Types of Visas
Study and Exchange Visas
The Immigration and Nationality Act provides two nonimmigrant visa categories for persons wishing to study in the United States. The “F” visa is for academic studies, and the “M” visa is for nonacademic or vocational studies. In order to qualify for a student visa, an alien must meet the following requirements:
DOCUMENTATION
To apply for a student visa for academic or language study, an alien must have been accepted for the purpose of pursuing a full course of study in an academic institution approved by the Attorney General. The student must present to the consular officer an original form I-20A-B, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status for Academic and Language Students,” properly completed and signed by the alien and the designated school official. To apply for a student visa for vocational studies, an alien must have been accepted for the purpose of pursuing a full course of study in a nonacademic institution approved by the Attorney General. The student must present a form I-20M-N, “Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status – For Vocational Students,” property completed and signed by the alien and the designated school official. All applicants must also submit a completed Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form DS-156, supplemental form DS –157 (for male applicants ages 16 to 45), and the DS-158.
Persons applying for student visas must pay the SEVIS fee before their interview date. Instructions for paying the SEVIS fee can be found online at http://www.fmjfee.com. Please review the SEVIS Fact Sheet for more information.
FINANCIAL RESOURCES
An F-1 student visa applicant must present documentary evidence that sufficient funds are, or will be, available from a specifically identified and reliable financial source to defray all living and school expenses during the entire period of anticipated study in the United States. Specifically, the applicant must present credible documentary evidence that he or she has enough readily available funds to meet all expenses for the first year of study, and that, barring unforeseen circumstances, adequate funds will be available for each subsequent year of study. The M-1 student visa applicant must have evidence that sufficient funds are immediately available to pay all tuition and living costs for the entire period of intended stay.
SCHOLASTIC PREPARATION
The student visa applicant must have successfully completed a course of study normally required for enrollment at the level of study contemplated. The student, unless coming to participate exclusively in an English language training program, must either be sufficiently proficient in English to pursue the intended course of study, or the school must have made special arrangements for English language courses, or for teaching the course in the student’s native language.
RESIDENCE ABROAD
Student visa applicants must establish to the satisfaction of the consular officer that they have a residence in a foreign country, which they have no intention of abandoning, and that they will depart the United States upon termination of their student status.
FAMILY MEMBERS
A spouse or child of a student may also be classified for a nonimmigrant visa to accompany or follow the principal applicant. Family members must meet all visa eligibility requirements, including the presentation of evidence that they will have sufficient funds for their support, and that they will depart the United States upon termination of the student program.
STUDENT EMPLOYMENT
An F-1 student may not accept off-campus employment at any time during the first year of study. Under certain circumstances, the Department of Homeland Security may grant permission to accept off-campus employment after one year. F-1 students may accept on-campus employment from the school without Immigration Service permission. Except for temporary employment for practical training, an M-1 student may not accept employment. Spouses and children of students may not accept employment at any time.
For more information on the F-1 and M-1 visa classifications, see the Department of State’s web site: http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html.
J-1 Exchange Visitor
The United States government and many private organizations sponsor a wide variety of exchange programs. These include academic and cultural exchanges, as well as au pair programs and summer work and travel programs. For specific information on applying for the Summer Work and Travel Program at the U.S. Consulate General in St. Petersburg, please visit our Summer Work and Travel webpage.
In addition to the standard set of documents for a nonimmigrant visa application, J1 visa applicants should also submit the original form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for NIV Exchange Visitor), which is provided by the U.S. organization or sponsor. All Exchange Visitors must also complete form DS-158 and submit it with the visa application.
Persons applying for exchange visas must pay the SEVIS fee before their interview date. Instructions for paying the SEVIS fee can be found online at http://www.fmjfee.com. Please review the SEVIS Fact Sheet for more information.
For more information on the J-1 visa classification, see the Department of State’s web site: http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1267.html.
Please note that the original form I-20/ DS-2019 is required at the port of entry along with the valid visa.
