Types of US Study Visas

All the foreign students willing to study abroad in the US – either for a shorter period or a full degree – may need to apply for a US student visa. As an overseas education consultant in Ahmedabad, here we present a quick guide for you to the types of non-immigrant study visas for students planning to study in the United States.

F Visa

This is the type of student visa for foreign students who are willing to pursue a full academic degree at an accredited university or college in US or to study English language at an intensive institute or a university.

There are 3 types of F visa:

F-1 for international students willing to apply for a full-time study in the university or institution of USA recognized by the US Department of Homeland Security.

F-2 visas for dependents of students holding a F-1 visa (unmarried children under 21 years and spouse). Children with an F-2 visa can study at the K-12 level in the US.

F-3 visas are for border commuters. Canadian and Mexican students who live in their origin country while attending a part of full- or part-time school/college in the US.

M Visa

This category of US student visa is for foreign students who wish to engage in vocational or non-academic training or study at any institution in the US.

There are 3 types of M visa:

M-1 visas for international students enrolled in a non-academic or vocational program. A foreign student with an M-1 visa must continue a full-course study unless approved by DSO (Designated School Official) for part-time study.

M-2 study visa is offered to the dependents of M-1 vocational student visa holders (same as in F-2 visas).

Similar to F-3 visas, M-3 visas are offered to border commuters, but for the non-academic or vocational study program.

J visa

This third type of US study visa is for foreign exchange visitors who are participating in the cultural exchange programs in the US. Whether it is for obtaining business, medical, or other training, all the applicants must meet the drawn eligibility criteria of the exchange program and should be sponsored by the government or a private-sector program. J visa holders typically stay in USA for a short period, usually one or two semesters.

There are 2 types of J visa:

J-1 visas are for exchange visitors enrolling on a relevant exchange program.

J-2 visas are offered to the dependents of J-1 visa holders (same as in F-2 visas)

Derivative visas

F-2, M-2, and J-2 visa holders can study in the US provided they meet the eligibility criteria of their chosen institution. They do not necessarily have to apply for F-1, M-1 or J-1 visa but they can apply if they are qualified for the same.

J-2 visa holders can register as degree-seeking or recreational students, either part-time or full-time and are allowed to discontinue the program they have enrolled in at any time. They can also apply for an upgrade to F-1 student visa status if they have not completed their program by the time their J-1’s status ended. However, this can be possible if only the J-1 visa holder is not subject to a 2-year home-country residency requirement.

M-visa and F-2 visa holders cannot work in the US. They must hold an appropriate work visa if they are seeking employment. J-2 visa holders, however, can request work authorization from USCIS (US Citizenship and Immigration Services) by submitting the form I-765.

If you need more information about USA study visas, feel free to consult our expert USA student visa consultant in Ahmedabad. We would be more than happy to make sure that you have your ticket to your dreamland.