Student and Exchange Visitor Visas

More Legal Topics

Related Ads

Need Professional Help? Talk to a Lawyer
Enter Your Zip Code to Connect with a Lawyer Serving Your Area

Whether you're coming for a short cooking course, a PhD program, or something in between, the U.S. offers some exciting possibilities for foreign students. You will, however, need to identify the right visa for your program and purposes, and make sure you qualify for it (before spending a lot of money on applications!) Learn more here.

Eligibility and Types of Student and Exchange Visas

J-1, M-1, or F-1 Visa for U.S. Study: Which One Is Best for You?
If you're planning to study in the U.S., figure out which type of visa gives you the greatest opportunities and flexibility.
An F-1 Visa to the U.S.: Do You Qualify?
Who meets the criteria to receive a U.S. academic student visa.
M-1 Vocational Student Visa to the U.S.: Do You Qualify?
Who meets the criteria to pursue vocational study in the United States.
A J-1 Visa to the U.S.: Who Qualifies?
Types of professions and programs that meet the criteria for participants to obtain a J-1 exchange visitor visa.
A Q-1 Visa to the U.S.: Who Qualifies?
Find out the eligibility criteria for an international cultural exchange visitor to obtain a U.S. visa.
Can I come to the U.S. to study English?
Although F-1 visas normally require a person to be proficient in English, you may be able to get a visa specifically for English language study.
After F-1 or M-1 Student Visa Expires: Getting a Visitor Visa for a U.S. Vacation
With an application for a change of status, you may be able to extend your U.S. stay by a few months.
Bringing Family to the U.S. While on a Student Visa
Spouses and children may accompany students on F-1 and M-1 visas to the United States.
For F-1 or M-1 Student Visa Eligibility, What’s a “Full Course of Study”?
Part-time study is not enough to get you a U.S. student visa.
Getting a U.S. Visa for a Short, Recreational or Part-Time Study Course
If you're not interested in full-time study, a tourist visa might work better than a student visa.
If I’m older than average, can I still get an F-1 student visa?
Applicants who are well beyond student age may face challenges in obtaining a student visa to the U.S.

How to Apply for a Student or Exchange Visa

Student or Exchange Visitor Visa Application Process
Click here for a series of articles on the nuts and bolts of applying for an F-1, M-1, or J-1 visa.

In the U.S.: Making the Most of Your Student or Exchange Visitor Status

Life in the U.S. on a Student Visa
Click here for a series of articles covering issues like maintaining status, obtaining work permits, and getting a U.S. green card.
Life in the U.S. on an Exchange Visitor Visa
Click here for a series of articles on how to maintain your status as an exchange visitor, deal with issues, and apply for a U.S. green card.

Various Uses of the J-1 Visa

How to Come to the U.S. as a High School Exchange Student
How foreign students can come to the U.S. for a limited period of high school study.
How to Come to the U.S. as a College or University Exchange Student
Learn the legal ins and outs of coming to the U.S. on a J-1 visa for an exchange program.
Can a foreign university student participate in a U.S. university's internship program?
With a J-1 visa, students attending colleges outside the U.S. can do paid or unpaid internships in the U.S.
Can a J-1 exchange student do job training for academic credit from a U.S. university?
Find out how to legally accept academic training work.
How to Come to the U.S. for Job Training on a J-1 Visa
The U.S. offers J-1 visas to people in other countries wishing to improve their knowledge of U.S. techniques, methodologies, and technology, and then return home and share their experiences.
Nannies/Au Pairs: How to Work in the U.S. on a J-1 Visa
Another use of the J-1 allows young people to come to the U.S. to work as au pairs, taking care of children.
U.S. Employers: How to Hire Students From Abroad for Seasonal Work on a J-1 Visa
There's a visa for that!
How Doctors Can Come to the U.S. as J-1 Exchange Visitors
J-1 visas are available to graduates of non-U.S. medical schools who wish to pursue graduate medical education or training at U.S. medical schools or scientific institutions, or pursue U.S. programs involving observation, consultation, teaching, or research activities.
Students: How to Spend Summer Working in the U.S. on a J-1 Visa
Are you a student attending a college or university outside the U.S.? You may work in the U.S. on a “J-1” visa during your summer break.
How Teachers Can Come to the U.S. as J-1 Exchange Visitors
Teachers who want to come to the U.S. to teach at a primary or secondary school may participate in an exchange program and receive a J-1 visa.
How Professors and Research Scholars Can Come to the U.S. on a J-1 Visa
Ready to teach, lecture, or do research at an American university or other institution? Check out the J-1 visa.