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F1 Student Visa

The U.S. education system does not only benefit Americans. At universities throughout the U.S., students from other countries broaden their education and learn valuable skills. But not all foreign individuals can study in the U.S. Before coming into the country, a student must apply for a visa. The F-1 visa is the most common type of student visa in the United States. It allows you to attend an accredited college, university, seminary, conservatory, high school, elementary school, or other academic institution.

Requirements for the F-1 student visa:

  • Accepted by a U.S. school that is approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System Program (SEVIS).
  • Enrolled full-time.
  • Proof of enough financial support to complete your studies.
  • Paid application fees.

If you meet all the requirements, you may apply for an F-1 student visa, then schedule and prepare for your interview. The interview will determine if you are qualified to receive the F-1 student visa.

M AND J VISAS

The other two student visas are the M and the J visas. The M visa is similar to the F visa, but it’s available to people who are coming to the U.S. to study at non-academic institutions like vocational schools or other learning institutions that would not fall under the traditional definition of an academic institution.

The J visa is sometimes called the cultural exchange visa and encompasses a broad range of activity. You could apply for a J visa as a student, professor or research scholar, an academic specialist, a foreign physician, a teacher, a counselor, or even a summer intern who is coming here for summer school in a travel or work abroad program. It also includes au pairs.

Pelican Johnson Immigration Law, PA can help you navigate the complexities of the student visa application process no matter where you’re located.