As an international student coming to the United States, there are three different student visas that you could be issued: F1 Visa, J1 Visa or M1 Visa. The F1 and J1 visas allow for the possibility of employment in the US during your stay, while the M1 Visa does not. You need to be familiar with the types of visas, how they impact your financing while in the USA and how to go through the application and arrival processes.
Types of International Student Visas
The US Visa system can be extremely difficult and complicated to navigate. Please be sure to visit our immigration center which will provide you with more detailed information about specific student visa's for the USA.
Living with your Student Visa in the USA
As you begin to think about funding sources for your educational and living expenses in the United States, remember that you cannot count on working in the United States unless you have been granted a teaching or research assistantship. Immigration regulations are very strict with respect to working while carrying a student visa, and when you submit evidence of your financial resources, you cannot rely on potential income. The income on which you base your application must be assured, and it must be equal to or exceed the costs of the first year of your studies.
Careful long-term and short-term planning is necessary to ensure that you will have a rewarding educational experience in the United States. If you are realistic about your financial needs, you will be better able to enjoy the exciting academic and cultural experience of living and learning in the United States.
Be sure to start exploring your funding options and establish your budget well before you plan to start your studies abroad!
Create a Budget
The International Student scholarships database contains frequently updated information about scholarships, grants and assistantships. If you are considering a research or teaching assistantship, please search the available options.
Applying for your Visa
When putting together your application for a student visa, you will first need to research the admission policy for your university. Keep the following items in mind:
Although visa applicants may apply at any U.S. consular office abroad, it may be more difficult to qualify for the visa outside the country of permanent residence.
For detailed application information and help preparing for your visa interview, please visit the F1 Visa Application process section
Your arrival at the United States Port of Entry
Admission into the US FAQ
You need to be aware that even if your visa is granted, it does not guarantee your entry into the United States. It is ultimately up to the CBP [Customs and Border Protection] to let you into the United States. It is also the job of the CBP to determine how long you may remain in the United States.
At the port of entry, a CBP official validates Form I-94, Record of Arrival-Departure, which notes the length of stay permitted. This will be a small white card issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection upon your entry to the U.S. The form I-94 is your permit to stay in the U.S.
After determining your student visa situation, you should carefully examine the healthcare options available to you while studying in the USA.
