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3 ways to enter

Puerto Rico visas

Puerto Rico student visa

F visas cover academic and language study. M visas cover vocational and other nonacademic study.

Ways to get a Puerto Rico student visa

  1. F-1 academic or language student visa

    Visa needed

    Foreign students enrolled full-time at accredited U.S. institutions for academic or language study.

    Fee
    US$185 application fee. An extra visa issuance fee may apply.
    1. Establish that you qualify for full-time study at an accredited institution.
    2. Pay the application fee and attend a consular interview.

  2. M-1 vocational student visa

    Visa needed

    Students attending vocational or technical schools, or other nonacademic study.

    Fee
    US$185 application fee. An extra visa issuance fee may apply.
    1. Establish that your study fits the vocational or nonacademic category.
    2. Pay the application fee and attend a consular interview.

  3. Visa-free study

    No visa needed

    Qualifying British Overseas Territories citizens of Bermuda and eligible citizens of the Marshall Islands, Micronesia and Palau.

    Stay
    Eligible citizens of the freely associated states may study indefinitely.

Who needs it

Foreign students need the permission that matches their course, unless they qualify for a study exemption.

Who doesn't

Qualifying Bermudian citizens may study without a visa. Eligible citizens of the Marshall Islands, Micronesia and Palau may study indefinitely without a visa.

How to apply

  1. Identify the visa category that matches your study.
  2. Show your study purpose, limited stay and ties outside the United States.
  3. Pay the application fee and attend a consular interview.

What to bring

  • Foreign passport
  • Evidence of your study purpose, limited stay and ties outside the United States

Good to know

  • F-1 is for full-time students at accredited institutions.
  • M-1 students cannot work on or off campus while studying.
  • M-1 students cannot change their status to F-1.
  • Spouses and children have separate dependant visa categories.
  • Student and exchange visa issuance is restricted for nationals of certain countries, with limited exceptions.

Questions

Do I need a student visa for Puerto Rico?

Foreign students need the permission that matches their course, unless they qualify for a study exemption. Qualifying Bermudian citizens may study without a visa. Eligible citizens of the Marshall Islands, Micronesia and Palau may study indefinitely without a visa.

What are the ways to get a student visa for Puerto Rico?

There are 3 options: F-1 academic or language student visa (a visa from an embassy); M-1 vocational student visa (a visa from an embassy); Visa-free study (no visa at all).

Who can go to Puerto Rico without a student visa?

Qualifying British Overseas Territories citizens of Bermuda and eligible citizens of the Marshall Islands, Micronesia and Palau.

How much does a Puerto Rico student visa cost?

US$185 application fee. An extra visa issuance fee may apply.

What documents do I need for a Puerto Rico student visa?

Foreign passport; Evidence of your study purpose, limited stay and ties outside the United States.

How do I apply for a Puerto Rico student visa?

1. 1. Identify the visa category that matches your study. 2. 2. Show your study purpose, limited stay and ties outside the United States. 3. 3. Pay the application fee and attend a consular interview.

What rules do I have to follow on a Puerto Rico student visa?

F-1 is for full-time students at accredited institutions. M-1 students cannot work on or off campus while studying. M-1 students cannot change their status to F-1.

Does my passport change whether I need a student visa for Puerto Rico?

Yes. Rules depend on the country that issued your passport. Open the Puerto Rico visa page and choose your passport for a plain answer.

Can a student visa for Puerto Rico be refused?

Yes. Officials can refuse a visa or entry, even after you apply. Give true answers, bring the documents asked for, and keep proof of your onward trip and money.

Where do I check the latest Puerto Rico student visa rules?

On Puerto Rico's official immigration or foreign ministry website, or at its embassy. Rules change, so check close to your trip.

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