Family Immigration
F-1 and M-1 Student Visa
These are the “Student” visa for foreign students who are qualified to attend a full time program of study at a high school, college, university, language schools or conservatories (F-1) or a trade school (M-1) in the U.S.
Get Admitted to a School.
In order to apply for F-1 or M-1 visa, the student must have obtained from the school a “Certificate of Eligibility” (I-20) by which school officials screened and attested to the student’s acceptance, the program into which (s)he was accepted, the costs of the programs and the student’s financial resources to meet those costs. The I-20 is required when the student applies for this type of Visa. Schools and universities in the U.S. are familiar with the admission and certification of international students and would be a good resource for information to navigate through the admission into the school as well as the process of applying for the F-1 or M-1 visa.
Transfer / Working while in School
While F-1 and M-1 status are school specific, the student with F-1 or M-1 Visa may transfer from school to school or change study programs. However, when doing so (s)he must notify such change to the USCIS. F-1 or M-1 holder may have his(er) dependents to come along as far as the proof for financial sufficiency is provided to cover everybody’s needs. (S)He may work on the campus within certain limit. Under certain conditions and circumstances the USCIS may grant authorization for the student to work off campus (See Employment Authorization Documents or EAD).
Change of Status
F-1 visa holder may not apply for the Permanent Resident status while under F-1. It is possible however to apply for an Change of Status to an employment based Non Immigrant status such as M1 or H-1B
F-1 and M-1 visa holder is allowed to stay until the end of the study program. An extension is possible, to begin with the I-20 extended by school officials.
F-1 or M-1 visa must be applied at the U.S. Consulate in the country of origin of the student.
