Students and Employment
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
Pathway to the United States
The right Visa category for you
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
M-1 Student Visa
The M-1 visa (Vocational Student) category includes students in vocational or other nonacademic programs, other than language training.
Students and Exchange Visitors
If you wish to pursue full-time academic or vocational studies in the United States, you may be eligible for one of two nonimmigrant student categories. The “F” category is for academic students and the “M” is for vocational students.
Temporary (Nonimmigrant) Workers
In order for you to come to the United States lawfully as a nonimmigrant to work temporarily, your prospective employer must generally file a nonimmigrant petition on your behalf with USCIS1.
Permanent Workers
If you have the right combination of skills, education, and/or work experience and are otherwise eligible, you may be able to live permanently in the United States. The five employment-based immigrant visa preferences (categories) are listed below.
Extend Your Stay
A request for an extension of stay (EOS) is generally filed on a Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker (Form I-129) or Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status (Form I-539), depending upon the nonimmigrant classification the petitioner or applicant seeks to extend
Changing to a Nonimmigrant F or M Student Status
Individuals in a nonimmigrant status that prohibits enrolling in school must first acquire F-1 (academic student) or M-1 (vocational student) status. Enrolling in a course of study while in a status that does not permit such activity will result in a status violation. Individuals who have violated their nonimmigrant status by enrolling in a course of study are not eligible to extend their status or change to F-1 or M-1 status.
Data & Statistics
- K-12 Students/Schools
- Colleges/Universities
- Student Outcomes
Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 Students
- Pre-completion OPT.
- Post-completion OPT.
- STEM OPT Extension.
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