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Student Visa (F-1/M-1/J-1 Visa)

Filing Student Visa using Helplegal Forms requires the following Fees:

  • Our Application Package Fees : $200
  • USCIS Fees : $(subject to change)

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What Is Students Visa?

A U.S. Student Visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows foreign nationals to study in the United States. There are primarily two types of student visas for those who wish to pursue educational programs.

The U.S. offers several types of student visas for international students who wish to study in the country. These visas are designed for different educational purposes, ranging from academic studies to vocational training. Understanding which visa suits your educational goals is crucial for navigating the U.S. immigration system.

Types of the Students Visa
  • F-1 Visa (Academic Visa)
  • M-1 Visa (Vocation Training Visa)
  • J-1 Visa (Non-Immigrant Visa)
Academic Student Visa

F-1 Visa

What Is the F-1 Visa (Academic Student Visa)

The F-1 Visa is the most common type of U.S. student visa, designed for international students who want to study at an accredited U.S. college, university, high school, or English language program. It is a non-immigrant visa, meaning it is intended for people who do not plan to permanently reside in the U.S. but are temporarily staying for the purpose of education

  • Purpose: The F-1 visa is the most common student visa and is issued to individuals who are coming to the U.S. to pursue academic studies at a college, university, high school, or language training program.
  • Duration of Stay: The length of stay is determined by the length of the academic program, plus any authorized practical training (like Optional Practical Training (OPT) or Curricular
  • Practical Training (CPT)). Typically, the F-1 visa holder can stay for the duration of the program plus an additional 60 days after completion to prepare for departure or to apply for a change of status.
 

Filing Form F-1 for Academic Student Visa using HelpLegal Forms requires the following Fees:

  • HelpLegal Forms Application Package Fees: $200
  • USCIS Application Fee: (Subject to change)
Check if you Qualify for F-1 visa
Eligibility Requirements:
  • 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.
F-1 Visa Work Authorization
 
  • F-1 students can work on-campus up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during breaks.
  • After completing their studies, F-1 students may be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows them to work in the U.S. in their field of study for up to 12 months (or up to 36 months for STEM graduates).
  • F-1 students may also be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT), which allows them to work off-campus during their studies, as long as the work is directly related to their program
Vocational Training Visa

M-1 Visa

What Is M-1 Visa (Vocational Training Visa)

The M-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa for individuals who want to study in the United States at a vocational or technical school (such as culinary schools, flight training, or trade programs).

  • Purpose: The M-1 visa is intended for students who want to study at vocational or technical schools in the U.S. These could include programs like: Culinary schools,Cosmetology programs,Flight training programs,Mechanical, technical, or trade skills,Other vocational training programs
  • Duration of Stay: The length of stay on an M-1 visa depends on the duration of the program. Once you finish your program.
    • The M-1 visa typically allows you to stay for an additional 30 days for the purpose of preparing to leave the U.S.
    • If you need more time to complete your program, you can apply for an extension of stay, but it is generally limited and only available in certain situations.
  • Dependents (M-2 Visa):M-1 visa holders can bring their spouse and children (under the age of 21) to the U.S. on an M-2 visa. However, M-2 visa holders are not allowed to work in the U.S. They can study part-time, but full-time study is generally not permitted for M-2 dependents.
  • No Change of Status:
    • M-1 visa holders are generally not allowed to change their status to an F-1 (academic student) or other visa types without leaving the U.S. and applying from their home country.

Filing Form M-1 for Vocational Training Visa using HelpLegal Forms requires the following Fees:

  • HelpLegal Forms Application Package Fees: $200
  • USCIS Application Fee: (Subject to change)
Check if you Qualify for M-1 visa
 
Eligibility Requirements:
  • Enrollment: You must be accepted into a SEVP-approved (Student and Exchange Visitor Program) school that offers a full-time vocational or non-academic program.
  • Financial Support: You must prove that you have sufficient financial resources to cover your tuition, living expenses, and any other costs while studying in the U.S. This can be demonstrated through bank statements, affidavits of support, or other financial documents.
  • Intent to Return: You must demonstrate that you intend to return to your home country after completing your studies and will not attempt to stay permanently in the U.S.
  • Full-Time Study: You must pursue your program on a full-time basis. Part-time studies are generally not allowed on an M-1 visa.students.
M-1 Visa Work Restrictions
 
  • No Work During Studies: M-1 visa holders are not allowed to work during their studies, except under specific circumstances. However, certain vocational students can apply for permission to work in practical training after they complete their course of study (usually in a related field).
  • Practical Training: Some M-1 visa holders may be eligible for a limited period of practical training (like internships or work experience) after completing their program. However, the work must be directly related to their field of study, and the duration is generally limited to 6 months.
Non-Immigrant Visa

J-1 Visa

What Is J-1 Visa? (Non-Immigrant Visa)

The J-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa for individuals who want to participate in an exchange visitor program in the United States. This visa is designed for people who are coming to the U.S. for educational and cultural exchange, typically to gain experience, learn new skills, or teach, and then return to their home countries.

  • Purpose: The J-1 visa is for individuals participating in exchange programs. These programs might include: Students,Trainees,Interns,Teachers,Researchers, AU Pairs,Physicians
  • Duration of Stay: The length of stay on an J-1 visa depends on the duration of the program. Once you finish your program.
    • Students: May stay for the duration of their study program plus a 30-day grace period.
    • Interns: Typically 12 months, with the possibility of extension.
    • Trainees: Usually up to 18 months.
    • Au Pairs: Can stay for up to 12 months.

The J-1 visa facilitates cultural and educational exchange in the U.S. by allowing participants to gain valuable experience, learn, and share their culture. It applies to a variety of categories such as students, interns, trainees, teachers, researchers, and au pairs. Depending on the program, J-1 visa holders may be required to return to their home country for two years after their program ends. The visa is ideal for those who want to study, work, or participate in specialized programs in the U.S. temporarily.

Filing Form J-1 for Non-Immigrant Visa using HelpLegal Forms requires the following Fees:

  • HelpLegal Forms Application Package Fees: $200
  • USCIS Application Fee: (Subject to change)
Check if you Qualify for J-1 visa
 
Eligibility Requirements:
  • Sponsorship:You must be sponsored by a U.S. government-approved program sponsor.
  • Program Type:The exchange program must fit within one of the designated categories (e.g., student, intern, teacher).
  • Return to Home Country:Applicants are expected to return to their home country for at least two years after their program ends if they are subject to the two-year home-country physical presence requirement (more on this below).
J-1 Visa Work Restrictions
 
  • J-1 visa holders are allowed to work only within the framework of their exchange program. For example, a J-1 student can work on campus during their studies, while a J-1 trainee can work in a specific training program related to their field.
  • Dependents (J-2 Visa): Spouses and children (under 21) of J-1 visa holders can come to the U.S. on a J-2 visa. J-2 visa holders can apply for work authorization if they wish to work in the U.S.

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