The United States remains a top destination for international students pursuing higher education. In 2024, over 337,000 Indian students traveled to the US for their studies, marking a significant increase of 141.2% from the previous year, according to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
US universities, particularly those offering STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs, continue to attract students from around the world. Those wishing to pursue undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral degrees in the US must apply for a student visa. The type of visa depends on the course of study and the kind of institution the student plans to attend.
Types of Student Visas
There are several types of US student visas, but the most common are F-1 and M-1:
F-1 Visa: This is for international students pursuing full-time academic studies, such as Bachelor’s, Master’s, or doctoral programs.
M-1 Visa: This is for students pursuing full-time vocational or technical programs.
Students applying for F-1 or M-1 visas must be enrolled in a program at a school approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP).
J-1 Visa: This is for exchange visitors who are approved to participate in work-and-study-based programs, such as visiting scholars, camp counselors, au pairs, or research assistants.
B Visa (Visitor Visa): This visa allows enrollment in short, non-credit courses that are recreational in nature. It is not suitable for students who wish to pursue a degree or certificate.
Application Process and Fees
Applications for US universities generally open in March or April. After being accepted, students will receive either Form I-20 (for F-1 and M-1 visas) or Form DS-2019 (for J-1 visas) from their school. Once the student receives this form, they must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee online. The cost is $350 for F-1/M-1 visas and $220 for J-1 visas.
Can You Work with a Student Visa?
Given the high cost of education in the US, many students seek part-time work to help cover expenses. However, there are strict guidelines about working while on a student visa:
F-1, M-1, and J-1 visa holders may be eligible to work, but only in certain circumstances.
Students with F-1 or M-1 visas are allowed to work on-campus or in jobs related to their field of study.
J-1 visa holders should consult their responsible officer to determine if they are eligible for work outside of their study program.
In summary, international students planning to study in the US must apply for the appropriate student visa, pay the required fees, and understand the work restrictions. By following these steps, students can successfully navigate the application process and begin their academic journey in the US.
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