Study
F-1 (Visa for Students Attending Universities, Colleges, or Schools)
What is this visa?
This visa is for international students who have been accepted into accredited U.S. educational institutions (universities, colleges, language schools). It allows students to live and study in the U.S. for the duration of their studies.
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Example situations:
A student from another country is accepted into a U.S. university and applies for an F-1 visa
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Duration:
Depends on the length of the study program. The F-1 visa is typically issued for the duration of the course but can be extended if more time is needed to complete the studies. After graduation, students may apply for work authorization (OPT)
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Estimated processing time:
- Regular processing: 3–5 months
- Processing times may vary depending on the season and embassy workload
F-1 students are required to study full-time and cannot work off-campus without permission.
Free case evaluationM-1 (Visa for Students Enrolled in Vocational Courses)
What is this visa?
This visa is for students enrolled in vocational programs at professional institutions, which are not related to academic degrees. These can include technical schools, trade schools, culinary arts programs, beauty schools, etc.
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Example situations:
A student enrolls in a U.S. school to take a course in hairstyling or attends a vocational school for automotive repair training.
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Duration:
Depends on the study program. The visa is generally issued for the length of the course with the possibility of extension
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Estimated processing time:
- Regular processing: 2–4 months
- Processing times may vary depending on the embassy and application season
M-1 students are not permitted to work during their studies, except in specific circumstances within the program if allowed
Free case evaluationJ-1 (Visa for Participants in Exchange Programs, Internships, or Academic Research)
What is this visa?
The J-1 visa is for people participating in various exchange programs, internships, research, as well as for academics, scholars, and doctors. It’s one of the most versatile visas, covering a wide range of exchange and educational programs.
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Example situations:
- A student on an exchange program who comes to study at an American school
- A participant in a research program who comes to conduct studies at a U.S. university
- An intern working at a U.S. company under an exchange program
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Duration:
Depends on the program. The visa is usually issued for a period ranging from several months to 5 years
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Estimated processing time:
- Regular processing: 2–3 months
- It may take longer if additional verification or documentation is required
J-1 program participants are required to return to their home country for a minimum of 2 years after completing the program before they can apply for certain U.S. visas (e.g., H or L). However, some categories may be eligible for a waiver of this requirement
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