Immigration > Temporary Visa Options > Student Visa

Student Visa

F-1 and M-1 Student Visas

U.S. immigration law allows for the admission as non-immigrants those who are coming to the United States to participate in a full time course of study. The first step for a prospective nonimmigrant student is being accepted for enrollment in an established school that is SEVP certified. In general, for academic students, including those in language training, F visas are the appropriate category, and for nonacademic vocational students an M visa is the appropriate category.

Once accepted, and the school issues the prospective student the I-20, he or she will need to apply for a visa at the U.S. Consulate. After receiving the visa, the student may make an application for admission at a U.S. port of entry. When entering the United States on a student visa, the student will usually be admitted for the duration of his or her student status.

Students who are authorized for Optional Practical Training (OPT) must have an I-20 endorsed for OPT, and provide a USCIS-issued Employment Authorization Document (EAD). When authorized, Optional Practical Training (OPT) is temporary employment that is directly related to the eligible F-1 student’s area of study.

For more information and to determine if you qualify under this visa category, please contact the Stone Haven Law Group at 877.301.7005.