The United States is one of the most popular study abroad destinations among foreigners, due to its world-class facilities, high-quality education, research opportunities, and lots more. There are lots of requirements to study in the US, out of which a student visa is a must. However, there are different types of US student visas, and each with its eligibility criteria and requirements

The US student visa is a long process and you’ll need to properly plan and be aware of all the requirements. We recommend that students start their US student visa application process at least three months before the school’s resumption date. However, have you asked yourself which of the different types of US student visas will you apply for?

As an international student who wishes to study in the United States, you must obtain the right type of student visa to have a smooth visa application. Therefore, understanding the various types of US student visas and how to go about it is paramount. In this article, we’ll discuss extensively the three types of US student visas and what each of them entails. Let’s dive in!

Types Of US Student Visas

Undoubtedly, most foreign students aspire to study in the United States, due to the great reputation of the country. It also hosts a wide variety of prestigious higher education institutions. For an international student who wishes to study in the country, there are three types of US student visas available.

However, the type of visa required will depend on your course of study, the length of study, and your preferred institution. Below, we will delve into the three types of US student visas available to international students. Scroll down!

1.  F-Visa

This type of US student visa is meant for International students who wish to study for a degree at an accredited US university. Also, students who wish to learn English at a university or intense English language course will qualify for the F-visa type. Listed below are the three types of F-Visa in the US. Read on!

1. F1-Visa
2. F2-Visa
3. F3-Visa

Now, let us take you through the F1 visa type that allows international students to study full-time at a US university.

F1-Visa

The F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that is usually issued to international students who want to study academic programs as a full-time student in the United States. With this visa type, international students can enroll in accredited colleges, universities, seminaries, conservatories, or academic high schools. As well as elementary schools, other academic institutions, or any language training program universities.

Furthermore, you must be enrolled in a program or course of study that ends up in a degree, diploma, or certificate. Your school must also be authorized by the US government to accept international students. Now, let’s check out the requirements to obtain a US F1 visa.

Requirements To Obtain The F1-Visa Type

1. You must be accepted into an accredited institution by the Student Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
2. You must also be a full-time student in your preferred course of
3. Furthermore, you must demonstrate that you’ll return to your home country after your
4. Proof of You must be able to demonstrate that you have enough funds to finance your education, as well as your accommodation and other costs.
5. You must be fluent in the English Therefore, you’ll need to take the IELTS/TOEFL test to prove your English proficiency.

The Required Documents

Listed below are the required documents you will need to apply for the F1 visa. Read on!

1. Valid
2. Two passport
3. Proof of payment of visa application
4. Form I-20.
5. Your academic
6. Results of standardized test (IELTS/TOEFL).
7. Proof of purchase of health

How To Apply 

To apply for your F1 visa, you must first secure a valid admission into a SEVP-approved academic program in the US. Furthermore, you will obtain an I-20 form from the academic institution, which will be used to apply for the visa. With your F1 visa, you’ll be able to enter the United States as a full-time student and stay for the period of your academic program.

F1-visa students in the US have the opportunity to participate in on-campus employment, internships, and practical training. However, you must obtain approval from the academic institution and the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). International students with an F1 visa must continuously maintain a full-time course load and make progress toward their degree program.

You must maintain a valid passport and I-20 form, however, you’re expected to make a report to the academic institution and USCIS, if there are any changes in your personal or academic information. Additionally, F1 visa holders can also qualify for some benefits like travel outside the US. As well as re-entry into the country, with the opportunity to apply for Optional Practical Training after completing your program.

The optional practical training allows international students to work in their field of study for up to one year. Although it may be extended for an additional two years for students who are enrolled in certain STEM fields.

2.  M-Visa 

The M1 visa is a non-immigrant visa that is issued to international students who intend to study vocational or technical training in the United States. Meanwhile, the M1 visa is specifically designed for international students who want to enroll in vocational studies in the US. Study programs that include cooking classes, technical courses, mechanical classes, flight school, and cosmetology are all considered vocational studies.

Furthermore, the M1 visa does not have a cap so international students who meet the requirements may be issued a visa. Listed below are the three types of M-visa in the US.

1. M1-Visa
2. M2-Visa
3. M3-Visa

Now let’s go into details of the M1-visa type which grants international students the opportunity to enroll for vocational training in the US.

M1-Visa 

The duration of the M1 visa is based on the extent of your preferred education program, including any supplementary vocational experience. However, if there are no cases of extensions for medical reasons, international students cannot stay for more than a year in the US.

Requirements To Obtain The M1-Visa Type

1. As an international student, you must be admitted to a school that is recognized by the Student Exchange Visitor
2. You must also prove that you will return to your home country once your academic program is
3. Additionally, you must show proof that you have sufficient funds to help cover the cost of studying and living in the
4. You must be fluent in the English Therefore, you’ll need to take the IELTS/TOEFL test to prove your English proficiency.

The Required Documents

1. A valid
2. Two passport
3. Proof of payment of visa application
4. Form I-20.
5. Your academic
6. Lastly, proof of sufficient

How To Apply 

To apply for your M1 visa, you must first be admitted into a SEVP-approved academic program in the US. Below are the required steps to apply for your M1 visa after getting an offer of admission.

1. Obtain the I-20
2. Submit the DS-160 form
3. Pay your application
4. Pay the SEVIS I-901
5. Also, set a date for your M1 visa
6. Send the file which includes the necessary paperwork for an M1
7. Attend the interview to obtain a student

Benefit Of The M1-Visa

One of the major advantages of obtaining the M1 visa is that it allows international students to work in the US while they are still studying. As an M-1 visa holder, you are only allowed to work on-campus for 20 hours maximum, per week. However, it’s only for the period of your academic year and full-time during vacation periods.

If you want to work off-campus with your M-1 visa, you must obtain authorization from the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Furthermore, M-1 visa holders are allowed to stay in the United States for a maximum of one year once they complete their study program. Meanwhile, this is for you to gain practical training in your completed field of study.

This practical training is referred to as Optional Practical Training (OPT). Additionally, it offers the M-1 visa holder the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in their field of study before returning to their home country. Although the OPT for M-1 visa holders is only eligible for six months. They must apply for this training before the expiration of the visa expires.

3.  J-Visa

J-Visas is issued to international students who are taking part in US programs that foster cultural exchange. All students must satisfy the program’s qualifying conditions. Meanwhile, students will be funded by a business or government organization, irrespective of the field they are pursuing training. These fields can be healthcare, and industry, among others.

There are two types of J-visas for international students. They include:

1. J1-Visa
2. J2-Visa

Now let’s take a comprehensive look at the J1-Visa. It offers international students the opportunity to study at a US institution as an exchange student.

J-1 Visa

The J-1 visa is for international students who wish to partake in work-and-study-based exchange and visitor programs in the US. These programs are usually sponsored by an educational or other nonprofit institution. However, it must be accredited through the Exchange Visitor Program designated by the US State Department.

As a J-1 exchange visitor, your major purpose for visiting the United States is to teach and study. You can also receive training or demonstrate special skills. The J1 visa is basically for international students who need practical training that is unavailable to them in their home country.

Furthermore, the training must be directly related to your academic program. This Visa program is designed to enhance mutual understanding between the US and other countries through educational and cultural exchanges.

Requirements To Obtain The J1-Visa Type 

The J1-visa category is for various individuals as each of them has different requirements. To obtain a J-1 Visa, you may need to partake in one of the following programs below.

1. Student Exchange Programs: J-1 Visas are usually obtained by international students who participate in exchange programs at any US university or high school. Meanwhile, these programs offer the opportunity for international students to study in the US for up to one
2. Internship and Training Programs: J-1 Visas can also be issued to individuals who participate in training or internship programs with any US These programs usually last for up to one year and six months.
3. Research Scholar Programs: J-1 Visas can also be obtained by scholars who wish to conduct research or teach at US universities or research These programs can last for up to five years.
4. Au Pair Programs: J-1 Visas can be issued to individuals who wish to participate in an au pair program in the These programs are usually involved with providing childcare services to a host family for a period of up to one year.

All of the categories above can apply under an exchange program.

The Required Documents

1. Valid
2. Passport
3. Non-immigrant Visa Application
4. Visa fee payment
5. Form DS-2019.
6. Form DS-7002.
7. J1 Visa Health

How To Apply 

To obtain a J-1 Visa, an individual will need to contact and apply to a sponsoring organization duly approved by the US Department of State. Furthermore, the sponsoring organization will issue a Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status) to the applicant. This form will then be presented to the US embassy or consulate when applying for your visa.

Additionally, applicants will have to provide other documents like proof of financial support, proof of English proficiency, and proof of ties to their home country. Applicants must also undergo an interview with a consular officer at the U.S. embassy or consulate.

Once you obtain the J-1 Visa, you have the liberty to enter the US and participate in the approved program. J-1 Visa holders must maintain their status by adhering to all the terms and conditions of the program. Also, they must be ready to leave the United States at the end of their authorized stay.

Conclusion

The US offers a wide range of academic opportunities for international students and you’ll need to obtain the right visa. Although there are various types of US student visas, this comprehensive article has broken it down so you can choose your ideal visa type. Therefore, you must carefully consider your intended course of study and the requirements of your preferred institution when making your decision. Good luck!