US study visa types
Getting into a US college might seem like an impossible thing, but the extensive experience provided by the American education system once you succeed urges you to strive for higher goals in life. There are many world-class universities located in the US, and students from all over the world apply each year to study there.
International students require a US student visa to study in the USA. But, before applying for a US student visa, they need to get the Letter of Acceptance from the University. Once accepted, the university provides the applicant with the necessary documents.
Generally, USA grants student visa to the international students 120 days or 4 months before the commencement date of their program and after receiving their visa, students may enter the US within 30 days of the program's start date, as indicated on Form I-20.
Generally, USA grants student visa to the international students 120 days or 4 months before the commencement date of their program and after receiving their visa, students may enter the US within 30 days of the program's start date, as indicated on Form I-20.
Anyone intending to study in the US should be aware of what student visa they must apply for. The following three non-immigrant visas for students are available:
F-1 visa (Academic Studies) - The F-1 visa comes among the most -commonly applied US academic visas or student visas. International students seeking English language instruction at US universities should seek the F-1 visa. It is granted to students or researchers who apply to US universities, private elementary institutions, secondary schools, and so on.
- The F-1 visa requires students to maintain a minimum course load in order to keep their full-time student status.
- After completing their degree, students may work on Optional Practical Training (OPT).
- They may also hold part-time or full-time jobs that are limited to 20 hours a week while the school is in session and 40 hours a week during breaks.
- Students must complete their study by the expiration date on their I-20 form in order to graduate.
J-1 visa (Practical training) - J-1 visa holders are international students who visit the United States as work-based exchange visitors via the J-1 visa. In order to apply for this visa, a DS-2019 form must be obtained either from the U.S. government or the sponsoring organisation.
- The J-1 visa programme, provides practical training that is not available in the student's home country.
- It is sponsored by the educational or non-profit institutions that are authorised through the Exchange Visitor Program established by the U.S. State Department.
- The J-1 visa programme has a variety of programmes, including Au Pair, College and, Physician Program, University Student Program, camp Counselor, International Visitor Program, Professor, and Research Scholar Program, Secondary School Student Program, and so on. Each of these programmes has its own requirements and regulations.
M-1 Visa (Non-academic/vocational studies): An M-1 non-academic/vocational study visa is issued to the students who aspire to study at a vocational institution in the United States. You must get an I-20 form from an American embassy in India in order to apply for an M-1 visa.
- M-1 visas are issued to those students who want to study in the United States.
- You can’t work while pursuing your course.
- Your course must last for at least 12 semesters or quarter hours, with the exception of those courses that require a shorter duration.
.jpg)
