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How do I Start Studying in the U.S.?
To study in the U.S. as a foreign national, you are required to have a student visa. Before obtaining a visa, you must be admitted into a school approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
The U.S. offers two student visa categories: F1 and M1. Note that F and M categories are non-immigrant, temporary visa categories. If you are looking for permanent, immigrant options, you will need to explore permanent employment or other Green Card options.
Generally, the F Category is for academic schooling, and the M Category is for vocational training.
These visas are NOT required for short periods of “recreational study” or activities that do not confer college credit. Instead, a B-category visa should be used for these types of visits.
Also, you cannot study on a Visa Waiver Program (VWP).
What is the Process for Applying to Study in the U.S.?
After being accepted into a SEVP approved school, you will then be issued a Form I-20 and will be registered in the ‘Student and Exchange Visitor Information System’ (SEVIS). You will also be required to pay the I-901 Fee,
Before you can start studying in United States, you generally must have an interview at the U.S. embassy/consulate, presenting the I-20 to the consular officer at your interview.
If you have a spouse and/or children that you want to come with you while you study, they will need to also enroll in SEVIS, obtain the I-20, and apply for a visa (F-2 or M-2). No SEVIS fee required.
Studying in the United States: Applying for the F or M Category Visa
The order of these steps can vary by Embassy or Consulate, so make sure to consult the instructions on their website. However, you would apply for the F or M Category visa by filing the DS-160 'Nonimmigrant Visa Application' online, print out the confirmation page, then bring the confirmation page with you to the interview.
Next, you would need to schedule an interview with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate (preferably in the country that you reside). Interviews are generally required for applicants between the ages of 14-78.
Interview wait times can vary greatly by location.
To illustrate, as of July 1, 2023 the following wait times for F, M, and J visas are as follows:
Amsterdam: 53 calendar days
Bangkok: 4 calendar days
Accra: 125 calendar days
Mexico City: 7 calendar days
Frankfurt: 23 calendar days
Lagos: 53 calendar days
New Delhi 43 calendar days
If you are a new student, F and M visas can be issued 1 year before course start date. However, you cannot enter the U.S. more than 30 days prior to your start date.
Departure
You will be required to depart the U.S. within 60 days after program end date listed on the Form I-20. However, you may have options to extend your stay by a change in status or employment, for example.
You may also engage in the STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension for 24 months if:
you are a F1 student that obtained a STEM degree;
your employer is enrolled in and uses E-verify; and
if you were granted post-completion OPT based on your STEM degree.
Conclusion
There are options for obtaining and managing your post graduation employment options with proper planning and strategy.
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