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United States visas

United States student visa

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

Ways to get a United States student visa

  1. F-1 academic or language student visa

    Visa needed

    Full-time foreign students enrolled at accredited U.S. institutions.

    Fee
    US$185 application fee; an issuance fee may also apply.
    1. Establish your eligibility for academic or language study.
    2. Pay the application fee at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
    3. Attend a consular interview.

  2. F-3 academic commuter student visa

    Visa needed

    Canadian or Mexican students who live in their home country while attending an academic or language programme in the United States.

    Fee
    US$185 student visa application fee; an issuance fee may also apply.

    Passports that qualify (2)

  3. M-1 vocational student visa

    Visa needed

    Students attending vocational, technical or other nonacademic schools.

    Fee
    US$185 application fee; an issuance fee may also apply.
    1. Establish your eligibility for vocational or other nonacademic study.
    2. Pay the application fee at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
    3. Attend a consular interview.

  4. M-3 nonacademic commuter student visa

    Visa needed

    Border commuter students in vocational or other nonacademic study.

    Fee
    US$185 student visa application fee; an issuance fee may also apply.

Who needs it

Foreign students enrolling in the relevant U.S. study programme need the matching student permission.

Who doesn't

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

How to apply

  1. Establish that you qualify for the relevant study category.
  2. Show your study purpose, limited stay and ties outside the United States.
  3. Pay the application fee at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
  4. 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

  • M-1 students may not work on or off campus while studying.
  • M-1 students may not change their status to F-1.
  • Separate visa classes cover spouses and children.
  • New student visa issuance is suspended for some nationalities, with limited exceptions.

Questions

Do I need a student visa for the United States?

Foreign students enrolling in the relevant U.S. study programme need the matching student permission. Qualifying Bermudians can study without a visa. Eligible citizens of the Marshall Islands, Micronesia and Palau can study indefinitely without a visa.

What are the ways to get a student visa for the United States?

There are 4 options: F-1 academic or language student visa (a visa from an embassy); F-3 academic commuter student visa (a visa from an embassy); M-1 vocational student visa (a visa from an embassy); M-3 nonacademic commuter student visa (a visa from an embassy).

How much does a the United States student visa cost?

US$185 application fee. A nationality-based issuance fee may also apply.

What documents do I need for a the United States student visa?

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

How do I apply for a the United States student visa?

1. 1. Establish that you qualify for the relevant study category. 2. 2. Show your study purpose, limited stay and ties outside the United States. 3. 3. Pay the application fee at a U.S. embassy or consulate. 4. 4. Attend a consular interview.

What rules do I have to follow on a the United States student visa?

M-1 students may not work on or off campus while studying. M-1 students may not change their status to F-1.

Does my passport change whether I need a student visa for the United States?

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

Can a student visa for the United States 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 the United States student visa rules?

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

Can I change my student visa once I am in the United States?

Often you cannot switch visa type inside the country. Ask the immigration office before you travel if you might need to.

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