US Student Visa Guide for International Students

The United States offers defined nonimmigrant routes for international education and cultural exchange. Choosing the correct category, preparing the right documents, and maintaining status through accurate SEVIS records are central to a successful stay. This article explains the F-1 and M-1 student routes, the sponsor-led J-1 exchange route, and the limited use of the B visitor category for short, non-credit learning and campus visits.

What this article is about: A practical, authoritative guide to how each route works, who qualifies, how to apply, fees and documents, work rules for students and dependants, SEVIS duties, the J-1 two-year home-residency rule, and the mandatory insurance requirements for J participants.

Section A: Student Visas (F-1 and M-1)

 

Section introduction: The F and M categories are the primary study routes. Schools must be SEVP-certified to issue Forms I-20 and create SEVIS records. F-1 supports full-time academic study (including language training). M-1 supports full-time vocational or other non-academic training. Maintaining full-time enrolment and accurate SEVIS data is critical to remaining in status.

 

1) Overview

 

The Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) authorises institutions to enrol F and M students and to issue Form I-20 for each admitted student. F-1 covers full-time academic study at SEVP-certified universities, colleges, conservatories, seminaries and approved K-12 schools, as well as language training programs. M-1 covers full-time vocational or other non-academic programs; language training is not permitted under M-1. Students must pursue a full course of study and make normal academic progress. Any material change—such as level, major, funding or address—must be recorded promptly in SEVIS by the school, and students must follow school procedures to remain compliant.

 

2) How to apply

 

1. Receive admission to an SEVP-certified school and obtain Form I-20 with program and funding details.
2. Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee using the SEVIS ID printed on the I-20.
3. Complete the online DS-160 and upload a compliant photograph.
4. Pay the MRV visa application fee and schedule your interview (and biometrics if instructed).
5. Attend interview with evidence of study plans, funding, prior education and ties to your home country.

 

3) Fees

 

• I-901 SEVIS fee (F-1/M-1): typically USD $350.
• MRV fee for non-petition NIVs (incl. F/M): currently USD $185.
• Depending on nationality, a visa issuance (reciprocity) fee may apply after approval.

 

4) Required documentation

 

• Valid passport and DS-160 confirmation page.
• I-901 SEVIS fee receipt.
• Form I-20 issued by the SEVP-certified school (signed by the designated school official and the student).
• Evidence of funds to cover tuition, fees and living costs (bank statements, scholarship awards, sponsor letters).
• Academic records and test scores where relevant (transcripts, diplomas, standardised tests).
• One passport-style photograph that meets U.S. Department of State specifications.

 

5) Family members (F-2 / M-2)

 

Eligible dependants may accompany or join the principal for the authorised period of stay. F-2 and M-2 dependants are not permitted to work in the United States. F-2 spouses may undertake part-time study only; a full course requires a prior change to F-1/M-1/J-1 status. F-2 children may attend K-12 full time. M-2 dependants may take recreational or vocational classes but not full-time academic study; M-2 children may attend K-12 full time.

 

6) Student employment

 

• F-1: On-campus work is generally permitted up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during official breaks. Off-campus employment requires prior authorisation (CPT or OPT, or specified relief such as severe economic hardship or Special Student Relief). Unauthorised employment is a status violation that can lead to SEVIS termination and removal.
• M-1: No on-campus employment benefit. Employment is limited to post-completion practical training directly related to the vocational course, calculated at one month per four months of study, up to a maximum of six months, and requires DSO recommendation and USCIS EAD approval.

 

Section A summary: F-1 supports full-time academic and language study; M-1 supports full-time vocational training without language study. Both require an I-20, SEVIS fee and DS-160 followed by interview. Status depends on full-time enrolment, accurate SEVIS records and strict adherence to employment rules. Dependants can accompany you but face significant limits on work and study.

 

Section B: Exchange Visitor Visa (J-1)

 

Section introduction: The J-1 route facilitates structured cultural and educational exchange through designated sponsors. Categories include students, scholars, researchers, teachers, interns and trainees. Sponsors control program placement, issue Form DS-2019, and maintain SEVIS records. Participants must comply with program rules, carry mandated insurance, and in some cases meet a two-year home-residency requirement under INA §212(e).

 

1) Overview

 

Every J-1 applicant must be placed with a U.S. Department of State–designated sponsor, which issues Form DS-2019 setting out category, dates and finances, and creates the SEVIS record. Participants must follow program conditions and keep personal and program information current in SEVIS throughout their stay.

 

2) How to apply

 

1. Obtain sponsorship and a DS-2019 from a designated program sponsor.
2. Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee using the SEVIS ID on the DS-2019 (note exemptions below).
3. Complete the DS-160, upload a compliant photo, pay the MRV fee, and attend interview with evidence of sponsorship, funding and ties.

 

3) Fees

 

• I-901 SEVIS fee (J-1): typically USD $220.
• Applicants on certain U.S. government–sponsored programs (codes beginning G-1, G-2, G-3 or G-7) are exempt from the SEVIS fee and may also be exempt from the MRV fee.

 

4) Required documentation

 

• Passport, DS-160 confirmation page and compliant photograph.
• I-901 SEVIS fee receipt (if applicable).
• Form DS-2019 from the sponsor.
• Funding evidence (personal, sponsor or scholarship).
• Program-specific items where relevant (e.g., CV, qualifications).
• Insurance: J-1 and J-2 dependants must maintain insurance meeting the minimums under 22 CFR 62.14 (including medical benefits, medical evacuation and repatriation).

 

5) Family members (J-2)

 

J-2 spouses and children may study full time. J-2 spouses may apply to USCIS for employment authorisation (EAD); income cannot be used to support the J-1’s program. Unauthorised work or SEVIS non-compliance risks termination.

 

6) The two-year home-residency rule (INA §212(e))

 

Some J-1 categories are subject to a two-year home-country physical presence requirement before eligibility for certain immigration benefits (including H, L, K visas or permanent residence). Waivers may be available through recognised pathways such as No Objection, Interested Government Agency, hardship or persecution.

 

Section B summary: J-1 is sponsor-driven. DS-2019 issuance, SEVIS compliance, mandated insurance, fees and—where applicable—§212(e) shape eligibility and future options. J-2 family members have broader rights than F-2/M-2, including full-time study and potential work with an EAD.

 

Section C: Visitor Visa (B-1/B-2) for Short-Term Learning

 

Section introduction: The B category exists for business and tourism, not formal study. Limited educational uses are allowed where the activity is recreational, non-credit and incidental to the visit, or for pre-admission campus visits. Attempting credit-bearing or full-time study on B status breaches U.S. immigration law.

 

1) Overview

 

Permitted uses include campus visits before applying for a student visa and short, recreational, non-credit courses (for example, a cooking or art class linked to a holiday). Limited short B-1 professional training/observation may be permitted if no academic credit is granted and the activity remains incidental to the visit. B status cannot be used for degree programmes, full-time enrolment or any credit-bearing study.

 

2) How to apply

 

1. Complete the DS-160 and upload a compliant photograph.
2. Pay the MRV fee and schedule the interview.
3. Present evidence of trip purpose (e.g., visit itinerary or non-credit course details), funds and home-country ties.

 

3) Fees

 

• MRV fee: USD $185.
• No SEVIS fee for B visas.

 

4) Required documentation

 

• Passport and DS-160 confirmation page.
• MRV payment receipt and photograph.
• Evidence of purpose (e.g., school visit plan, non-credit course confirmation).
• Proof of funds and strong home-country ties.

 

Section C summary: The B category is not a substitute for a student visa. It covers only recreational, non-credit learning and campus visits. Studying beyond these limits risks refusal of entry, cancellation of status or removal.

 

Section D: Compliance & Staying in Status

 

Section introduction: Visa issuance is only the starting point. Ongoing compliance—accurate SEVIS data, full-time enrolment, correct work authorisation, and carrying the right travel documents—determines whether a student or exchange visitor remains lawfully in the United States.

 

1) SEVIS upkeep

 

For F/M, the school maintains the SEVIS record; for J, the sponsor does. Students and exchange visitors must promptly report changes (address, funding, enrolment, program dates) and follow institutional procedures. SEVIS termination can trigger unlawful presence and enforcement risk.

 

2) Full-time enrolment and normal progress

 

F-1/M-1 require a full course of study unless a DSO has authorised a reduced course load under regulation (e.g., academic difficulty, medical conditions, final-term exceptions). Keep documentary proof of any authorisation.

 

3) Employment and training

 

Do not begin paid or unpaid work or training until the correct authorisation is in place (CPT/OPT/EAD or, for J-2, an EAD). Retain copies of I-20/DS-2019 endorsements and any EAD cards as evidence of permission.

 

4) Travel and re-entry

 

Before travel, check visa validity and obtain a recent travel signature on the I-20/DS-2019. Carry proof of enrolment, funding and SEVIS fee payment for inspection at the port of entry.

 

5) J-1 insurance and §212(e)

 

J participants must maintain insurance that meets 22 CFR 62.14 at all times. If subject to §212(e), plan future immigration steps early and consider waiver options where appropriate.

 

Section D summary: Compliance is continuous: keep SEVIS accurate, remain full-time, obtain the right work authorisation, travel with the correct documents and—if J-1—maintain insurance and confirm any §212(e) obligations.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

1) Can I work on a student visa?

 

F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during breaks. Off-campus options (CPT/OPT) require prior authorisation. M-1 students have no on-campus work benefit and are limited to post-completion practical training under strict caps. B visitors cannot work.

 

2) What is the difference between F and M?

 

F-1 is for full-time academic or language study at SEVP-certified institutions. M-1 is for full-time vocational or other non-academic training; language study is not permitted under M-1.

 

3) How long can dependants stay?

 

F-2/M-2 may remain for the principal’s authorised stay. F-2 spouses may study part-time only; F-2 children may attend K-12 full time. J-2 may study full time and apply for employment authorisation. Dependants cannot stay beyond the principal unless they change status independently.

 

4) Can visitor visa holders join credit-bearing or degree programmes?

 

No. B status is limited to recreational, non-credit learning and campus visits. Any credit-bearing or full-time study requires the appropriate F/M/J status in advance.

 

5) What is SEVIS and the I-901 fee?

 

SEVIS is the government system that tracks international students and exchange visitors. Most F/M pay USD $350 and most J pay USD $220 before the visa process. Certain U.S. government–sponsored J programs are exempt from the SEVIS fee (and may also be MRV-fee exempt).

 

FAQs summary: Work rules differ by category, F vs M serve different education types, dependants’ rights vary, B status cannot be used for formal study, and SEVIS/I-901 are foundational to the process.

 

Conclusion

 

The U.S. student and exchange system is structured to support genuine study and cultural exchange. Select the correct category, complete the application steps carefully, and keep SEVIS accurate throughout your stay. Observe strict limits on employment and study, maintain J-compliant insurance where relevant, and factor in the §212(e) rule for J programs. With sound preparation and ongoing compliance, students and exchange visitors can maximise the benefits of their U.S. experience while avoiding immigration risk.

 

Glossary

 

Term	Definition
SEVIS	Government system tracking international students and exchange visitors; schools and sponsors must keep records current.
SEVP	DHS program certifying schools to enrol F and M students and issue Forms I-20.
DS-160	Online nonimmigrant visa application used for most U.S. visa categories.
Form I-20	Certificate of Eligibility for F/M status issued by an SEVP-certified school.
Form DS-2019	Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J) status issued by a designated sponsor.
MRV fee	Non-refundable visa application fee paid to the U.S. Department of State.
OPT	Optional Practical Training for F-1 students to work in their field (pre- or post-completion, with possible STEM extension).
CPT	Curricular Practical Training for F-1 students when training is integral to the curriculum and DSO-authorised.
INA §212(e)	Two-year home-residency rule that can apply to J-1 categories; waiver routes may be available.

 

Useful Links

 

Use official sources and reputable guidance when planning and applying. These links provide direct access to application portals, fee payment, government guidance and specialist support.

 

Resource	Link
Pay the I-901 SEVIS fee	fmjfee.com (official)
U.S. visa application fees (MRV)	travel.state.gov (official)
Study in the States (F/M guidance)	studyinthestates.dhs.gov (official)
BridgeUSA (J-1 program)	j1visa.state.gov (official)
J-1 residency rule & waivers	travel.state.gov (official)
US Student Visa Guidance	nnuimmigration.com