Student Visa

Student Visa (F-1/M-1 Visa)

The USA Student Visa allows international students to study at accredited institutions in the United States. There are two main types of student visas: the F-1 Visa, which is for academic studies, and the M-1 Visa, which is for vocational or non-academic programs. The F-1 visa is the most common type of student visa and is required for students pursuing a degree at universities, colleges, high schools, and language training programs. The M-1 visa is for students attending vocational schools or technical programs.

Key Features of the USA Student Visa (F-1/M-1 Visa)

  • Full-Time Study: The F-1 and M-1 visas allow you to study full-time at a U.S. institution, such as a university, college, high school, or vocational school.
  • Work Options for F-1 Visa Holders: F-1 visa holders can work part-time on campus during their studies and may be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), allowing them to gain work experience in their field after graduation.
  • Family Inclusion: F-1 and M-1 visa holders can bring their spouse and children under F-2/M-2 dependent visas.
  • Duration of Stay: The duration of your stay depends on your program, with extensions possible for additional training or work authorization.

Types of USA Student Visas

There are two main types of student visas for international students who want to study in the U.S.:

  1. F-1 Visa (Academic Students)

The F-1 Visa is for students pursuing an academic degree at an accredited U.S. college, university, high school, private elementary school, or language program. F-1 visa holders must be enrolled in a full-time academic program.

  • Work Opportunities: F-1 students can work part-time on campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year. After graduation, they may be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows them to work in their field of study for up to 12 months (or 36 months for STEM fields).

  1. M-1 Visa (Vocational Students)

The M-1 Visa is for students attending vocational or non-academic programs, such as technical or trade schools. M-1 visa holders are not permitted to work during their studies and have limited options for practical training after their program ends.

Eligibility Requirements for the USA Student Visa (F-1/M-1 Visa)

To qualify for an F-1 or M-1 student visa, you must meet the following requirements:

  1. Acceptance at a U.S. School

You must be accepted by a SEVP-approved school in the U.S. and receive a Form I-20, which is the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. The institution must be certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).

  1. Full-Time Enrollment

You must be enrolled as a full-time student in an academic or vocational program in the U.S.

  1. Sufficient Financial Resources

You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition fees and living expenses for the duration of your studies. This may include bank statements, financial aid letters, or proof of a sponsor's financial support.

  1. English Language Proficiency

You must have sufficient proficiency in English to complete your program, or your school must provide English language training as part of your course of study. Most institutions require language proficiency tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE.

  1. Non-Immigrant Intent

You must demonstrate that you intend to return to your home country after completing your studies. This is usually done by showing ties to your home country, such as family, property, or employment opportunities.

Required Documents for the USA Student Visa (F-1/M-1 Visa)

When applying for a USA Student Visa, you will need to provide several supporting documents:

  1. Valid Passport:

    Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay in the U.S.

  2. Form I-20:

    A Form I-20 from the SEVP-approved school that has accepted you into their academic or vocational program. This form must be presented at your visa interview.

  3. Visa Application Form (DS-160):

    Complete the DS-160 form online. This is the standard application for all U.S. non-immigrant visas.

  4. Visa Application Fee Receipt:

    Proof of payment of the visa application fee (USD 185).

  5. SEVIS Fee Receipt:

    Proof that you have paid the SEVIS I-901 fee (USD 350 for F-1 or M-1 visa applicants).

  6. Passport-Sized Photo:

    A recent passport-sized photo that meets U.S. visa photo requirements (clear, front-facing, no glasses, white background).

  7. Financial Documents:

    Bank statements, sponsor letters, or financial aid letters showing you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during your stay.

  8. Proof of Ties to Your Home Country:

    Documents showing your intent to return home after your studies, such as proof of property ownership, family relationships, or job offers in your home country.

  9. Standardized Test Scores (if applicable):

Results from standardized tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or GRE (if required by your school).

Application Process for the USA Student Visa

The process for applying for an F-1 or M-1 Student Visa involves several steps, from being accepted by a U.S. school to attending a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.

  1. Get Accepted by a SEVP-Approved School

Before you can apply for an F-1 or M-1 visa, you must be accepted by a U.S. school that is approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Once accepted, the school will issue you a Form I-20, which you will need for your visa application.

  1. Complete the DS-160 Form

Fill out the DS-160 form online, providing your personal information, travel details, and purpose of study in the U.S. After completing the form, you will receive a confirmation page, which you must bring to your visa interview.

  1. Pay the SEVIS Fee

Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee of USD 350 (for F-1/M-1 visa applicants). This fee supports the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) that tracks international students in the U.S.

  1. Pay the Visa Application Fee

Pay the visa application fee of USD 185. You will need to bring the payment receipt to your visa interview.

  1. Schedule and Attend the Visa Interview

Schedule an interview at your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. During the interview, the consular officer will ask questions about your study plans, financial situation, and ties to your home country. You must bring all required documents, including your Form I-20, DS-160 confirmation page, and financial proof.

  1. Wait for Visa Approval

If your visa application is approved, your passport will be stamped with the F-1 or M-1 visa, and you can travel to the U.S. Processing times vary, but most applications are processed within a few weeks.

USA Student Visa Work Opportunities

While the primary purpose of the F-1 Visa is to study, students have several options to work during and after their studies:

  1. On-Campus Employment

F-1 visa holders can work on campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during school breaks without additional work authorization.

  1. Curricular Practical Training (CPT)

CPT allows F-1 students to work in their field of study through internships, cooperative education programs, or practicums. CPT must be authorized by the school and must be integral to the student’s curriculum.

  1. Optional Practical Training (OPT)

OPT allows F-1 students to work in the U.S. after graduation in their field of study for up to 12 months. Students in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) may be eligible for an additional 24-month OPT extension.

USA Student Visa Costs

The fees associated with obtaining a USA Student Visa (F-1/M-1) include:

  • Visa Application Fee: USD 185.
  • SEVIS I-901 Fee: USD 350 (for F-1/M-1 visa applicants).
  • Medical Examination Fees (if required): Costs vary depending on the country and provider.

Biometrics Fee (if required): Costs may vary.

How We Can Help

At A Square Migration Services, we provide professional support to help you through the entire USA Student Visa (F-1/M-1) application process. Our services include:

  • Eligibility Assessment: We evaluate your educational background, finances, and study plans to ensure you meet the requirements for an F-1 or M-1 visa.
  • Document Preparation: We assist in gathering all necessary documents, including financial proof, letters of acceptance, and standardized test results.
  • Visa Interview Preparation: We provide guidance on how to prepare for your visa interview, including tips on answering questions and presenting your case effectively.
  • Application Submission: We help you submit your visa application, ensuring it is accurate and complete to avoid delays.

Start Your Educational Journey in the USA with a Student Visa

The USA Student Visa (F-1/M-1) opens doors to world-class education and the opportunity to experience life in the United States. At A Square Migration Services, we are here to guide you through every step of the visa application process and help you achieve your academic and career goals.

Contact us today to start your USA Student Visa application and begin your educational journey in the United States!