The United States government offers three student visa types including F, J, and M.
- F Student Visa: for study at an accredited U.S. college or university or to study English at an English language institute
- J Exchange Visa: for participation in an exchange program, including high school and university study
- M Student Visa: for non-academic or vocational study or training in the United States
Before
you can apply for an F, J, or M student visa, you must first apply and
be accepted by a U.S. institution of higher education that is certified
by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
Even
when an institution is SEVP-certified and able to issue I-20 and
DS-2019 forms for use in visa applications, it may not hold national or
regional accreditation. The U.S. Department of Education and Council for Higher Education Accreditation databases
list accreditation status for all U.S. institutions. Institutions
designated by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs to place
participants in Academic Exchange programs (J visas) must
be accredited. Recognition of course credits and degrees by other
institutions and by U.S. and international employers is linked to an
institution's accreditation. To learn more about accreditation talk to
an EducationUSA adviser.
Once accepted at an SEVP-certified
school, you will receive a Form I-20 or DS-2019 from the institution's
international student office to present when you apply for your student
visa. Once you receive your form, visit:
1. U.S. Department of State - Consular Affairs (Student Visas)
2. U.S. Department of State - U.S. Embassies and Consulates
3. U.S. Department of Homeland Security - Study in the States
It
is important to note that two separate U.S. government agencies are
involved with international student arrival and status while studying in
the United States. The State Department is responsible for the visa
application process and issuing the visa. Once a visa holder arrives in
the United States, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security then takes
over as the responsible agency for entry into the country, as well as
issuing and enforcing international student regulations. Please read
information from all three sources above before applying for a U.S.
student visa. The sites address employment, maintaining your status, and other vital topics.
