F & M Visas Explained: Student Visa Types in the USA

There are 2 major "Non-Immigrant" VISA - categories for individuals wishing to study in the United States.

    The 'F' {F-1, F-2} visa - For Academic Studies.

    The 'M' {M-1, M-2} visa - For Non-academic / Vocational studies.

1. What is F Visa USA? The F1 - visa {Academic Student Visa}:

The F-1 visa allows a student to study a full-time course at an accredited institution to obtain a Diploma certificate, Master's degree or a Doctoral degree.

To apply for a F-1 visa, an applicant must be accepted for a full course of study by an educational institution approved by the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services in the Department of Homeland Security (BCIS). The institution must send the following documents to the applicant on acceptance:

Form I-20A-B &  Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant (F-1) student status.

Without these 2 documents, a student CANNOT apply for a F-1 visa.

The F-1 visa allows a student to stay for 60 days more after the completion of their academic program. However F-1 students may obtain special permission from the BCIS (formerly INS) and stay for one additional year for practical training in their respective fields of study.

The spouse and minor children of a F-1 visa applicant may apply for a derivative "F-2" visas, to accompany or to follow a student. They must meet all visa eligibility requirements and must show an evidence that they have sufficient funds for their support.

Check the Documentation needed to apply for F

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2. What is M Visa USA? - The M1 - visa {Non-academic / Vocational Studies}:

The M-1 visa allows a student to take a non-academic program or any vocational course at an accredited non-academic and vocational institution.

To apply for a M-1 visa, an applicant must be accepted for a course of study by an educational institution approved by the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services in the Department of Homeland Security (BCIS). The institution must send the following documents to the applicant on acceptance:

A Form I-20M-N &

Certificate of Eligibility for Non-immigrant (M-1) student status. 

Without these 2 documents, a student CANNOT apply for a M-1 visa.

The spouse and minor children of a M-1 visa applicant may apply for a derivative "M-2" visas, to accompany or to follow a student. They must meet all visa eligibility requirements and must show an evidence that they have sufficient funds for their support.

Check the Documentation needed to apply for F-1 visa.

REMEMBER !!

The forms issued (I-20A-B / I-20M-N / IAP-66) by the accepting institution or the university does not ensure a visa.

The visa will be granted only after the Visa Officer is convinced about your intentions to visit the USA, and that all required set of documents submitted with the application are satisfactory.