The United States is one of the most popular destinations for international students and exchange visitors, offering a broad range of academic, vocational, cultural and professional opportunities. Foreign nationals planning to study or join exchange programs must secure the correct visa category before their course or placement begins. Admission is dependent on acceptance by a SEVP-approved school (for F or M visas) or a designated exchange sponsor (for J visas). Both schools and sponsors are required to maintain accurate SEVIS records, and participants must keep their details updated (such as address, enrolment or program changes) to remain compliant with US immigration law.
What this article is about: This guide explains the F and M student visas for academic and vocational study, the J exchange visitor visa for cultural and educational exchange, and the limited short-term study allowances under the B visitor visa. It outlines eligibility, the application process, required fees and documentation, and rules for spouses and children. It also highlights critical compliance issues including SEVIS obligations, address reporting, and restrictions on employment.
Section A: Student Visas (F and M)
The F and M visa categories allow foreign nationals to pursue studies in the United States at schools and programs certified under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). The F category applies to academic study at accredited universities, colleges, seminaries, conservatories, primary and secondary schools, and approved language training programs. The M category applies to vocational or technical training, but does not cover language study. To apply, the school must issue a Form I-20 and create a SEVIS record, which both the school and student must keep current.
1. Overview
The F-1 visa is the primary category for full-time academic study and language training. The M-1 visa covers full-time vocational or technical courses. The visa classification must correspond to the program listed on Form I-20. Students are required to maintain full-time enrolment and make normal progress toward completion. Any changes, such as program level, major, funding, or residential address, must be reported in SEVIS by the school within 10 days, and students must comply with school procedures to preserve lawful status.
2. How to Apply
The application process generally involves the following steps:
- Secure admission from a SEVP-approved school and obtain Form I-20.
- Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee using the SEVIS ID on the Form I-20.
- Complete the DS-160 online visa application and upload a compliant photo.
- Pay the MRV application fee and book a consular interview (biometrics as instructed).
- Attend the interview with supporting evidence and be prepared to explain study plans, financial resources and ties to the home country.
Consular officers will evaluate nonimmigrant intent, the authenticity of the study plan and the applicant’s financial ability to cover tuition and living costs. If approved, the visa is issued in the F-1 or M-1 category, as appropriate.
3. Fees
The SEVIS I-901 fee is currently USD $350 for F-1 and M-1 applicants, payable before the visa interview. The MRV application fee is USD $185. Depending on nationality, an additional reciprocity (visa issuance) fee may apply.
4. Required Documentation
Applicants should prepare a file including:
- A valid passport and DS-160 confirmation page.
- SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt.
- Form I-20 issued by the SEVP-approved school, signed by both the school official and the student.
- Evidence of financial resources to meet tuition, fees and living costs (such as bank statements, scholarship awards or sponsor letters).
- Academic records and standardised test results, where relevant.
- One passport-style photograph meeting US Department of State requirements.
Additional documents may be requested to demonstrate nonimmigrant intent and the legitimacy of the 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 enrol part-time or full-time in study but cannot work. Children may attend K-12 education full-time.
- Study (M-2): Spouses may take recreational or vocational courses but cannot engage in full-time academic study. Children may attend K-12 full-time.
Employment for students: F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while in session and full-time during breaks. Off-campus work requires prior authorization, either through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorised by the Designated School Official (DSO) and noted in SEVIS, or through Optional Practical Training (OPT), which requires USCIS approval via Form I-765 and issuance of an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Unauthorized work constitutes a violation of status, leading to termination of SEVIS records and potential removal. M-1 students may only work in narrowly defined practical training related to their course of study, subject to specific restrictions.
Section Summary: F-1 visas support academic and language study, while M-1 visas cover vocational training. Both require a Form I-20, SEVIS fee payment, DS-160, and a consular interview. Maintaining lawful status depends on full-time enrolment, accurate SEVIS reporting and strict adherence to work rules. Dependents may accompany the principal but face significant restrictions on work and study, except that F-2 spouses may now pursue full-time study.
Section B: Exchange Visitor Visa (J)
The J visa supports cultural and educational exchange programs officially approved by the US Department of State. It is used by students, scholars, teachers, researchers, interns and professionals taking part in training or cultural exchanges. All J visa applicants must be sponsored by a designated program and must comply with SEVIS requirements for the entire duration of their stay.
1. Overview
J-1 exchange programs encourage international educational and cultural exchange. Program categories include short-term academic study, professional training, research, teaching and internships. The program sponsor issues Form DS-2019 (Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status), which sets out the participant’s category, program dates and financial arrangements. Sponsors are responsible for updating SEVIS records, and participants must follow program rules and conditions to remain in valid status.
Some J-1 visa holders may be subject to the two-year home-country physical presence requirement under Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) §212(e). This condition requires the J-1 to return to their home country for at least two years at the end of the program before being eligible for certain visa categories, including H-1B, L-1 or permanent residence, unless a waiver is granted.
2. How to Apply
The application steps are as follows:
- Secure a place on an approved J-1 program and obtain Form DS-2019 from the sponsor.
- Pay the SEVIS I-901 fee using the SEVIS ID listed on the DS-2019.
- Complete the DS-160 online nonimmigrant visa application and upload a compliant photograph.
- Pay the MRV visa application fee.
- Attend a consular interview with evidence of program sponsorship, funding and ties to the home country.
At interview, applicants must demonstrate that their stay is temporary and consistent with the exchange program’s purpose.
3. Fees
The SEVIS I-901 fee for most J-1 applicants is USD $220. The MRV application fee is currently USD $185. Depending on nationality, a reciprocity fee may also apply. In some cases, program sponsors cover the SEVIS fee on behalf of participants.
4. Required Documentation
Applicants should generally prepare:
- A valid passport.
- DS-160 confirmation page.
- SEVIS I-901 fee payment receipt.
- Form DS-2019 issued by the program sponsor.
- Financial evidence such as bank statements, sponsor support letters or scholarship confirmation.
- Passport-style photograph meeting State Department requirements.
Additional items may be requested, such as academic records, a CV or proof of health insurance. J-1 participants are usually required to maintain adequate health insurance for themselves and any dependents throughout the program.
5. Spouses and Children
Dependents of J-1 principals may apply for J-2 visas. J-2 children may study full-time in the United States, and J-2 spouses may also study full-time. J-2 spouses are eligible to apply to USCIS for employment authorization (EAD) provided the work is not intended to support the J-1’s program financially. Unauthorized employment or failure to comply with SEVIS reporting obligations may lead to termination of status.
J-1 principals may undertake employment only where it is authorised by the program category or sponsor and reported in SEVIS. Unauthorised employment is a status violation.
Section Summary: The J visa facilitates a broad range of exchange opportunities. Central requirements include sponsorship by a designated program, issuance of Form DS-2019, SEVIS compliance and adherence to program rules. Some J-1 visa holders may face the two-year home-country residency requirement. J-2 dependents benefit from more generous rights than F-2 or M-2, including full-time study and potential work authorisation.
Section C: Visitor Visa (B) for Short-Term Study
The B visa (B-1/B-2) is primarily intended for tourism and business purposes, but in limited situations it may also be used for educational activity. It can be appropriate for school visits prior to enrolment or for short-term, recreational, non-credit courses. It cannot be used as a substitute for a student visa. Attempting to undertake full-time or credit-bearing study on a B visa is a breach of US immigration law and may result in refusal of entry, visa cancellation or removal proceedings.
1. Overview
Permitted study activities under a B visa include:
- Visiting US schools or universities before making a formal application.
- Enrolling in short recreational courses that are incidental to a visit, such as cooking or art classes.
- Participating in leisure-based courses that do not count toward a degree, provide academic credit or lead to formal qualifications.
Any form of full-time enrolment, credit-bearing study or degree-level education requires an F-1 or J-1 visa. Using a B visa for such purposes is a status violation with serious consequences.
2. How to Apply
The steps to apply for a B visa include:
- Complete the DS-160 online visa application and upload a compliant photo.
- Pay the MRV application fee.
- Schedule and attend a consular interview, presenting evidence of the intended travel purpose and strong ties to the home country.
Applicants should be prepared to explain the recreational nature of the course or details of planned school visits. Demonstrating intent to return home after the visit is critical to approval.
3. Fees
The standard MRV application fee for B visas is currently USD $185. There is no SEVIS fee for B visa applicants because these visas are not linked to the Student and Exchange Visitor Program.
4. Required Documentation
B visa applicants typically need to provide:
- A valid passport and DS-160 confirmation page.
- Receipt of the MRV fee payment.
- Passport-style photograph meeting US specifications.
- Evidence of the travel purpose (such as a recreational course enrolment letter or school visit itinerary).
- Proof of financial means to cover the visit.
- Evidence of ties to the home country, such as employment, property or family responsibilities.
Providing clear and consistent evidence helps demonstrate that the visit is temporary and falls within the permitted scope of the B visa.
Section Summary: The B visa may only be used for recreational, non-credit study or school visits. It cannot replace a student visa for full-time or academic study. Misuse of a B visa for degree or credit-bearing courses can lead to visa cancellation, denial of entry and removal from the United States.
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 the academic term and full-time during official breaks. Off-campus work requires prior authorisation. Curricular Practical Training (CPT) must be approved by the Designated School Official (DSO) and recorded in SEVIS. Optional Practical Training (OPT) requires a USCIS application using Form I-765 and issuance of an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Any unauthorised employment is a serious status violation that can result in SEVIS termination and removal from the United States. M-1 students are restricted to approved practical training directly related to their course of study. B visa holders are not permitted to 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 applies to vocational or technical training and does not cover language study. Each visa type requires a Form I-20 and strict adherence to SEVIS and status rules.
3. How long can dependents stay in the US?
Dependents of F and M visa holders (F-2 and M-2) may stay for the same duration as the principal’s program. F-2 spouses may study full-time or part-time but cannot work. F-2 children may attend K-12 education full-time. M-2 spouses are limited to recreational or vocational study only and cannot enrol in full-time academic programs, while M-2 children may attend K-12 full-time. J-2 dependents may remain for the full length of the J-1’s program and are eligible for full-time study. J-2 spouses may also apply for employment authorisation from USCIS.
4. Can visitor visa holders take part in degree programs?
No. The B visitor visa does not permit enrolment in degree or credit-bearing courses. It is strictly limited to recreational, non-credit study or school visits. Using a B visa for academic study is a violation that may lead to refusal of entry, cancellation of status or removal from the United States.
5. What is SEVIS and why is it required?
SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) is the government database used to track 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. Updates such as changes of address must be reported within 10 days. Payment of the SEVIS I-901 fee is required before applying for F, M or J visas.
Section Summary: These FAQs address common issues including work rights, visa category differences, dependent rules, B visa limits and SEVIS compliance. Understanding these points helps applicants avoid status violations and maintain lawful stay.
Conclusion
The United States operates a structured visa system to support international education and cultural exchange. F and M visas apply to academic and vocational study, J visas cover a wide range of exchange programs, and B visas allow limited recreational study or school visits. Each route carries specific eligibility rules, application steps and compliance requirements that must be strictly observed.
Applicants should pay close attention to SEVIS obligations, including timely updates of personal and program information, as well as fee payments and documentation requirements. Dependents may accompany principal visa holders, but their rights to study and work vary significantly. Engaging in unauthorised employment or study beyond the terms of the visa is a violation that can result in termination of SEVIS records, visa cancellation and removal proceedings.
By selecting the correct visa category, preparing thoroughly for the consular application and maintaining compliance during the stay, students and exchange visitors can benefit from the opportunities available in the United States while avoiding immigration risks.
Section Summary: The US student and exchange visa system is designed to promote genuine study and cultural exchange. Careful compliance with SEVIS, visa rules and immigration conditions ensures a lawful and rewarding experience for students, exchange visitors and their families.
Glossary
| SEVIS | The Student and Exchange Visitor Information System, a government database used to track and monitor international students and exchange visitors. Schools and sponsors must keep records current, and students must report address changes within 10 days. |
| SEVP | The Student and Exchange Visitor Program, part of the Department of Homeland Security, which certifies schools to enrol F and M students and oversees compliance. |
| DS-160 | The Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form, required for most US nonimmigrant visa categories. |
| Form I-20 | The Certificate of Eligibility issued to F and M visa applicants by SEVP-approved schools. |
| Form DS-2019 | The Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor (J) Status, issued by a designated program sponsor. |
| MRV Fee | The Machine Readable Visa application fee, a non-refundable charge payable for most nonimmigrant visa applications. |
| OPT | Optional Practical Training, a benefit of F-1 status allowing temporary employment directly related to the student’s field of study. Requires USCIS approval and an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). |
| CPT | Curricular Practical Training, an F-1 work authorisation for training that is an integral part of the curriculum. Authorised by the school’s Designated School Official (DSO) and recorded in SEVIS. |
Section Summary: This glossary explains core terms, forms and acronyms relevant to the US student and exchange visa system, supporting applicants in understanding compliance obligations and key processes.
Useful Links
| SEVIS I-901 Fee Payment | https://www.fmjfee.com |
| DS-160 Online Application | https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/ |
| US Student Visa (F & M) Guidance | Student Visa Guide |
| Exchange Visitor (J) Visa Guidance | J-1 Visa Guide |
| Visitor Visa (B) Overview | Visitor Visa Overview |
Section Summary: These official US government resources provide application forms and guidance on student, exchange and visitor visas. Applicants should always refer to official sites for the most accurate and current information.
