Study (F and M Visa)
Foreign students interested in studying in a full-time course in the United States need to apply for student visa. The government offers two categories, which are commonly known as F and M visas.
For both these categories, foreign students have to meet the following requirements.
Students must be enrolled either in an academic educational program, vocational training, or language course (all full-time)
The educational institute must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, Immigration & Customs Enforcement
Students must be proficient in English language, except for students of English language training courses
Students must have sufficient funds to support their stay in the United States
The F-1 Student Visa
The F-1 visa is for those international students who are participating in full-time academic courses (including language learning courses). The educational institution could be an approved college, university, seminary, conservatory, high school or an elementary school. Additionally, the course should be such that it leads to diploma, degree or a certification.The M-1 Student Visa
The M-1 visa is for those students who are seeking vocational education and other non-academic courses in the United States.Employment
For first academic year, F-1 visa holders cannot participate in any off-campus employment, while on-campus employment depends on institution’s restrictions. After the first academic year, students have following off-campus employment options:Curricular Practical Training
Optional Practical Training
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training Extension (OPT)
On the other hand, M-1 visa holders can do jobs only after their course has been completed. However, whether F-1 or M-1, the employment must be related to field of education and must be authorized from the concerned authority. Additionally, the period of stay on these visas depends upon the length of the course.
International students looking forward to get these visas can opt for Go For Visa’s professional assistance to get through the visa process smoothly. Here is how we make the process easy:
Helping you in deciding the right visa category
Assisting you at every step of visa process
Helping you in getting a job in the States
