Visa Types

It is important to understand the differences between the types of visas available to students before you apply for yours. 

The F-1 visa category is the most common student visa type and is designated for undergraduate and graduate students in academic and language study programs. 

The J-1 category is for graduate or exchange students, teachers, scholars, and researchers who come to the United States under educational exchange programs such as the Fulbright Program. J-1 students must be financed, at least partially, either by the U.S. government or their home government, or by the U.S. institution that they will attend. They may also be part of an exchange program. 

One advantage of the J-1 visa for married students is that it allows spouses (J-2 dependents) to apply for work authorization after they arrive in the United States. The F-1 does not allow F-2 dependents to work. F-2 or J-2 dependents may study full-time or part-time.

Procedures for Your Country
Procedures and requirements for applying for a student visa vary from country to country, and they are more complex and demanding in some countries than in others. There are a number of places where you can obtain more information on the visa application process in general and the specific requirements for your country.

There are several things you can do to increase your chances of a favorable visa decision:

• start the process at least two months in advance of your departure date

• assemble all the documentation that can help make your case

• make sure you are well-prepared if you are required to attend an interview

Applying for a Student Visa

Visa Refusals