Student Visa
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Overview
The United States welcomes foreign citizens who come to the United States to study. Before applying for a visa, all student visa applicants are required to be accepted and approved by their school or program. Once accepted, educational institutions will provide each applicant the necessary approval documentation to be submitted when applying for a student visa.
Please be aware that a student visa cannot be issued more than 120 days prior to the program start date. You will not be interviewed for a student visa if you come to the embassy more than 120 days before your program start date.
Visa Descriptions and Qualifications
F-1 Visa
This is the most common type of student visa. If you wish to engage in academic studies in the United States at an approved school, such as an accredited U.S. college or university, private secondary school, or approved English language program then you need an F-1 visa. You will also need an F-1 visa if your course of study is more than 18 hours a week.
M-1 Visa
If you plan to engage in non-academic or vocational study or training at a U.S. institution then you need an M-1 visa.
More information about each of these visas and opportunities for studying in the United States can be found at the Education USA website.
U.S. Public Schools
U.S. law does not permit foreign students to attend public elementary school (kindergarten to 8th grade) or a publicly funded adult education program. Hence, F-1 visas cannot be issued for study at such schools.
An F-1 visa can be issued for attendance at a public secondary school (grades 9 to 12), but the student is limited to a maximum of 12 months at the school. The school must also indicate on the Form I-20 that the student has paid the unsubsidized cost of the education and the amount submitted by the student for that purpose.
An F-1 visa can be issued for attendance at a private elementary or secondary school. The student is not subject to the 12 month maximum attendance requirement.
For more information about F-1 legal requirements, visit the Department of State website.
Note: Holders of A, E, F-2, G, H-4, J-2, L-2, M-2 or other derivative nonimmigrant visas may enroll in public elementary and secondary schools.
Student Assistance, Finding a U.S. School
Visit the Department of State Education USA website to learn about educational opportunities for undergraduate and graduate study, opportunities for scholars, admissions, and more. You can also visit the DHS Study in the States school search page to search for SEVP-certified schools.
Application Items
To apply for an F or M visa, you must submit the following:
- A Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application (DS-160) Form. Visit the DS-160 web page for more information about the DS-160.
- A passport valid for travel to the United States with a validity date at least six months beyond your intended period of stay in the United States (unless country-specific agreements provide exemptions). If more than one person is included in your passport, each person desiring a visa must submit an application.
- One (1) 2"x2" (5cmx5cm) photograph taken within the last six months. This web page has information about the required photo format.
- A receipt showing payment of your US$160 non-refundable nonimmigrant visa application processing fee paid.