Studying in the United States normally requires the visa or immigration status that matches the program. The correct route depends on whether the program is academic, vocational, or part of a designated exchange program. Admission to a school or program is only the first step; visa issuance and admission at the border are separate government decisions.
F-1, M-1 and J-1: which category applies?
F-1 is generally used for full-time academic study at an institution authorized to enroll international students, including colleges, universities, seminaries, conservatories, academic high schools and qualifying language-training programs.
M-1 is generally used for vocational or other recognized nonacademic study. Its rules for employment, practical training and duration differ materially from the F-1 rules.
J-1 is an exchange-visitor category. It applies only through a U.S. Department of State-designated sponsor and may cover college or university students, secondary-school students and other exchange programs. Some J-1 participants may be subject to the two-year home-country physical-presence requirement, depending on the program and individual circumstances.
For a compact comparison, see our guide to the types of U.S. student visas.
School or sponsor documentation
An F-1 or M-1 applicant must first be accepted by a school certified through the Student and Exchange Visitor Program. The school then issues Form I-20. A J-1 applicant must be accepted into an authorized exchange program, whose designated sponsor issues Form DS-2019.
The applicant should verify that the biographical information, program dates, funding information and school or sponsor details are correct before using the document in a visa application.
SEVIS and the visa application
Student and exchange-visitor records are maintained in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). Depending on the category and program, the applicant may need to pay the I-901 SEVIS fee and retain proof of payment.
Most applicants applying abroad complete Form DS-160, follow the instructions of the relevant U.S. embassy or consulate and, when required, attend a visa interview. Procedures, documentary requirements and appointment availability can change by consular post and should be checked through current official sources.
Evidence considered in a student-visa case
The required documents depend on the category and consular post, but a case commonly includes:
- a valid passport and DS-160 confirmation;
- Form I-20 for F-1 or M-1, or Form DS-2019 for J-1;
- SEVIS-fee documentation when applicable;
- academic records and evidence of admission;
- credible evidence that tuition and living expenses can be paid; and
- an explanation of the study plan and the applicant’s intention to comply with the temporary purpose of the category.
A school’s admission decision does not guarantee issuance of a visa. Consular officers independently assess eligibility and possible grounds of inadmissibility.
Visa, admission and immigration status are different
A visa is primarily a travel document used to request admission at a U.S. port of entry. Customs and Border Protection determines whether to admit the traveler. After admission, the person must maintain the status granted, regardless of whether the visa stamp later expires.
Changing status inside the United States is also different from obtaining a visa abroad. An approval of a change or extension of status does not by itself place a new visa stamp in the passport.
Maintaining F-1, M-1 or J-1 status
Students and exchange visitors must follow the rules of their category and the instructions of their designated school official or program sponsor. Material changes—such as dropping below an authorized course load, transferring, changing the program, taking leave, working, or remaining after the authorized period—may require advance approval or a SEVIS update.
Unauthorized study or employment can cause loss of status and affect later immigration applications.
Employment, CPT, OPT and practical training
Employment is not automatically permitted merely because a person holds student status. F-1 students have limited employment and training routes, which may include authorized on-campus employment, curricular practical training (CPT) and optional practical training (OPT), subject to the applicable requirements and prior authorization. Certain eligible F-1 graduates may qualify for a STEM OPT extension.
M-1 practical training is narrower and generally relates to training after completion of the vocational program. J-1 employment or training must be authorized within the rules of the exchange program and by the sponsor when required. No student or exchange visitor should begin work based only on an informal assurance from an employer or school employee.
Spouses and children
Eligible spouses and unmarried minor children of F-1 and M-1 students may seek F-2 or M-2 status and require their own Forms I-20. F-2 and M-2 dependants are not authorized to work. Their study options are also restricted by category and level of study.
Eligible family members of a J-1 participant may seek J-2 status using Form DS-2019. A J-2 dependant may apply to USCIS for employment authorization but may not work unless and until authorization is granted.
When legal advice may be necessary
Individual advice is particularly important where there is a prior visa refusal, unlawful presence, unauthorized employment, criminal history, status violation, previous removal proceeding, complicated funding source, change-of-status issue or uncertainty about the correct category.
Contact Cohen Brosh Law Offices for an assessment of a U.S. student-visa or status issue.
This page provides general information and is not legal advice. Rules, fees, procedures and processing conditions may change. No result is guaranteed, and each case must be assessed on its own facts using current official guidance.