{"id":29799,"date":"2021-09-16T08:30:56","date_gmt":"2021-09-16T08:30:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cis-spain.com\/en\/?p=29799"},"modified":"2022-04-13T08:52:06","modified_gmt":"2022-04-13T07:52:06","slug":"us-student-visa-types","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cis-spain.com\/en\/blog\/us-student-visa-types\/","title":{"rendered":"US student visa types"},"content":{"rendered":"
If you\u2019re planning to study abroad in the US (for a full degree or a shorter period), you\u2019ll need to apply for a US student visa.\u00a0 And now you may be wondering, how many types of visas are there and which is the difference?. Here\u2019s a quick guide to the three types of student visas for studying in the US.<\/p>\n
The F Visa is for international students who are intending to pursue an academic degree at an accredited US college or university or to study English at a university or intensive English language institute.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n There are three types of F visa:<\/p>\n Students with F1 visas can work on-campus for 20 hours a week or less. Those wishing to work longer hours and off-campus must gain prior authorization from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services. They may also grant work authorization for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and Optional Practical Training (OPT) for twelve months, without passing more than 90 days of unemployment.<\/p>\n The M Visa is for international students who want to be part in a non-academic or vocational study or training at an institution in the US.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n There are three types of M visa:<\/p>\n M1 students are admitted to the US for a fixed time period: the length of their training program plus any Optional Practical Training. They must not stay in the US for longer than one year except in the case of extensions due to medical reasons. M1 visa holders are not allowed to work on- or off-campus while studying and may not change their status to F1.<\/p>\n The J Visa is for international exchange visitors participating in programs in the US that promote cultural exchange.<\/strong> Whether it is to obtain medical, business or other training, all applicants must meet the eligibility criteria of the program and be sponsored by a private sector or government program. Holders of J visas usually stay in the US for a short period of time, perhaps one or two semesters.<\/p>\n There are two types of J visa:<\/p>\n J1 visa holders will need a two-year home-country physical presence (foreign residence) if they are part of a government-funded exchange program, doing graduate medical educational or training. They also need to accomplish this requirement if their training is listed in the Exchange Visitor Skills list (i.e. the J1 visa holder\u2019s home-country has deemed their field of specialized knowledge or skills as necessary to the development of the country). This requirement means J1 visa holders will need to return to their home country for at least two years at the end of their exchange visitor program.<\/p>\n There are several steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary by the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Please consult the instructions on the embassy or consulate website<\/a>.<\/p>\n 1. Complete the Online Visa Application<\/strong><\/p>\n 2. Schedule an Interview<\/strong><\/p>\n Interviews are generally required for visa applicants with certain limited exceptions below. Consular officers may require an interview of any visa applicant.<\/p>\n You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at another U.S. Embassy or Consulate, but be aware that it may be more difficult to qualify for a visa outside of the country where you live.<\/p>\n 3. Prepare for Your Interview<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Fees: Pay the non-refundable visa application fee, if you are required to pay it before your interview. If your visa is approved, you may also pay a visa issuance fee, if applicable to your nationality.<\/p>\n 4. Gather Required Documentation<\/strong><\/p>\n Gather and prepare the following required documents before your visa interview:<\/p>\n\n
M Visa<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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J Visa<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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How to Apply<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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