It is important that you are clear What is the type of visa you require to be able to carry out the activities you plan within the North American territory?Otherwise, you could face problems with the immigration authorities and be expelled from the country, losing rights, such as being banned for a few years or being prohibited from entering indefinitely.
In that sense, if your intention is to study, consider that with a tourist visa this activity is not allowed and that, according to the Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), There are two categories that you can apply to be a student in the United States. These are the details:
- F-1 student visa. This is for academic students. Allows you to enter the United States as a full-time student of an institute, university, seminary, conservatory, secondary school, college, or other language training institution or program. It is necessary that the interested party be enrolled in a study program that culminates in obtaining a degree, diploma or certificate. Additionally, the school must be authorized by the government to accept international students.
- M-1 student visa. This is for vocational students, that is, those students who are in non-academic programs other than language training.
Benefits and restrictions of student visas in the United States
Based on the above, the main difference between the F-1 and M-1 student visa is that the former involves enrolling in a full-time course that, in the end, will allow you to obtain some type of certificate.
While in the other option, it may be unofficial training programs, such as some type of course, for example in cooking. But, Each of these categories also has benefits and restrictions.
The F visas for students have the following conditions:
- They are eligible for annual leave.
- You can change your specialty or study program.
- You can change your study program at any time or start a new one after completing it.
- You can work during or after your study program. Although a permit is required.
- You can participate in up to four types of work: on-campus, off-campus due to financial hardship, curricular practical training (CPT), and optional practical training (OPT).
- You may remain in the United States throughout your entire study program.
- You may remain in the United States for up to sixty days after the completion date of your study program.
The M visas for students have the following conditions:
- They are not eligible for annual leave.
- They cannot change their major or program of study.
- You can only transfer in the first six months after your arrival.
- You can only work after completing your study program. Although a permit is required.
- You can only participate in one type of work, PT practical training, one month for every four months of your program.
- You can stay in the United States for up to one year, unless you request an extension.
- You may remain in the United States for up to thirty days after the end date of your program.
To study in the United States, a special visa is required.
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Requirements to apply for a student visa in the United States
Now that you know What are the categories and differences between student visas Consider that, to obtain either of the two, you will need to meet the following requirements:
- You must be enrolled in an academic educational program, a language training program, or a vocational program.
- Your school must be approved by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Student and Exchange Visitor Program.
- You must be enrolled as a full-time student at the institution.
- You must be fluent in the English language or enrolled in courses to do so.
- You must have sufficient funds available to cover your expenses throughout the course.
- You must maintain a residence abroad that you have no intention of leaving.
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