Student Visa for Academic and Non-Academic Students
The United States offers two nonimmigrant visas for students through Customs and Immigration Services (USCIS). Students pursuing academic studies or language courses may apply under the F-1 classification, while students in nonacademic programs such as vocational studies may apply for an M-1 visa.
Below you'll find answers for many common questions about the F-1 and M-1 student visas. However, an immigration lawyer can tell you even more about the F-1 and M-1 classifications and help you with the application and renewal of your F-1 visa or M-1 visa.
What You'll Find on This Page:
Who Qualifies for a Student F-1 or M-1 Visa?
Application for a student visa is limited to students enrolled full-time in an academic, language-training or vocational program. Students enrolled in an academic or language-training course file under the F-1 classification, and students in a vocational program considered "non-academic" file under M-1.
Further, the student must be proficient in English (or enrolled in English courses as in the case of a language program) and must be able to be self-sufficient in terms of monetary funds for the entire course of study (and for dependants, if necessary).
The school at which the student is enrolled must either be a public institution or one accredited by a nationally-recognized agency. The school must file a Petition for Approval, Form I-17, with the district USCIS office which has jurisdiction in its area, defining whether the school is approved for F-1 and/or M-1 students.
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The Student Visa Application Process
Visa Application Forms:
Applying for a student visa begins with completion of the required forms. Both F-1 and M-1 classifications of students must submit Form DS-156 and Form DS-158, both general forms for all nonimmigrant visa applicants, including students. Some individuals, including all male applicants between 16-45 and those coming from North Korea, Cuba, Syria, Sudan, and Iran (so-called "terrorist states"), will also be required to complete a Supplement Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-157.
Some students may be also asked to provide supplementary documents related to study, including transcripts from past academic institutions, standardized test scores and proof of ability to financially support themselves and any dependants who may be accompanying them. You and your dependants must have valid passports.
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Homeland Security I-20 Forms:
New immigration law changes after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 have made it necessary for students to register with the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), an electronic database recording the whereabouts of nonimmigrant students, their dependants and other exchange visitors. When you have registered, you will be provided with proof of registration for your particular educational institution. This form is called an I-20, and must be presented at your interview.
F-1 students must provide Form I-20A-B, which shows their eligibility for F-1 status, while M-1 students must submit Form I-20M-N, which proves eligibility for M-1 status.
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Visa Interview:
The application for a student visa requires an in-person interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. For student visas, the busiest time is obviously the summer months before the school year starts; if you can apply earlier, your application will be processed faster. The State Department website provides a helpful waiting time list for consulates around the world to help you plan on when to schedule your interview.
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Visa Application Fees:
On January 1, 2008, the Department of State raised the fees for visa services. The current application fee for a visa is $131, in addition to any fees for visa issuance. These fees vary depending on whether the United States has reciprocity or other arrangements with the student's country of residence. Also, students must pay the Homeland Security fee for registration with SEVIS. For most students, this fee is $100, and it may be paid by your educational institution or program (check for details with your program).
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Entering the United States:
The U.S. embassy or consulate at which you apply and have your interview can issue your visa only 120 days or less before your term of study begins. If you apply earlier than this date, the embassy or consulate will hold your application until 120 days before your study begins. Further, you can only enter the United States 30 days or less before your program of study begins--if your travel plans require you to enter earlier, you must apply for a B-1 or B-2 visitor visa.
At the port of entry, the DHS Customs and Border Protection officials will meet with you to permit or deny entry into the United States. The length of your visit will be determined on the Arrival-Departure Record, Form I-94. You will also be enrolled in the US-VISIT entry-exit program at the port of entry.
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Can I Bring Family Members into the Country with an F-1 or M-1 Visa?
Yes. Your spouse and unmarried, minor children may be classified as a nonimmigrant to accompany or join you by obtaining F-2 or M-2 visas, depending on the classification of your visa. Any dependents must complete the general nonimmigrant visa Forms DS-156 and DS-158 (plus DS-157, if necessary).
Furthermore, anyone who receives a visa as spouse or child of a temporary worker may not accept employment in the United States; the principal applicant must show ability to support the entire family financially throughout the period of study.
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Can I Receive a Time Extension to Stay Longer on an F-1 or M-1 Visa?
No. Extensions are not granted for students in the United States with F-1 or M-1 visas. If your course of study takes longer than the time estimated on your visa (for example, five years at a four-year college), you may not be granted an extension or renewal. Students who elect to stay past the term of their study may be deported, and may be further barred from re-entering the United States in the future.
If, however, you are seeking to stay longer to acquire a further degree such as a graduate degree, you may do so by applying for a new student visa, using a new I-20 form provided by the school offering your new program of study.
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Speak to an Immigration Lawyer for More Information about These Visas!
As many students know, the application process for an F-1 or M-1 visa can be difficult and time-consuming. If you are seeking help with the visa process or encountering a problem with your visa application, an immigration lawyer can help assist you and explain how relevant parts of U.S. immigration law might help you.
If you'd like to speak with an immigration lawyer, simply call us at (877) 444-1074 or fill out our Immigration Case Evaluation Form.