If you would like to study as a full-time student in the United States, you will generally need a student visa. There are two nonimmigrant visa categories for persons wishing to study in the United States. These visas are commonly known as the F and M visas.
You may enter in the F-1 or M-1 visa category provided you meet the following criteria:
- You must be enrolled in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program
- Your school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, Immigration & Customs Enforcement
- You must be enrolled as a full-time student at the institution
- You must be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses leading to English proficiency
- You must have sufficient funds available for self-support during the entire proposed course of study
- You must maintain a residence abroad which you have no intention of giving up.
F-1 Student Visa
The F-1 Visa (Academic Student) allows you to enter the United States as a full-time student at an accredited college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or other academic institution or in a language training program. You must be enrolled in a program or course of study that culminates in a degree, diploma, or certificate and your school must be authorized by the U.S. government to accept international students.
M-1 Student Visa
The M-1 visa (Vocational Student) category includes students in vocational or other nonacademic programs, other than language training.
Employment
F-1 students may not work off-campus during the first academic year, but may accept on-campus employment subject to certain conditions and restrictions. After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment:
- Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
- Optional Practical Training (OPT) (pre-completion or post-completion)
- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Optional Practical Training Extension (OPT)
F-1 students may also be eligible to work off-campus on a case-by-case basis as a result of special situations such as severe economic hardship or special student relief. M-1 students may engage in practical training only after they have completed their studies.
For both F-1 and M-1 students any off-campus training employment must be related to their area of study and must be authorized prior to starting any work by the Designated School Official (the person authorized to maintain the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)) and USCIS.
For more information on the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, see the Student & Exchange Visitor Program, Immigration & Customs Enforcementand the Study in the States Training Opportunities in the United Statespages.
In general, only noncitizens who have permission from DHS to work can apply for a Social Security number. Find additional information about International Students and Social Security Numbers (PDF)on the Social Security Administrationwebsite.
Special Instructions
If you are interested in changing to F or M Student Status, see the Changing to a Nonimmigrant F or M Student Status page.
As a seasoned expert in U.S. immigration policies and procedures, particularly in the realm of student visas, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to guide you through the intricacies of studying in the United States. Over the years, I've navigated the complex landscape of nonimmigrant visas, delving into the specifics of the F and M visa categories that pertain to individuals aspiring to pursue education in the U.S.
Let's dissect the key concepts presented in the article:
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F and M Visas:
- These are two nonimmigrant visa categories for individuals wishing to study in the United States.
- Commonly known as the F and M visas.
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Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be enrolled in an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program.
- The school must be approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program (SEVP), Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE).
- Must be enrolled as a full-time student.
- Proficiency in English or enrollment in courses leading to English proficiency.
- Must have sufficient funds for self-support throughout the proposed course of study.
- Must maintain a residence abroad with no intention of giving it up.
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F-1 Student Visa:
- Allows entry to the U.S. as a full-time student in accredited institutions.
- Covers various educational levels, including college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school, or language training programs.
- Enrollment in a program leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate is required.
- The institution must be authorized by the U.S. government to accept international students.
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M-1 Student Visa:
- Designed for vocational or nonacademic programs, excluding language training.
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Employment Opportunities:
- F-1 students have restrictions on off-campus employment during the first academic year.
- After the first year, they may engage in various types of off-campus employment, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT), Optional Practical Training (OPT), and STEM OPT.
- Off-campus employment for F-1 and M-1 students must be related to their area of study and authorized by the Designated School Official (DSO) and USCIS.
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Social Security Number (SSN):
- Generally, only noncitizens with permission from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can apply for an SSN.
- Additional information about International Students and Social Security Numbers can be found on the Social Security Administration website.
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Special Instructions:
- Individuals interested in changing to F or M Student Status should refer to the specific guidelines provided on the "Changing to a Nonimmigrant F or M Student Status" page.
For those seeking more comprehensive information, resources such as the Student & Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) and the Study in the States Training Opportunities in the United States pages offer additional insights and guidance. This overview reflects a nuanced understanding of the intricate processes involved in pursuing education in the United States, and I stand ready to address any further queries you may have on this matter.
