US Visas for International Students
As an international student, you will need a visa to study at a university in the United States. There are two types of visas: F-1 and M-1.
F-1 Visa
An F-1 visa is issued to international students who are attending an academic programme or English Language Programme at a US college or university. F-1 students must maintain the minimum course load for full-time student status. They can remain in the US for up to 60 days beyond the length of time it takes to complete their academic programme, unless they have applied and been approved to stay and work for a period of time under the OPT Programme.
M-1 Visa
The M-1 visa is for non-academic or vocational studies. M-1 visa holders for technical and vocational programmes are not permitted to work during the course of their studies. The M-1 student visa applicants must have evidence that sufficient funds are immediately available to pay all tuition and living costs for the entire period of intended stay.
F-1/M-1 Visa Process
F-1 Visa Qualifications
In order to qualify, applicants need to satisfy and prove several strict criteria during an F-1 visa interview, including the following:
F-1 applicants must have a foreign residence and must intend to return there upon the completion of their studies.
While on your F-1 visa, you may only study at the academic institution through which the visa was granted.
Applicants must demonstrate sufficient financial support — the Study USA Financing Guide can help you prepare for this aspect of your time abroad.
All applicants must demonstrate that they have strong ties to their home country. Strong ties consist of, but are not limited to, the following:
A job offer letter upon completion of studies
Assets (i.e., house, land, vehicle, etc.)
Bank accounts
Family
M-1 Student Visa Requirements
You cannot enter as an M-1 student to just study "generally"; your programme must have a goal and you must be involved in a "full course of study". A full course of study means study in a community or junior college, with at least 12 semester or quarter hours. It must be in a school where anyone attending for at least 12 semester or quarter hours is charged full tuition, or considered full-time. The only exception is where you need a smaller course-load to complete your course of study. It can also mean study at a post secondary vocational or business school which grants Associate or other degrees. Alternatively, if a school can demonstrate that its credits are, or have been, accepted unconditionally by at least 3 institutions of higher learning it can qualify. If that is not possible, study in a vocational or non-academic curriculum, certified by a DSO to require at least 18 hours of weekly attendance or at least 22 clock hours a week (if most of your studies are in a shop or lab). If that is not possible, the last option is study in a vocational or non-academic high school curriculum which is certified by a DSO to require class attendance for not less than the minimum required for normal progress towards graduation.
F-1 Visa Interview
An F1 visa interview will be required to determine whether or not you are qualified to receive an F-1 student visa. You should arrive at the interview with all of the required documents and receipts, and you should be prepared ahead of time to answer personal questions about your decision to study in the US.
F-1 visa interview questions often include inquiries about your academic qualifications and choice of university. You may be required to prove that you have ties and obligations that would guarantee your return to your home country after your international studies. Most importantly, you will be required to prove that you have the means to finance your education. Education expenses in the US are higher than most countries and being able to present a solid financial plan for the duration of your studies is crucial to pass your F-1 visa interview.
F-1/M-1 Visa Denials
If your F-1/M-1 visa application is denied it is based on US immigration law. If you are denied, the reason and section of law you are denied under will be given to you in your paperwork. Some applications are denied because the applicant failed to provide necessary information or supporting documentation as required. Sometimes, however, you can be found ineligible for other reasons.
Of course, if you do not meet the visa qualifications as stated above, you can expect to be found ineligible. For example, if you do not sufficiently demonstrate that the strong ties to your home country will influence you to return home after your stay in the US, you will be denied under INA section 214(b), Visa Qualifications and Immigrant Intent.
Other common reasons for denial include Fraud or Misrepresentation, Unlawful Presence in the United States, Health-related grounds, Criminal-related grounds, or Security-related grounds. To learn more about visa denials and to see if you are eligible for a waiver or to reapply, the US Department of State website is a great resource.
Maintaining Valid F-1 Status After You Arrive
After you are approved for your F-1 visa, you are able to enter the United States as an international student. However, after you arrive, you will need to stay aware of your obligations as an F-1 visa holder. If you do not maintain your valid F-1 visa status, you will not be allowed to return to re-enter the US if you leave and you will not be eligible for practical training (OPT or CPT) or on-campus employment. Here are some tips to assure you’re in good standing during your study abroad:
Upon Arrival
Make sure you arrive in the US no more than 30 days prior to the first day of classes. Check in with your international adviser as soon as possible before your program begins.
During Your Programme
You must remain enrolled full time. Go to class and maintain passing grades. If you are having difficulty in your classes, notify your international advisor. If you are unable to complete your program by the date listed on your Form I-20, your international advisor can help you request a program extension.
Your passport should be valid for at least 6-months in the future. Your country’s consulate or embassy can help you extend your passport if needed. Carry a copy of your passport with you along with your I-94 card for identification purposes.
Working
F-1 visa students are not allowed to work off-campus. However, you may have some on-campus work or curricular practical training options if you qualify. Check with your international adviser to see if this is a possibility for you. If you choose to work without proper authorisation, your visa will be revoked and you will be forced to leave the United States.
Upon Program Completion
You have 60 days upon completion of your program to leave the United States under your F-1 visa. To remain in the US, you will need to re-enroll in a higher program, transfer to another school to receive a new I-20 form, or apply to change your visa status. Your international adviser can give you more information regarding your options.
Let us know if you have any questions about this article.
