The United States is one of the most preferred study abroad destinations for international students because of the quality of education and endless career opportunities. To study in USA, international students must be aware of the student visa one must require. Basically, there are three types of visas to apply for in the USA i.e J, M, and F US student visas. Read along to understand the difference between J, M, and F US student visas.
What is a Student Visa?
A student visa basically acts as a special endorsement that allows international students to study in another country. The student visa holders are the non-immigrants who are not required to become citizens of that country and can live till the end of the program they have been admitted into.
In order to study in a country like the United States, the candidate must first obtain an I-20 form the university and then apply for a US student visa that is suitable to their needs and requirements.
What is the I-20 Form?
The I-20 form is like a letter of acceptance issued by the universities in US, that confirms a candidate's approval for admission. The I-20 form is a necessary document required while applying for a student visa in US. This form is needed to those applying for a F or M students visa to avail further benefits.
J Student Visa
The J student visa is also known as the exchange visitor's visa, only open to a certain set of people such as teachers, professors, camp counsellors, research assistants, interns, nannies and students. The stay through this visa is mostly limited and last between a few weeks to several months or year.
The motive of this visa is to help young people who couldn't access quality education in their home country and also promote development of skills among them. Also, foreigners including students may also improve their proficiency in English language.
Eligibility Requirements
- Those applying for J visa Must be 15 to 18 years old
- Accomodations either with family or the university
- Enrolled in a full-time course at any US university
- A written agreement from the local institution to the university in the USA
- Can make your own expenses without any financial support or sponsorship
Documents Required for J Visa:
- A valid passport with at least 6 months of validity after the period of stay
- Confirmation page of DS-160
- Payment receipt of DS-160
- Passport Copy
- SEVIS authorisation certificate
- DS-7002 form
- Confirmation page of internship applicants with a prove that someone else will cover that individual's expenses
- Evidence that proves that person will go back to his home country after his/her program ends
- Evidence to prove the reason for travel
- Previous employment prove(if applicable)
M Student Visa
M student visa is for those coming to the United States with a purpose to enroll in a non-academic course. Such programs generally have a shorter duration that allows students to enrol as a part-time student. Such courses last up to six months and students are not allowed to work during the time period.
Before planning to apply for an M visa, the candidate must prove that he is able to meet his own expenses till the duration of his course. Most of the M Visa holders stay for up to one year. However, the duration can be extended up to 3 years if the students want to live longer.
Eligibility Requirements
- A candidate admitted to any US university as a part of Student Exchange Visitor Program
- Evidence of English proficiency by providing the test scores of TOEFL or IELTS test
- Demonstration of candidates ties with his home country that will be returned to him after the visa expires
- Proof of enough funds to cover expenses in the US till the duration of stay
- Bank statements or financial evidence that shows candidate's current financial status
Documents Required for J Visa:
- Passport with a validity of at least 6 months
- Previous academic records or transcripts
- English Proficiency proof
- Financial resources proof including employment or rental agreement in the home country
- Passport size photo
F Student Visa
F or F1 Visa is generally required for those planning to apply as international students in the USA. This is the most commonly used visa and allows international students to enrol in any program they want in the US university or college. The candidate must make sure the university he is applying into is certified by the Student Exchange Visitor Program.
Till the visa is valid, the student may travel anywhere they want throughout the United States and other countries. However, after the visa expires the student must prove their intention to leave.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be enrolled as an undergraduate student in SEVP certified institute
- Must be a full-time student
- Must proof his/her proficiency in English
- Proof of sufficient funds to meet expenses in the United States
- Must hold a valid passport
Documents Required for J Visa:
- A valid passport copy
- Passport size photographs
- Fee receipt
- Form I-20
- Transcripts of previous qualifications achieved
- Bank statements with sufficient funds
- Standardized score to proof English proficiency such as TOEFL or IELTS
- Evidence that prove international student's intentions to the United States after completion of the course
Step To Apply For A Student Visa
There are multiple steps that one must follow while applying for a student visa to study in US. The visa application process can be longer. Below are the steps and documents required for students visa:
- Apply in a university and receive the offer of admission
- Carefully fill all the details while submitting only or else your visa may be rejected
- Upload the necessary documents as asked by the authorities including educational qualifications, admission offer, sponsorship proof, and personal declaration.
- Pay the visa application fee online via debit or credit card
- Review the application before submitting it
- Take a printout of submitted application
- Book an appointment with the nearest US embassy in your country and don't forget to carry your application form and other documents as asked by the immigration authorities.
- Wait for the decision to arrive that highly depends on the country. If the application is approved, the student will receive a visa via mail, courier or may have to collect on their own by visiting the US embassy or consulate.
There are three types of Visa in the United States applying as an international student with each of them having different requirements and purposes. While the J Visa is open to a special set of groups including students and professors. The M Visa is open for students coming to US for short duration and the F visa the most commonly used visa for international students coming to pursue their higher education including undergraduate or graduate level studies.
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