“F visas”
and “M visas” are for individuals who intend to travel to the U.S. to continue
their education.
In order
to apply, applicants must meet the following criteria:
1.
Be
enrolled in an “academic”, vocational, or language-training program on a full-time
basis;
2.
Be fluent
in English or take courses leading to proficiency in the language;
3.
Be
financially able to support themselves throughout their stay; and
4.
Maintain
their residence abroad
The
school must also be approved by USCIS’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program.
Individuals in New York who meet the
above-referenced criteria are encouraged to seek
the assistance of an immigration lawyer NJ or NY prior to applying.
Who Can Apply For An “F Visa”?
Individuals who have been admitted at an accredited
school in the U.S. and will attend on a full-time basis may apply for an F-1
visa. In order to apply, the program must result in the issuance of a degree,
certificate, or diploma and must be authorized to accept international
students.
Who Can Apply For An “M Visa”?
Individuals who have been admitted to a vocational program
may apply for an M-1 visa.
What If I’m Currently In The U.S. on a Visitor Visa?
Individuals who are currently in the U.S. on a
B-1/B-2 visitor visa, and would like to enroll as a full-time student, may be
able to change their status as long as they meet the following criteria:
- They have not already enrolled
- Their visitor status has not expired
- They have not been working during their visit
Individuals who do not meet the above-referenced
criteria may apply for a student visa at a U.S. consular post abroad.
May I Work With A Student Visa?
F-1 students may only accept on-campus
employment throughout their first academic year. After their first year, they
may seek off-campus employment, namely through three training programs:
1.
CPT – Curricular Practical Training
2.
OPT – Optional Practical Training
3.
STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, and
Mathematics
M-1 students, however, may only participate
in these programs after they have completed their vocational training.
Please note that in order to work, the student’s job
must be related to their respective area of study. Also, the school official in
charge of the exchange program must authorize the employment in order for the
student to be able to work.
Individuals in DC should contact an immigration lawyer in DC,
Maryland or Virginia prior to applying for a student visa.
