You must apply for a US student visa if you intend to study a full degree or a short course of study in the US. The three categories of non-immigrant student visas for US universities are listed below:
- F Visa:
International students who want to study for a degree at a recognized USA institution are eligible for this type of student visa. There are three types of these visa, and they include: - Full-time student F-1 visas
Students with F-1 visas are permitted to work 20 hours per week or less on campus. Students must obtain prior authorization from US Citizenship and Immigration Services in order to work longer hours or off-campus (USCIS). - F-2 visas for dependents of F-1 visa holders (spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21).
- F-3 visas for border commuters – students from Mexico and Canada who live in their home countries while pursuing part- or full-time education in the US—are eligible for F-3 visas.
- M Visa: This is for international students who intend to attend a US university for non-academic or vocational education or training. There are three different M visa types, and they include:
- M-1 visas are available to students pursuing non-academic or vocational studies.
For a specified period, students are admitted to the US. The length of their training program and any optional practical training will determine this. Except in cases where extensions are granted for medical reasons, they cannot stay in the US for more than a year. - M-2 visas for M-1 visa holders’ dependents (as in F-2 visas).
- M-3 visas – this is like the F-3 visas but are intended for “border commuters” or non-academic studies.
- J Visa:This is for international visitors taking part in US initiatives that encourage cultural exchange. J visa holders typically stay in the US for a brief duration. Types of J visa include:
- J-1 visas – this is for exchange students on a relevant exchange program.
If they a J-1 visa holder is participating in a government-funded exchange program, pursuing graduate medical education or training, or if their training is included in the Exchange Visitor Skills list, they must return home for at least two years after their exchange program is over. - J-2 visas – this is for dependents of J-1 visa holders (as for F-2 visas)