top of page

Student Visa F / M

You must have a student visa to study in the United States. Your course of study and the type of school you plan to attend determine whether you need an F-1 visa or an M-1 visa.

​

Before you can apply at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate for an F or M student visa, you must first apply to and be accepted by a SEVP approved school. 

​

When you are accepted by the U.S. school you plan to attend, you will be enrolled in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). You must pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee. The U.S. school will provide you with a Form I-20 to present to the consular officer when you attend your visa interview. If your spouse and/or children intend to reside with you in the United States while you study, they must obtain individual Form I-20s, but they do not pay the SEVIS fee.

​

The M-1 visa (Vocational Student) category includes students in vocational or other nonacademic programs, other than language training.

How to Apply

 

There are several steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you apply.

Complete the online Application: F/M DS-160 Form

Important Notice to Visa Applicants: After you have completed the DS-160 Form, you must take these next steps below:
 

  • Print and keep the DS-160 barcode page. (You will not need to print the full application.)

  • You must schedule a visa interview appointment. (The U.S. Embassy or Consulate does not schedule an appointment for you.) Visit the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website where you will be interviewed for country-specific instructions.;

  • Pay the visa application processing fee. Review country-specific instructions on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website.

bottom of page