Types of US Student Visa

Updated on: 04 Sep 2023

Studying in the US is an incredible opportunity to gain world-class education, explore diverse cultures, and experience a transformative journey. Many Indian students understand this and choose the US as the study-abroad site for accomplishing their personal and professional dreams. According to the US embassy, 1,67,582 students from India in the US in the 2020-2021 academic year, and 82,000 US visas were issued in 2022 alone. In 2023 the trend is going high according to reports by numerous individual organizations. 

Obtaining a student visa is crucial in the process and as the first step, you must have prior learning on different types of US student visas. Depending on your course of study you may be applying for an F-1, M-1, or J-1 visa to the US. The requirement and eligibility conditions vary for the US student visa categories which we will see in detail in this blog. 

Types of US student visas

Students across the globe study in the US for various courses based on which the US government categorizes student visas. There are mainly three types of US student visas, namely the F, M, and J visas as summarized in the following table:

Let’s dive into the details of each student visa category:

F-1 Visa

The F-1 or Academic Student visa is the most popular student visa to the US. 

• It allows international students to study for full-time courses at various institutions - a recognized university, college, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, etc. 
• It also allows students to enroll in a language training program. 

In short, to get an F-1 visa, your program of study must be a degree, diploma, or a certified intensive language course authorized by the US government. 

Eligibility conditions for F-1 visa

1. Enrollment in an academic educational program or language training
2. The school must be recognized by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, Immigration & Customs Enforcement
3. Be a full-time student
4. Proven English proficiency
5. Have enough funds to support studies in the US
6. Must have a residence in the home country and an intention to come back after course completion

Employment conditions for F-1 visa holders

1. F-1 visa holders are not allowed to take up off-campus work in the first year of study except for special cases like economic hardships
2. After the first year they can work under three categories: 
   • Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
   • Optional Practical Training (OPT) (pre-completion or post-completion)
   • Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training Extension (OPT)
3. Off-campus work must be related to the field of study
4. Permission from Designated School Official (DSO) is mandatory for off-campus work

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M-1 visa

An M-1 student visa is required for students enrolling in vocational and non-academic programs in the US other than language training. Popular M-1 visa programs in the US include skill and employability-oriented courses in IT, auto mechanics, aviation, healthcare, cosmetology, carpentry, etc. 

Eligibility conditions for M-1 visa

1. Full-time enrollment in a vocational course or apprentice program
2. The school of admission must be a SEVP-recognized one
3. Have proficiency in English 
4. Must possess enough funds to self-sponsor studies in the US
5. Be housed in the home country and have intentions to return after completion of studies

Employment conditions for M-1 visa holders

1. Practice is allowed only after course completion
2. Off-campus work must be related to the area of study
3. Work permission from the DSO is mandatory

J-1 Visa

J-1 or Exchange Visitor visas are required for students [participating in exchange visitor programs in the United States. The exchange visitor programs are intended to promote mutual understanding and collaboration between people from different countries.

Eligibility conditions for a J-1 visa

1. Full-time enrollment to a designated sponsoring organization in the US
2. The program of enrollment should be listed by the US government

Programs eligible for J-1 visa

1. Au Pair
2. Camp Counselor
3. College and University Student
4. Government Visitor
5. Intern
6. International Visitor
7. Physician
8. Professor
9. Research Scholar
10. Secondary School Student
11. Short-Term Scholar
12. Specialist
13. STEM Initiatives
14. Summer Work Travel
15. Teacher
16. Trainee

Employment conditions for J-1 visa holders

Employment conditions vary for each exchange program and students need to contact their sponsoring organization for employment terms and conditions. 

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Dependent visas

Corresponding to the F-1, M-1, and J-1 visas, dependents of the visa holders are given derivative visas, namely F-2, M-2, and J-2. Dependents can study or work in the US under varying conditions and permission from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

In conclusion, each visa category has specific requirements, limitations, and opportunities, and it is crucial for prospective students to carefully consider their educational goals, the program of study, and intended activities to determine the most suitable visa option. By understanding the different types of student visas and their respective provisions, international students can confidently navigate the application process and embark on their educational journey in the United States. If you are looking for detailed counseling on your US visa, book your visa counselling session with GyanDhan and get help from our experts who will provide you with personalized guidance on the journey. 

Read more about:

• How to prepare for US student visa interview?
• US student visa update 2023
• F1 Visa Interview Questions with Tips
• F-1 and J-1 US Student Visa Process guide
• Education loan for MS in US
• Study abroad scholarships for Indian students
• Guide to Public Universities in the USA

Frequently asked questions

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First published date: 31 Jul 2017