Visa requirements to study in the USA

Visa requirements to study in the USA

“Studying in the United States” – a dream of many language students. But before packing your stuff and starting your language trip, you have to inform yourself about the visa requirements.

To have the most up to date information, you could check this website: Travel.State.Gov!

What is a U.S. Visa and how can you use it?

A U.S. Visa is a travel document which is part of your traveler’s passport (after getting it). It allows you to enter the United States for a determinate period.

Who needs a Visa?

If you need a Visa or not, you could use the Visa Wizard on Travel.State.Gov.  After answering a few questions on the website, the Visa Wizard tells you which type of Visa you need to travel to the United States.

Also, there is a program which is called the Visa Waiver Program. This program allows persons of participating countries to travel to the US for tourism or business without obtaining a Visa first if the stay lasts 90 days or fewer.

To participate in the Visa Waiver Program, you have to meet all the following requirements:

Business:

    • You consult with business associates.
    • You negotiate a contract.
    • You attend an educational, professional, scientific or business conference.
    • You attend short-term training without being paid.

Tourism:

    • You are a tourist spending your holidays in the United States.
    • You visit the country with friends or relatives.
    • You are under medical treatment.
    • You participate in social events hosted by social, fraternal or service organisations.
    • You participate in musical, sports or similar events (by amateurs, not being paid).
    • You are enrolled in a short course of study (for example a two-day drawing class).

You cannot participate in the Visa Waiver Program

  • if you want to study for credits,
  • if you have a workplace,
  • if you work in one of the following sectors: press, radio, film, journalism or another informational media
  • or if you are a permanent residence in the United States.

Which Visas exist?

In general, there are two categories: Immigrant Visas and Nonimmigrant Visas.

For all Visas, you have to schedule an interview required for persons between 14 and 79 years. In general, the interview takes place at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the country where you live.

As a language learner, the following types of visa could be interesting for you:

Student Visa

If you want to study in the United States, you must have a student visa. There are two types of students visas depending on the kind of school and your course of study:

F-1 visa

You need an F-1 visa if you want to attend

    • a university or college,
    • a high school,
    • a private elementary school,
    • a seminary,
    • a conservatory,
    • or another academic institution (including a language training program).

M-1 visa

You need an M-1 visa if you want to attend a vocational or another recognised nonacademic institution.

If you attend a course of study without credits toward a degree or an academic certificate, a Visitor Visa could be sufficient.

Furthermore, before your visa interview you have to prepare the following documents:

    • Passport
    • Nonimmigrant Visa Application
    • Application fee payment receipt (only if you required to pay before the interview)
    • Photo
    • Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status-For Academic and Language Students, Form I-20 or Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (M-1) Student Status for Vocational Students, Form I-20

Here you get more information about the Student Visa.

Visitor Visa

Persons who want to enter the United States for business (category B1), for tourism, visiting or pleasure (category B2) or a combination of both (B1/B2) need a Visitor Visa. The stay is temporary.

Furthermore, before your visa interview you have to prepare the following documents:

    • Passport
    • Nonimmigrant Visa Application
    • Application fee payment receipt (only if you required to pay before the interview)
    • Photo

Here you get more information about the Visitor Visa.

Exchange Visitor Visa

The Exchange Visitor Visa is a Visa made for individuals wanting to take part in an exchange visitor program in the United States.

The following categories are included to this type of Visa: Au pair and EduCare, Camp Counselor, Government Visitor, Intern, International Visitor, Physician, Professor and Research Scholar, Short-term Scholar, Specialist, Student (college/university or secondary), summer work travel, teacher and trainee.

But before your application for a J-1 Visa, you need the official acceptation into an exchange visitor program.

Also, it is not allowed for an exchange visitor to travel on the Visa Waiver Program or with Visitor Visas.

Furthermore, before your visa interview you have to prepare the following documents:

    • Passport
    • Nonimmigrant Visa Application
    • Application fee payment receipt (only if you required to pay before your interview)
    • Photo
    • Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status
    • Training / Internship Placement Plan

Here you get more information: Exchange Visitor Visa.

If you need more information about the Visa requirements to study in the USA, check Travel.State.Gov!

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