Studying in the United States

Studying in the US is a dream for many people for international people. But you must have a student visa.

There are different types of visas. The most common are F-1 and M-1 for full-time students and J-1 visas for exchange students.

F-1 visas are for full-time international students pursuing academic studies and

M-1 visas are for full-time international students pursuing vocational studies.

As an F-1 student:

  1. You are in an academic program with an educational curriculum.
  2. Are eligible for annual vacation
  3. You change their major or program of study
  4. You can transfer anytime during the program or begin a new program after completing one.
  5. You can work during and after their program of study, with permission
  6. You can participate in up to four types of work including, on-campus, off-campus for economic hardship, CPT, and OPT
  7. You can remain in the United States for the duration of their program of study
  8. You can stay in the United States for up to 60 days after their program or OPT end date.

As M-1 international student:

  1. You are in a vocational program, typically without a core academic curriculum.
  2. You are not eligible for annual vacation
  3. You cannot change your major or program of study.
  4. You can only transfer in the first six months after arrival and must apply for USCIS form I-539.
  5. You can only work after their program of study ends and with permission.
  6. Can participate in one type of work and practical training one month for every four months of their program.
  7. Can only remain in the United States for up to one year, unless they apply for an extension.
  8. Can stay in the USA for up to 30 days after their program or pt end date.

 J-1 is approved for foreign nationals who have been approved to take part in work-and-study-based exchange programs, for example visiting scholars, camp counselors, au pairs, and research assistants.

Employment:

  1. F-1 students cannot work off-campus during their first academic year but may accept on-campus employment under certain conditions and restrictions.
  2. After the first academic year, F-1 students may engage in three types of off-campus employment
    1. CPT
    1. OPT
    1. Or STEM OPT
  3. The employment must be related to their area of study and must be authorized before starting any work by the Designated School Official.
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