependents:F-1 visa holders can bring dependents (spouse and children under 21) on an F-2 visa. However, F-2 dependents are not allowed to work.