USA Student Visas

The USA offers three main types of student visa, designed for different types of student. US study visas are granted for the duration of the applicant’s course and in most cases do not provide the opportunity to apply for permanent residency in the USA. Student visas are issued as non-immigrant visas and require the applicant to return to his or her country of residence when their US visa expires. However, in some circumstances J1 visa holders may be able to switch into a more long term US work visa category.

The Global Visas online assessment area makes it easy to get started on your application. Simply complete one of our quick and easy online assessment forms today and a qualified US immigration consultant will contact you to discuss your requirements.

Understanding US Study Visas

US study visas are divided into three categories to cater for specific types of applicant who wish to study in the USA. The US F1 visa is designed for those who will be undertaking academic courses while the US M1 visa is intended for vocational students. The third US study visa option the J1 visa allows candidates to undergo practical training in the USA.

In all cases, the spouse and/or dependent of an applicant may temporarily immigrate to the USA for the length of time granted to the main applicant. Although in most cases student visas do not lead to permanent residency of the right to apply for US citizenship, they may still result in the candidate studying in the USA for a number of years. Such dependents will be granted an M2 visa, J2 visa or F2 visa, depending on the status of the main applicant.

Applying for an F1 Student Visa

United States visas and immigration services place emphasis upon sponsorship and in almost all cases, those who wish to study or live and work in the USA will require a sponsoring institution to support their application. In the same way that a US green card application requires a job offer to be in place, student visa applications are based upon a candidate having a guaranteed offer of a place on a course of study. The F1 visa is no exception and as a visa for academic study, application requires a place at a bona fide US educational institution.

The F1 visa requires candidates to be proficient in the English language. In most cases, F1 visa applicants will be undertaking courses which are taught in English and as a result, it is essential that the candidate has a sufficient grasp of English to complete their course. It is also an essential requirement that the candidate should be able to demonstrate their intention to return to their country of residency once their studies are completed. The applicant’s grant of leave to remain in the USA is based on the length of their course plus a 60-day grace period beyond this, which allows a candidate to attend graduation ceremonies and attend to any business before returning home. However, it is important to note that as a non-immigrant visa, applicants will not be able to switch into another American visa category whilst in the USA.

Applying for an M1 Student Visa

Like the F1 study visa, applying for an M1 study visa requires a candidate to have an offer of a place at a US educational institution, also for this class of visa service the focus is different as the M1 visa for studying in the US is deigned for vocational students. The same English language requirements apply to the M1 visa and like the F1 study permit, M1 visas are non-immigrant visas which oblige candidates to leave the US once their course is complete. The M1 visa is issued for one year, or the duration of the course plus 30 days. Whichever of these is the shorter period, will dictate the duration granted.

Applying for the J1 Student Visa

The J1 visa works differently to the other two categories of US Study visa. The J1 is actually part of a larger group of J visas, which also includes visa for au pairs and various exchange and working holiday programmes. The J1 is specifically intended for those who will be temporarily relocating to the USA to undergo training of a practical nature which is not available in their home country. J1 visas are granted for the time taken to complete this training however, uniquely among the USA study visa categories, a student may switch to another US visa service if they meet the requirements. For example if a student, whilst in the US in possession of a J visa should successfully obtain a job offer, he or she may be able to live and work in the USA by securing an H1-B visa, a US work permit designed to allow employers to recruit skilled staff from overseas.

Working Restrictions

In most cases, working in the USA is restricted for those who are present on a study visa status. F1 visas allow their holders to partake in very limited on-campus work. However, the M1 visa and the J1 visa, despite the potential in the latter category to switch to t a working visa, do not normally allow applicants to work in America unless the work is a direct component of their training. An applicant’s dependents may work if they separately apply for and obtain US work authorisation.

With Global Visas, you can get your US study visa application underway today. Our assessment forms take moments to complete and a specialist US immigration lawyer will respond to your enquiry.