INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Student Visas: The Fundamentals

Transitioning to life away from home can be incredibly challenging, especially when home is an entire country away. At this point, you’ve already researched schools and programs of study, been accepted, and applied for your visa with all the necessary information and paperwork. You’ve then likely received one of three common student visa types: an F-1 visa, a J-1 visa or an M-1 visa. As each visa type reflects a different type of study and comes with different conditions, it’s important to understand your student visa for any desired changes or difficult questions.

F-1 Visa

An F-1 visa is the most common type of student visa, issued for full-time academic studies at an accredited college, university, high school, private elementary school or other academic institution. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, students carrying an F-1 visa can change their major or program of study, and they can transfer to another certified school or program by talking to their designated school official (DSO) to start the process. While in school, F-1 visa holders may be eligible to work after speaking with their designated school official and obtaining permission. However, opportunities will most likely be limited and dependent on the job being on campus or off campus. Lastly, after completion of study, people with an F-1 visa have 60 days to prepare for departure. Alternatively, some students can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT), which allows them to work in their field of study for up to 12 or 24 months.

J-1 Visa

A J-1 visa is issued for participation in an exchange program focused on fostering cross-cultural understanding. This includes short-term academic studies, internships or research positions where individuals are considered “exchange visitors.” According to the U.S. Department of State, visitors carrying a J-1 visa may apply to change their program within the same field of study, and they can start this process by talking to one of their program’s employees, otherwise known as responsible officers (RO). During the program, J-1 visa holders may work as part of their approved program if they speak to one of their program’s responsible officers and obtain permission. Lastly, after program completion or the expiration of their DS-2019 document, people with a J-1 visa have 30 days to prepare for departure. Following this, a two-year home residency requirement typically goes into effect, which states that the person must return to their home county for at least two years before they can apply for another U.S. visa or green card.

M-1 Visa

An M-1 visa is issued for the pursuit of specific career skills, otherwise known as vocational studies, which covers technical courses or training schools. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, students carrying an M-1 visa cannot change their major of study, but they may apply to transfer to a different program or school within the first six months of arrival. Unlike the other visa types, M-1 visa holders may not work during their studies. Lastly, after completion of their program, people with the M-1 visa have 30 days to prepare for departure. Alternatively, they may apply to participate in practical training (PT), where they receive paid training with an employer directly related to their studies.

Sources:

https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/get-started/international-student-life-cycle

https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/students/work/working-in-the-united-states

https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-resources/handbook-for-employers-m-274/70-evidence-of-employment-authorization-for-certain-categories/74-exchange-visitors-and-students/741-exchange-visitors-j-1

https://j1visa.state.gov/participants/current/adjustments-and-extensions/