The United States is a leading destination for international students and exchange visitors, offering a wide range of academic, vocational, cultural and professional opportunities. Foreign nationals planning to study or participate in exchange programs must apply for the correct visa category before their course or placement begins. Applicants must first be accepted by a SEVP-approved school (F or M visas) or a designated exchange program sponsor (J visas). Sponsors and schools are responsible for creating and maintaining accurate SEVIS records, and students/exchange visitors must keep their details (e.g., address, enrollment, program changes) current to remain compliant.

What this article is about: This gateway guide explains US student (F and M) visas for academic and vocational study, the J exchange visitor visa for cultural and educational exchange, and limited short-term options under the B visitor visa. It sets out how each route works, key eligibility points, the application process, fees, required documentation and the rules for spouses and children, highlighting critical compliance issues such as SEVIS maintenance and work restrictions.

Section A: Student Visas (F and M)

The F and M visa categories allow foreign nationals to study in the United States at institutions and programs authorized under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). The F visa covers academic study at accredited universities, colleges, conservatories, seminaries, and approved primary/secondary schools, as well as language training programs. The M visa covers vocational or other non-academic programs; language training is not permitted under M. Both routes require issuance of Form I-20 by the school and active SEVIS records kept current by the school and the student.

1. Overview

F-1 is the principal category for full-time academic study and language training. M-1 is for full-time vocational or technical training. Your visa classification must match the program named on your Form I-20, and you are expected to maintain full-time enrollment and normal progress toward completion. Any material changes (program level, major, funding, address) must be updated in SEVIS by your school, and you must follow school procedures to remain in status.

2. How to Apply

After receiving an offer from a SEVP-approved school, the typical steps are:

• Obtain Form I-20 from the school and verify program and financial details.
• Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee using your SEVIS ID.
• Complete the DS-160 online nonimmigrant visa application and upload a compliant photo.
• Pay the MRV (visa application) fee and schedule a consular interview (biometrics as instructed).
• Attend the interview with all supporting evidence and be prepared to explain your study plans, funding and ties to your home country.

Consular officers assess nonimmigrant intent, the credibility of the study plan, and ability to fund tuition and living costs. If approved, the visa will be issued in the F-1 or M-1 category as appropriate.

3. Fees

The SEVIS I-901 fee for F-1 and M-1 is typically USD $350, payable before the visa interview. The standard MRV fee is currently USD $185. Some nationals may also owe a visa issuance (reciprocity) fee after approval.

4. Required Documentation

Prepare a complete file that usually includes:

• Valid passport and DS-160 confirmation page.
• SEVIS I-901 fee receipt.
• Form I-20 issued by the SEVP-approved school (signed by school official and student).
• Evidence of funds to cover tuition, fees and living expenses (e.g., bank statements, scholarships, sponsor letters).
• Academic records and test scores if relevant to the program (transcripts, diplomas, standardised tests).
• One passport-style photograph meeting State Department specifications.

Additional items may be requested to demonstrate nonimmigrant intent and the bona fides of your study plan.

5. Spouses and Children

Eligible dependents may apply for derivative status (F-2 for F-1 principals; M-2 for M-1 principals) for the duration of the principal’s program.

• Work: F-2 and M-2 dependents are not permitted to work in the United States.
• Study: F-2 spouses may engage in part-time study only; F-2 children may attend K-12 full-time. M-2 dependents may take recreational or vocational courses but not full-time academic study; M-2 children may attend K-12 full-time.

Employment for students: F-1 on-campus employment is limited (generally up to 20 hours per week in session). Off-campus work requires prior authorization, typically through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). Unauthorized employment is a status violation and can lead to termination of SEVIS records and removal proceedings. M-1 employment is strictly limited to authorized practical training related to the course and only under specified conditions.

Section Summary: F-1 supports academic and language study; M-1 supports vocational training. Both require a Form I-20, SEVIS fee payment and DS-160, followed by consular interview. Maintaining status depends on full-time study, accurate SEVIS records and compliance with strict work rules. Dependents can accompany the student but face significant work and study limits.

Section B: Exchange Visitor Visa (J)

The J visa enables participation in officially approved cultural and educational exchange programs in the United States. It is used by students, scholars, teachers, researchers, interns, and professionals involved in training or cultural exchange. Every J visa applicant must be sponsored by a program designated by the US Department of State, and compliance with SEVIS requirements is mandatory throughout the program.

1. Overview

J-1 exchange programs promote educational and cultural exchange, ranging from short-term academic study to professional training. The sponsor issues Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status), which sets out the participant’s category, program dates and financial arrangements. Program sponsors must update SEVIS records for all participants, and participants must follow program rules to maintain lawful status.

2. How to Apply

The application process includes:

• Securing a place on an approved J-1 exchange program and obtaining Form DS-2019 from the sponsor.
• Paying the SEVIS I-901 fee using the SEVIS ID on the DS-2019.
• Completing the DS-160 online nonimmigrant visa application and uploading a compliant photo.
• Paying the MRV visa application fee.
• Attending a consular interview, providing evidence of program sponsorship, funding and ties to the home country.

3. Fees

The SEVIS I-901 fee for J categories is typically USD $220. The MRV application fee is USD $185. Depending on nationality, a reciprocity fee may also apply. Some sponsors may cover SEVIS costs for participants.

4. Required Documentation

Applicants should prepare:

• Valid passport.
• DS-160 confirmation page.
• SEVIS fee receipt.
• Form DS-2019 issued by the sponsor.
• Financial support documents (e.g., bank statements, sponsor letters, scholarship confirmation).
• Passport-style photo.

Depending on the program, additional documentation such as academic qualifications, CVs or health insurance may be required. J participants are generally required to maintain adequate health insurance for themselves and any dependents while in the US.

5. Spouses and Children

Dependents of J-1 principals may apply for J-2 visas. J-2 spouses and children may study full-time in the US. J-2 spouses may also apply to USCIS for employment authorization (EAD), provided the employment is not intended to support the J-1 principal’s program. Unauthorized work by J-2 dependents, or failure to maintain SEVIS records, can result in status termination.

Section Summary: The J visa supports a wide range of academic and cultural exchanges. Program sponsorship, Form DS-2019, and SEVIS compliance are central to eligibility and maintenance of status. J-2 dependents enjoy broader rights than F-2 or M-2 dependents, including full-time study and potential work authorization.

Section C: Visitor Visa (B) for Short-Term Study

The B visa (B-1/B-2) is primarily a tourism and business visa but can, in limited circumstances, be used for educational purposes. It is suitable for school visits before applying for formal study or for participation in short, recreational, non-credit courses. It is not a substitute for a student visa. Attempting to undertake full-time or credit-bearing study on a B visa is a violation of US immigration law and can result in denial of entry, visa cancellation or removal.

1. Overview

Permitted uses of the B visa for study include:

• Visiting US schools or universities before making a formal application.
• Attending short courses of study that are recreational in nature, do not count towards a degree and do not provide academic credit.
• Taking part in courses linked to a holiday or leisure activity, such as a cooking or art class.

B visas may not be used for full-time enrolment, credit-bearing programs or any form of degree study.

2. How to Apply

The application steps are:

• Complete the DS-160 online nonimmigrant visa application.
• Upload a passport-style photograph.
• Pay the MRV application fee.
• Schedule and attend a consular interview, providing evidence of travel purpose and ties to the home country.

Applicants must demonstrate that their stay is temporary and that they will return home after the visit. Evidence of the recreational nature of the course or details of school visits should be presented at interview.

3. Fees

The standard MRV fee of USD $185 applies. There is no SEVIS fee for B visas, as these are not linked to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program.

4. Required Documentation

Applicants should typically provide:

• Valid passport and DS-160 confirmation page.
• Visa application fee receipt.
• Passport-style photograph.
• Evidence of travel purpose (e.g., recreational course enrolment confirmation or school visit itinerary).
• Proof of sufficient funds to cover the trip.
• Evidence of strong ties to the home country (employment, family, property ownership, etc.).

Section Summary: The B visa permits only recreational, non-credit study or school visits. It cannot be used as a substitute for a student visa. Attempting to study beyond the visa’s limitations can lead to serious immigration consequences including denial of entry and removal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I work in the US 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 work requires prior authorization, such as Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). Unauthorized employment is a serious violation of status that can result in SEVIS termination and removal. M-1 employment is very restricted, generally limited to approved practical training. B visitor visa holders cannot work under any circumstances.

2. What is the difference between F and M visas?

The F visa is for academic study, including universities, colleges, seminaries, conservatories, and approved language training programs. The M visa is for vocational or technical training. Language training is not permitted under the M visa.

3. How long can dependents stay in the US?

Dependents of F and M visa holders (F-2 and M-2) may remain in the US for the same duration as the principal’s program. F-2 children may attend K-12 full-time, but spouses are limited to part-time study. M-2 dependents may only engage in recreational or vocational courses, with children permitted to attend K-12 full-time. J-2 dependents may remain for the duration of the J program and can apply for employment authorization and study full-time.

4. Can visitor visa holders take part in degree programs?

No. The B visitor visa does not permit enrollment in degree or credit-bearing courses. It is strictly limited to recreational, non-credit study or school visits. Using a B visa for formal study is a violation that can lead to refusal of entry and cancellation of status.

5. What is SEVIS and why is it required?

SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is the government system that tracks and monitors international students and exchange visitors in the US. Schools and program sponsors are responsible for updating SEVIS records, and students must maintain accurate details to remain compliant. Payment of the SEVIS I-901 fee is required before applying for F, M or J visas.

Section Summary: These FAQs address key issues including work permissions, differences between visa types, dependent rights, limitations of B visas and the role of SEVIS in compliance.

Conclusion

The United States provides a structured visa framework to support international education and cultural exchange. F and M visas cover academic and vocational study, J visas facilitate exchange programs, and B visas allow limited short-term recreational study or school visits. Each visa has strict eligibility and compliance requirements, and applicants must ensure they follow the correct process.

Applicants should pay close attention to SEVIS obligations, fee payments, and required documentation. Dependents may accompany the principal visa holder, but their work and study rights vary. Unauthorized employment or study beyond visa conditions is a violation that can lead to termination of status and removal from the US.

By selecting the correct visa category, preparing thoroughly for the application, and maintaining compliance throughout the stay, students and exchange visitors can make the most of their opportunities in the United States while avoiding immigration risks.

Section Summary: The US student and exchange visa system is designed to support genuine study and cultural exchange. Careful compliance with SEVIS, visa rules and conditions ensures a smooth and lawful experience for students, exchange visitors and their families.

Glossary

Section Summary: The glossary provides definitions of core terms and forms used in the US student and exchange visa process, clarifying key compliance requirements for applicants.

Useful Links

Section Summary: These official resources provide application forms and authoritative guidance on US student, exchange and visitor visas. Applicants should always rely on official sites for the most accurate and current information.

Author

Nita Upadhye

Founder & Principal Attorney Nita Nicole Upadhye is a recognized leader in the field of US business immigration law, (The Legal 500, Chambers & Partners, Who's Who Legal and AILA) and an experienced and trusted advisor to large multinational corporates through to SMEs. She provides strategic immigration advice and specialist application support to corporations and professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, artists, actors and athletes from across the globe to meet their US-bound talent mobility needs.

Nita is an active public speaker, thought leader, immigration commentator, and immigration policy contributor and regularly hosts training sessions for employers and HR professionals.

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