Student Visas: Steps to Study in the U.S.

Published: March 29, 2024

Studying in the U.S. is a dream shared by several international students. The U.S. educational system is known for its world-class excellence which attracts many academic scholars to seek the opportunity of being U.S. international students. However, the process of being able to obtain a U.S. Student Visa is complex and this is the reason why it is important to have immigration lawyers by your side.

If you are considering pursuing full-time academic or vocational studies, then you are eligible for one of the two nonimmigrant visa categories for international students. The “F” category is for U.S. academic students and the “M” is for U.S. vocational students. Let’s explore more about the U.S. Student Visas:

Academic Students (F Visa) and Vocational Students (M Visa)

• F-1: Academic Students
• F-2: Spouses and Children of F-1 (Academic Students)
• F-3: Mexican or Canadian National Academic Commuter Students
• M-1: Vocational Students
• M-2: Spouses and Children of M-1 (Vocational Students)
• M-3: Mexican or Canadian National Vocational Commuter Students

Students and Employment

If you are qualified for an F-1 visa, you may not be allowed to work off-campus during your first academic year. However, this is subject to certain restrictions and conditions for you to be accepted for on-campus employment. F-1 students can engage in any of the three types of off-campus employment after the first academic year. Below are the three types:

• Curricular Practical Training (CPT)
• Optional Practical Training Extension (OPT) for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM)
• Pre-completion or Post-completion of Optional Practical Training (OPT)

For students who hold an M-1 visa, you may engage in any practical training once you have already completed your studies. You can focus first on your program and start your journey in finding practical training after you are done with your studies. However, you may also consider finding opportunities, a few months before you finish your program as a way of preparing for your next step.

For those who are interested in being a U.S. International Student, you can check out more details on the program for Student and Exchange Visitors and you can consult ALG Lawyers, Los Angeles Immigration Lawyers to help you in processing your U.S. Student Visa. Pursuing your dream of studying in the U.S. may not be easy but it can be possible through persistence and especially by working with ALG Lawyers.