Non-Immigrant Visas

Student Visas 

Applicants who wish to attend a university or other academic institution require a student visa (category F or M) or an exchange-visitor visa (category J).  This applies to all students, university and vocational, as well as to children wishing to study at primary and secondary schools. 

"Be aware that there are now restrictions on foreign students attending public primary and secondary schools or publicly funded adult educational programs in the United States on F visas."  

In order to apply for a student visa to study at an American university or other academic institution, the student must first be accepted by the school.  The school must then issue a completed form, either the I-20 or the DS-2019. 

Form I-20A is issued for students in academic or language study programs, Form I-20M for students in vocational studies, and Form DS-2019 for students attending as exchange visitors.

Persons applying for F, J and M visas with I-20 or DS-2019 forms with an issue date of September 1, 2004 or later must pay the SEVIS fee before applying for their visas.

To apply for a visa, you must submit a completed I-20 form or DS-2019, together with your visa application and evidence that you have sufficient funds to cover your tuition and expenses. 

ECFMC certification is required for all graduates of international medical schools as a prerequisite for entry into accredited advanced medical training programs in the United States.

TO ALL RECIPIENTS OF AN F, M, OR J STUDENT OR EXCHANGE VISITOR VISA:  Please be aware that United States Department of Homeland Security regulations state that holders of F.M, or J nonimmigrant visas will not be admitted to the United States until a date thirty days or less prior to the beginning of your program date, or start date, as given on your Form I-20 (for F or M visas) or DS-2019 (for J visas).  Please consider that date carefully when making your travel plans to the United States.