US Visa for International Students

The USA is known to be the study abroad education hub for students from all over the world to pursue their higher education. It is one of the most sought after countries in the world for higher education for the quality of education it offers and the job opportunities it provides after completing studies. The top universities in the US attract a lot of Indian students through various programs and courses. The US education system is one of its kind and offers a comprehensive education to international students with equal emphasis on practical and theoretical learning. 

One of the prerequisites for all international students willing to pursue studies from the US is the Student Visa. The international students are given a visa based on their age and type of study they wish to pursue in the US. The international student should first be accepted by any school/ university under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). The international student office of the respective institution then sends the Form I-20 to the student which is the paper record of their information in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) database. Form I-20 is one of the most important documents needed to apply for a student visa. 

Visa Options for International Students:

The US Government issues three different student visas such as F1 Visa, J1 Visa, and M1 Visa for international students coming to the US to pursue their higher education. 

F1 Visa: The F1 Visa is offered to students pursuing a full-time degree or academic program in the US and is valid for the entire duration of the course of study. It is the most common type of student visa offered to international students. The students with the F1 Visa are allowed for Optional Practical Training (OPT) for up to 12 months after completion of graduation. This gives the students a temporary employment permission to get practical experience in their respective field of study.

J1 Visa: The J1 Visa is an Intern category visa of the J-1 Exchange Visitor Program given to international students and recent graduates for a temporary stay in the US to gain knowledge of US business practice and culture. It is designed with the purpose of taking part in an internship or exchange program and is not for a full-time regular employee. 

M1 Visa: The M1 Visa is provided to international students willing to engage in non-academic activities in the US such as vocational study or training at a U.S. institution. The students with an M1 visa for vocational and technical programs are not eligible to work during the course of their studies. Students applying for this visa should have financial proof to cover all the tuition fees and living costs for the duration of the intended stay.