Student Visas

Overview of student visa options
Comparison chart of student visas
USCIS and other government agency policy Memos

Overview of student visa options

U.S. immigration law contains three categories of student visas: F-1, J-1, and M-1. The F-1 student visa is most commonly issued, but some institutions issue J-1 visas instead (even though an F-1 visa would also have been acceptable). M-1 student visas are for students of vocational or technical training, such as medical technology, computer technician training, etc.

Comparison chart of student visas

Visa	Do I qualify?	Where to apply?	What can I do?	How long can I stay?	Can I change my status?
F-1	Need to show will return home, etc.	Usually at consulate after school issues Form I-20	Study whatever the school lists on the Form I-20 (can be anything from primary school to Ph.D. programs)	Until program is completed	Yes
J-1	Need to show will return home, etc.	Usually at consulate after school issues Form IAP-66 or DS-2019	Study whatever the school lists on the Form IAP-66 or DS-2019 (can be anything from primary school to Ph.D. programs)	Until program is completed	Only if you are not subject to the J-1 two-year home-country residence requirement
M-1	Need to show will return home, etc.	Usually at consulate after school issues Form I-20	Study whatever the school lists on the Form I-20 (can be anything from primary school to Ph.D. programs)	Until program is completed	Yes. However, you may not change to F or H-1B status if the job offered is based on skills gained through studies while in M status.

USCIS and other government agency policy Memos

SSA Establishes New Requirements for Number Issuance to F-1 Students (Sep. 14, 2004)