Student Visa in the U.S

Archive article: original publication date retained. This is not a current policy announcement. Check official guidance and consult your DSO before acting.

U.S. student and exchange visitor categories serve different purposes. A visa is used to seek entry, while your admission record and applicable status rules determine how you may remain. Check your I-94, school documents, and current government guidance rather than relying only on the visa expiration date.

F-1 is for academic study, including qualifying language programs, at SEVP-certified institutions. Students must maintain the required course of study and follow applicable transfer, travel, and employment rules. Work permission is limited and depends on the type of authorization.

M-1 is for vocational or other recognized nonacademic study. Its duration, extension, transfer, and practical-training rules differ from F-1. Do not assume that an F-1 procedure also applies to M-1.

J-1 is an exchange visitor category covering several programs, including certain students, scholars, au pairs, and summer work travel participants. The program sponsor issues DS-2019. Eligibility and any two-year home-country physical-presence requirement depend on the individual program and circumstances; funding alone is not the only consideration.

Before choosing a route, ask the institution or program sponsor which category applies and review the official State Department and DHS guidance. Welbright can assist with school applications and document preparation.