Education Visas

A simple guide to help you get there and set yourself up on arrival

If you wish to travel for study to the United States for there are three visas that you can apply for. These visas are the F-1 (academic studies), J-1 (exchange program) and the M-1 (non academic/vocational studies). These visas generally allow the holder to travel with their spouse or children. Information on each visa is available below:

F-1 Visa

This academic visa allows non-immigrants (someone who enters a country for a temporary stay) to study full-time for the duration of their course. Only certain approved schools are eligible to sponsor visa applicants.

You may have to provide proof of sufficient funds during your visit to independently support yourself, and English proficiency or proficiency as an end result of the course is also required.

F-1 Visa holders are not permitted to work more than 20 hours per week unless required by their studies.

Many candidates for this visa completing their bachelor or masters studies go on to be employed by their sponsor under a H-1B work visa.

J-1 Visa

This is an exchange student visa. At completion of the studies the visa holder is expected to leave the country to return home.

Some holders will not be able to return to the US under another visa for 2 years upon their return home.

M-1 Visa

This visa allows access to the states for a maximum of one year for study. On arrival to the country your visa will be stamped. Visa holder can stay in the country until thirty days after the completion of their course date (or any optional practical training).

If any of these visa sounds right for you click here to go to your specific countries consular site for more information.

Next, visit our pages on finding a job, attaining a work visa and finding accommodation in the United States.

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