Non-Immigrant Visas

Student Visa

There are two types of student visas for persons wishing to study in the United States. The "F" visa is for academic studies, and the "M" visa is for nonacademic or vocational studies. Applicants fill out an on-line visa application form.  Applicants must provide their passport, a photograph, proof of financing for their time of study, and a Form I-20 issued by the school or university in the United States.

As of September 1, 2004 all students are required to pay a special fee for student visa processing.

Students applicants should apply at least two weeks before the scheduled departure. Please allow 3 to 5 working days for processing.

Required Documentation

To apply for a student visa for academic or language study, the applicant must have been accepted for the purpose of pursuing a full course of study in an academic institution approved by the Attorney General. The student must present to the Consular officer a Form I-20A-B, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status for Academic and Language Students," properly completed and signed by the student and the designated school official. To apply for a student visa for vocational studies, the student must have been accepted for the purpose of pursuing a full course of study in a nonacademic institution approved by the Attorney General. The student must present a Form I-20M-N, "Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status -- For Vocational Students," properly completed and signed by the student and the designated school official.

Financial Resources

The student visa applicant must present evidence that sufficient funds are, or will be available from a specifically identified and reliable financial source to defray all living and school expenses during the entire period of anticipated study in the United States. In other words, the applicant must present evidence that he or she has sufficient funds to meet all expenses for the first year of study, and that baring unforeseen circumstances, adequate funds will be available for each subsequent year of study. The M-1 student visa applicant must have evidence that sufficient funds are immediately available to pay all tuition and living costs for the entire period of intended stay.

Scholastic Preparation

The student visa applicant must have successfully completed a course of study normally required for enrollment at the level of study contemplated. The student, unless coming to participate exclusively in an English language training program, must either be sufficiently proficient in English to pursue the intended course of study, or the school must have made special arrangements for English language courses, or teaching the course in the student's native language.

Residence Abroad

Student visa applicants must establish to the satisfaction of the consular officer that they have a residence in a foreign country which they have no intention of abandoning, and that they will depart the United States upon termination of their student status.

Family Members

A spouse or child of a student may also be classified for a nonimmigrant visa to accompany or follow the principal applicant. Family members must meet all visa eligibility requirements, including evidence that they will have sufficient funds for their support, and that they will depart the United States upon termination of the student program.

Student Employment

An F-1 student may not accept off-campus employment at any time during the first year of study. Under certain circumstances, the Immigration and Naturalization Service may grant permission to accept off-campus employment after one year. F-1 students may accept on-campus employment from the school without Immigration Service permission. Except for temporary employment for practical training, an M-1 student may not accept employment. Spouses and children of students may not accept employment at any time.

Travel Tips for Students and Exchange Visitors

1. Hand Carry (do not check) the following documents:
• Your passport;
• Your SEVIS form I-20 or DS-2019;
• Evidence of financial resources
• Evidence of student or exchange visitor status, such as tuition receipts, transcripts or letter of acceptance;
• Paper receipt for the SEVIS fee; and
• The name and contact information of your designated school official or sponsor
2. Inform the CBP officer at the point of entry as soon as possible that you will be a new or returning student or exchange visitor in the United States. For more information go to www.cbp.gov
3. Report to your school or program upon arrival so that your school official can validate your participation in SEVIS.
4. Maintain contact with your designated school or sponsor official throughout your stay to ensure your SEVIS date is updated and correct.

Important Note: If you are a new exchange visitor participant, remember to hand carry with you the sealed envelop given to you by the U.S. Department of State's Consular Officer- attached to your passport. It is important that you do not open this envelope.