Student & Exchange Visas

Which Visa is Right for You?

U.S. immigration law provides three primary visa categories for individuals seeking to study or participate in exchange programs:

1. F-1 Visa (Academic Students)

This is the most common student visa. It is designed for international students who have been accepted into a full-time academic program at a SEVP-approved college, university, seminary, conservatory, or academic high school in the United States.

• Key Benefit: F-1 students may be eligible for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) during their studies and up to 3 years of Optional Practical Training (OPT) work authorization after graduation (for STEM degrees).

2. J-1 Visa (Exchange Visitors)

The J-1 visa is for individuals approved to participate in work-and study-based exchange visitor programs. This broad category includes research scholars, professors, medical residents, summer camp counselors, au pairs, and interns.

• Important Note: Certain J-1 visa holders are subject to a "Two-Year Home-Country Physical Presence Requirement" (Section 212(e)), meaning they must return to their home country for two years before they can apply for a Green Card or certain work visas. Our attorneys can help you determine if this applies to you and explore options for a waiver.

3. M-1 Visa (Vocational Students)

The M-1 visa is reserved for students engaging in vocational or other nonacademic programs (other than language training), such as culinary school, flight school, or technical trades. M-1 students are generally not permitted to work during their studies.

The Step-by-Step Process with IMMI.LAW

Securing a student or exchange visa requires coordination between multiple systems. We guide you through each milestone:

Step 1: School Acceptance & The I-20 / DS-2019 Before applying for a visa, you must first apply to and be accepted by a U.S. institution certified by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP). Once accepted, the school will issue you a Form I-20 (for F-1/M-1) or Form DS-2019 (for J-1).

Step 2: SEVIS Registration Once you receive your form, your information is entered into the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). We will guide you on how to properly pay the mandatory I-901 SEVIS fee, which is required before you can schedule a visa interview.

Step 3: The DS-160 Visa Application We assist you in meticulously preparing and submitting the DS-160 online nonimmigrant visa application. Errors on this form can lead to heavy scrutiny or outright denial by consular officers.

Step 4: The Embassy Interview (Proving Non-Immigrant Intent) This is the most critical step. Student visas are "non-immigrant" visas, meaning the law assumes you plan to stay in the U.S. permanently unless you can prove otherwise. Before your interview, our attorneys will conduct a mock interview with you. We will help you gather the specific evidence needed to prove your financial stability and your strong ties to your home country.

(Note: If you are already inside the United States on another valid visa, such as a B-1/B-2 visitor or H-4 dependent, we can file Form I-539 to request a Change of Status to F-1 without you having to leave the country.)

Official Government Fees (Current as of 2026)

These are direct fees paid to the U.S. Government and do not include your school's tuition/administrative fees or IMMI.LAW’s legal representation fees.

For Consular Processing (Applying from outside the U.S.):

• Form DS-160 (Visa Application Fee): $185

• SEVIS I-901 Fee (F-1 / M-1 Students): $350

• SEVIS I-901 Fee (J-1 Exchange Visitors): $220

For Change of Status (Applying from inside the U.S.):

• Form I-539 (Application to Change Nonimmigrant Status): $420 (online filing) or $470 (paper filing)

• SEVIS I-901 Fee: $350 (F-1/M-1) or $220 (J-1)

Please verify all current fees directly on the Official USCIS Fee Schedule and the Department of State Fee Schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work in the U.S. while on a student visa? F-1 students are generally allowed to work on-campus up to 20 hours per week during the academic term. Off-campus employment requires special authorization from USCIS, either through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) related to your coursework, or Severe Economic Hardship.

Can my spouse and children come with me? Yes. Your legal spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21 can apply for F-2, M-2, or J-2 dependent visas to accompany you. While F-2 and M-2 dependents cannot work, J-2 spouses may apply to USCIS for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD).

What happens after I graduate? Many F-1 students transition to the U.S. workforce after graduation via Optional Practical Training (OPT). This allows you to work in your field of study for up to 12 months (or 36 months for approved STEM fields). From there, many of our clients hire us to transition them from an F-1 to a dual-intent work visa, such as the H-1B, and eventually to a Green Card.

Your Global Future Starts Here

A simple mistake on your DS-160 or a poorly answered question at your embassy interview can derail your academic plans. Schedule an Assessment Consultation with our immigration experts today to secure your visa and start planning your future in the United States.

Schedule Your Assessment Consultation

(US $150)