Types of Student Visas in the United States

Are you an aspirant of overseas education USA? 

If yes, then you need to know the various types of US student visas you can apply for. If you are planning to study in USA, one of the important things you must do is apply for a student visa there. Any of the USA education consultants can make you aware of these Visa types. Else, check out this quick guide to know the different types of US student visas.

F Visa:

F Visa is usually opted by international students who intend to go for an academic degree at one of the accredited universities in the US, or want to enrol for a degree in English at a university or any intensive English language institution. F Visa is of three types:

·         F-1 visas is applied by students for full-time courses.

·         F-2 visas is applied for the dependent s of F-1 visa holders. For example: This helps spouse and children (who are under 21 years of age and unmarried) of F-1 visa holders to enter US.

This is applicable to same-sex married couples as well.

·         F-3 visas is used for ‘border commuters’. This is applied by students of Mexico and Canada who reside in their own country while attending a part-time or full-time course in the USA.

These students can work on-campus for about 20 hours per week. Students who want to work for longer hours or off-campus must get an authorization from the USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services). In such cases, the USCIS may grant work permit for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) for 12 months period. This should not exceed 90 days of unemployment post degree.

M Visa:

The M Visa is applicable to international students who wish to get enrolled in non-academic or vocational study activities or any specific training at an institution in the United States. M Visa is also of three types:

·    M-1 visas is for students who want to engage themselves in vocational or non-academic courses.

·         M-2 visas is for the dependents of M-1 visa holders.

·         M-3 visas is again for the ‘border commuters’. The students of Mexico and Canada who wish to reside in their country of origin while pursuing a vocational or non-academic course in the US.

Students with M-1 visa are not permitted to work either on-campus or off-campus while studying. Also, they cannot stay in the US for more than one year except in the case of delays due to any medical conditions.

J Visa:

The final type of student visa is J Visa. This is for international exchange visitors who take part in US programs that support and promote cultural exchange. The students who want to obtain medical, business or any other professional training in the US must fulfil the eligibility criteria of the respective program which must be sponsored by a private sector or government program.

J visa holders stay comparatively for a short duration in the US. It may be one or two semesters. 

J Visa is of two types:

·         J-1 visas is for students who wish to pursue a relevant exchange program.

·         J-2 visas if for the dependents of J-1 visa holders.

J-1 visa holders will have to return to their home country after they complete their exchange visitor program for a minimum of two years.

Before applying for any kind of visa, get in touch with an education consultant. Overseas education counsellors have in-depth knowledge of the industry and can provide a better idea of course selection, visa application and study abroad scholarship. A well-informed decision will always work in your benefit.