For international students seeking to study in the United States, the government provides three types of visas: F, M, and J.
However, before applying for any of these visas, the initial step is to seek admission to a US institution of higher education certified by the Student Exchange and Visitor Program (SEVP). Once accepted, you can proceed to apply for a visa to enter the country.
F Visa: The most common visa issued to international students is the F-1 visa, designed for full-time students pursuing an academic degree at a recognized US college or university, or studying English at an English language institute. F-1 visa holders are allowed to work on-campus for a maximum of 20 hours per week, depending on the specific terms.
Under this category, there is also the F-2 visa granted to dependents of F-1 visa holders, including spouses and unmarried children under the age of 21. Additionally, the F-3 visa is categorized as “border commuters,” intended for Mexican and Canadian students residing in their home countries while attending a US university either part-time or full-time.
Requirements to apply for an F visa typically include demonstrating English language proficiency, showing sufficient funds to finance your studies, and possessing a passport valid for US travel for at least six months after graduation.
M Visa: The second type of student visa issued is the M visa, intended for international students pursuing non-academic or vocational study or training at an institution in the US. M-1 visa holders are allowed entry for a fixed period, determined by the length of their training program. They cannot remain in the US for more than one year and are not permitted to work on or off-campus during their stay.
The M visa category has three subcategories: M-1 for students engaged in non-academic or vocational studies, M-2 for dependents of M-1 holders, and M-3 for “border commuters.”
J Visa: The third type of US visa available to international students is the J visa, granted to those participating in exchange programs at the high school and university levels. To be eligible for this visa, applicants must meet their program’s requirements and be sponsored by either a private sector or government program.
J visa holders typically stay in the US for a short period, usually lasting one or two semesters. After completion, J-1 visa holders are required to return to their home country for at least two years.
The J visa category consists of two subcategories: J-1 for international students on an exchange program seeking medical, business, or other types of training, and J-2 for dependents of J-1 visa holders.