If you are hoping to come to the United States to attend one of the many great universities, you will want to make sure you have everything set up as soon as possible. This includes knowing where you will attend school, what you will be studying, where you will be staying, and most importantly, on what type of Visa you will be coming into the country.
There are three main types of Visas that can be issued for students coming into the country to study. They are the F-1 Visa, the J-1 Visa, and the M-1 Visa. Learning about each of these options so that you can choose the right one is very important. Even if you are able to qualify for more than one of these options, it is critical to choose the right one to minimize any difficulties or problems you face while studying in the country.
F-1 Visa
The F-1 Visa is specifically for academic studies, so this is often the most commonly chosen option for those coming for traditional college or university. When in the country on an F-1 visa, students may work part time on campus to earn money. The amount of work must normally be fewer than 20 hours each week. Students can also stay in the country for up to one year after their academic program is completed to engage in “optional practical training” which is essentially on-the-job training. If they want to remain after that time they would need to seek an alternative visa option.
J-1 Visa
The J-1 Visa is designed to allow students to attain practical training that is not currently available in their home country. The work that the visa holder engages in must be related to the field of their studies. People commonly use this type of visa in business, medical, and other in-demand fields, though that is not a requirement.
M-1 Visa
The M-1 Visa is for non-academic and vocational studies that are taking place in the United States. Unlike the other two options, M-1 visa holders are not permitted to engage in work while in the country. Because of this, they must be able to show that they have sufficient funds available to them to pay for their tuition and living expenses while in the country.
Applying for a Visa
Whenever applying for any type of academic visa, you need to make sure you will meet all of the qualifications, and that you can complete all the paperwork. You will typically need to meet academic requirements, financial requirements, and possibly have health care in place. If you need assistance in applying for any of these types of visas, please contact our offices right away. Our experienced immigration team will help you to get the visa you need quickly and easily.
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