F-1 VISA - (For academic students)

F-1 Visa is for foreign students qualified to attend full-studies at colleges, universities, conservatories, academic high schools (subject to strict regulations) and institutions with language-training programs in the United States. For vocational students, J-1 and M-1 visas are applicable.

The spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 of the foreign student are allowed to come and stay in the U.S., under F-2 status. It is preferred that families apply for F-1 and F-2 visas at the same time, but if the spouse and children must apply separately at a later time, they should bring a copy of the student visa holder’s passport and visa, along with all other required documents. A prospective student's Form I-20A-B may be used to request an F-2 visa. The Form should be endorsed from the school that you are attending.

Procedures

The foreign student must first apply and be accepted to an USCIS-approved school in the U.S.

If admitted, the school will issue the student an USCIS Form I-20 A-B/ID (Certificate of Eligibility).

The foreign student must then file in the visa application form, Form I-20A-B and other supporting documents at the U.S. Consulate, Consular Office or U.S. Embassy with jurisdiction over the applicant's permanent residence.

Forms & Documents

The following forms and documents should be submitted for a F-1 Visa:

A filled-in visa application Form OF-156. Separate applications for each person are compulsory.
One recent photograph 1 & 1/2 inches square (37mm x 37mm) of each applicant, with the entire face visible. The picture should be taken before a light background and without head covering.
A passport, valid for travel to the United States for at least six months longer than the intended visit.
A letter of admission from the school you plan to attend.
A signed Form I-20A-B.
Proof that you have the economic funds to partake in study in the U.S.
Demonstration of nonimmigrant intent.
The following forms may be required

Form OF-156
Form I-20A-B
Form I-94

The following supporting documents should also be submitted:

Transcripts and diplomas from previous institutions attended;
Scores from standardized tests required by the educational institution such as the TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT, LSAT, etc.;
Financial evidence that shows you or your parents who are sponsoring you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and living expenses during the period of your intended study. For example, if you or your sponsor is a salaried employee, please bring income tax documents and original bank books and/or statements. If you or your sponsor own a business, please bring business registration, licenses, etc., and tax documents, as well as original bank books and/or statements.

M-1 VISA (For vocational students)

The M-1 visa offers a great opportunity for students to train in a positive U.S. environment and strengthen their technical and non-academic skills. The M-1 visa is offered to students who wish to pursue full-time study at an INS approved vocational or non-academic school in the United States.

These schools are usually community and junior colleges that offer vocational and technical training or vocational high schools. The schools must prove their international students program will reach certain educational objectives and will not be used to make students work.

Your spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 are allowed to join you in the U.S., under M-2 status. A prospective student's Form I-20M-N may be used to request an M-2 visa.

If your spouse and/or dependent children are joining you later, they will need to submit Form I-20M-N, endorsed from the school you are attending. M-2 visa holders can not work while in the U.S.

Procedures

You must first apply and be accepted to an USCIS-approved school in the U.S.

If admitted, the school will issue you an USCIS Form I-20 M-N/ID (Certificate of Eligibility).

You must submit your visa application form, Form I-20M-N and other required documents at the U.S. Consulate, Consular Office or U.S. Embassy with jurisdiction over your permanent residence.

Forms and Documents

To apply for an M-1 Visa, you must supply the following documents:

A filled-in visa application Form OF-156. Separate applications for each person are compulsory.
One recent photograph 1 & 1/2 inches square (37mm x 37mm) of each applicant, with the entire face visible. The picture should be taken before a light background and without head covering.
A passport, valid for travel to the United States for at least six months longer than your intended visit.
A letter of admission from the school which you are going to attend.
A signed Form I-20M-N.
Proof that you have the financial resources to study in the U.S.
Demonstration of nonimmigrant intent.
The following forms may be required for a M-1 Visa:

Form OF-156
Form I-20M-N
Form I-94