What Are the Different Types of United States Student Visas?

If you are considering traveling to the United States to pursue education, it is important that you understand the different types of student visas available. Continue reading and consult with a knowledgeable temporary visas immigration lawyer in New York City today.

What Are the Different Types of U.S. Student Visas?

A student visa is a non-immigrant visa designed to allow foreign nationals to come to the United States to pursue various educational programs. There are three primary types of student visas: the F-1, M-1, and J-1.

Each of these types of visas applies to different demographics of students based on the type of program they wish to pursue and other relevant factors. Student visas are monitored and governed by the SEVP (Student and Exchange Visitor Program), ensuring compliance with U.S. immigration laws.

F-1

The F-1 visa allows students to temporarily live in the United States for a set period of time while studying at an accredited academic institution. With the F-1 visa, students can attend a college, university, high school, private elementary school, seminary, conservatory, language training program, and other academic institutions.

To obtain an F-1 visa, you must first be accepted at an SEVP-approved school in the U.S. It is important to keep in mind that this is a non-immigrant visa, meaning that it is issued on a temporary basis and requires you to leave the country once it has expired.

You are permitted to work in the United States while on the F-1 visa, but there are restrictions on where you can work and the type of work you can do.

M-1

The M-1 visa is dedicated to students pursuing vocational or technical programs in the United States. This visa is similar to the F-1 visa in terms of the process, eligibility, and the sense that it is for full-time students. The M-1 visa is available to students who wish to pursue studies that do not have an academic focus. This can include culinary arts, aviation, cosmetology, technical trades, photography, and other studies.

To secure an M-1 visa, you must be enrolled full-time in an SEVP-approved vocational or other qualifying non-academic program, have a high level of English proficiency, be able to financially support yourself, and have a residence outside of the U.S.

J-1

The J-1 visa is reserved for those involved in an exchange program. There are many categories, including au pairs, camp counselors, professors, etc. The student programs include college/university and secondary school.

College or university students must be at least partially financed from a source other than personal funds, such as the government of their home country or the U.S., meet English language proficiency requirements, maintain valid insurance, and be enrolled full-time in an approved institution, among other requirements.

Secondary students on a J-1 visa must be between the ages of 15 and 18.5 years, not have finished more than 11 years of primary and secondary school, and not have participated in such a program before.

There are many complex rules and regulations regarding student visas in the United States. Reach out to an experienced immigration attorney for more information regarding the requirements and process of applying for a student visa.