Students: F, M Visa
Certainly! The F and M visas are two common non-immigrant visa categories for students who wish to study in the United States. Here’s an overview of each:
F Visa (Academic Student): The F visa is for individuals who wish to pursue academic studies or language training programs at a U.S. college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, private elementary school, or other academic institution. There are two main types of F visas:
- F-1 Visa: This visa is for full-time students enrolled in academic programs or English language training programs at accredited institutions in the United States. F-1 visa holders are generally allowed to work on-campus part-time and may be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) after completing their studies.
- F-2 Visa: This visa is for dependents (spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old) of F-1 visa holders. F-2 dependents are not eligible to work in the United States but may accompany the F-1 student during their stay.
M Visa (Vocational Student): The M visa is for individuals who wish to pursue non-academic or vocational studies at a U.S. institution. It is typically used for programs such as technical or vocational schools. There are two main types of M visas:
- M-1 Visa: This visa is for students enrolled in vocational or non-academic programs at accredited institutions in the United States. M-1 visa holders are generally not allowed to work during their studies but may be eligible for practical training opportunities related to their field of study after completing their program.
- M-2 Visa: Similar to the F-2 visa, the M-2 visa is for dependents (spouse and unmarried children under 21 years old) of M-1 visa holders. M-2 dependents are not eligible to work in the United States but may accompany the M-1 student during their stay.
It’s important to note that F and M visa holders are generally subject to certain conditions, such as maintaining full-time enrollment, making satisfactory academic progress, and abiding by the terms of their visa status. Failure to comply with these conditions could result in visa revocation or other consequences.
The specific requirements and procedures for obtaining F and M visas may vary depending on the applicant’s individual circumstances and the policies of the U.S. embassy or consulate where the application is processed. It’s advisable to consult with the designated school official (DSO) at your intended institution and review the guidance provided by the U.S. Department of State for detailed information on the application process.