F-1 & M-1 Student Visas

F-1 & M-1 Student Visas

The United States has come to be known for its exceptional universities and high levels of education. For this reason, many international students apply each year to study abroad in the US. To become a full-time international student, you will need either the F-1 or M-1 student visa. Each of these is a nonimmigrant visa that allows you to study in the US provided you meet a set of requirements.

The visa you choose to apply for will depend on the type of schooling you plan to receive.

F-1 Student Visa

The F-1 “Academic Student” visa is meant for individuals who plan to study at an academic institution (including accredited colleges, universities, seminaries, conservatories, and academic high school and elementary schools) or a language training program.

M-1 Student Visa

The M-1 “Vocational Student” visa is meant for students in vocational or other non-academic programs, other than language training.

Eligibility requirements for Student Visas

To qualify for an F-1 or M-1 visa, USCIS states that you must:

- Be enrolled as a full-time student in an “academic” educational program, a language training program, or a vocational program
- Be accepted into a school that is approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, Immigration & Customs Enforcement
- Be proficient in English or be enrolled in classes that will lead to English proficiency
- Have sufficient funds to support yourself during the entire proposed course of study
- Maintain residence abroad and have no intention of giving it up

Can you work in the US with a Study Visa?

Yes. However, a few restrictions will apply. F-1 students who want to work are not permitted to work off-campus during their first academic year, but may work in certain on-campus jobs. After the first academic year, F-1 students may work off-campus as long as the employment is Curricular Practical Training, Optional Practical Training, or Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Training Extension.

An M-1 student who wishes to work may only work in practical training positions after they have completed their studies. However, M-1 students may work on or off-campus in certain positions as well, as long as they are authorized positions.

Apply Now to Succeed Later

To apply for a student visa, you must first be accepted into one of the aforementioned institutions approved by SEVP, meaning you will first apply to the institution itself. After you have been accepted, you will decide which student visa you need and will apply. You will fill out all online application forms and then schedule an interview. Make sure you apply far enough in advance to your school’s start date, so that you receive your visa in time to begin your studies. While your visa may be issued up to 120 days prior to the start of the academic year, as a new student you will not be permitted to enter the US more than 30 days prior to your start date. Continuing students may enter at any time, as long as their visa is current.

F-1 & M-1 Student Visas