Skip Global Navigation to Main Content
  •  
Skip Breadcrumb Navigation
Skip Left Navigation
Student Visa Questions
Expand All | Collapse All
  • Can I enter the United States on my student (F-1) or (M-1) visa, or exchange visitor (J-1) visa before school / the exchange program begins?

    Can I enter the United States on my student (F-1) or (M-1) visa, or exchange visitor (J-1) visa before school / the exchange program begins?

    United States Department of Homeland Security regulations state that holders of F, M and J nonimmigrant visas will not be admitted to the United States until a date 30 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 .

  • Can I take a holiday after I have completed my studies/exchange program?

    Can I take a holiday after I have completed my studies/exchange program?

    If you have an F-1 visa you may remain in the United States for up to 60 days at the end of your studies; if you have an M-1 visa you may remain for up to 30 days, or in total one year from your date of admission, whichever is shorter. Holders of J-1 visas may remain for up to 30 days. If you wish to remain longer, you will be required to apply for an adjustment of status from M-1/J-1 to B-2 with the Department of Homeland Security having jurisdiction over your place of residence.

  • I have not yet received my 1-20 or DS-2019 form. Can I just enter with a tourist visa or an ESTA, and then adjust my status later?

    I have not yet received my 1-20 or DS-2019 form. Can I just enter with a tourist visa or an ESTA, and then adjust my status later?

    No.  Students may not begin their studies at a U.S. school while on a tourist visa or ESTA. Students who have not yet received their I-20 or DS-2019 form simply have to wait until they have received all their documents from their school, along with a letter from the school stating that the student may start classes late (if applicable), then apply for a regular F-1, M-1, or J-1 visa.

     

  • I cannot complete the DS-160 until I have my I-20 or DS-2019 form. Can I book an appointment before I submit the DS160?

    I cannot complete the DS-160 until I have my I-20 or DS-2019 form. Can I book an appointment before I submit the DS160?

    Yes. Please book your appointment early. You may book your appointment without a barcode.

  • I have been studying in the U.S. and will shortly be going to the U.S. to start or resume my one-year of post-school Optional Practical Training. Do I need a student visa to do my Optional Practical Training?

    I have been studying in the U.S. and will shortly be going to the U.S. to start or resume my one-year of post-school Optional Practical Training. Do I need a student visa to do my Optional Practical Training?

    Yes. If your original student visa has expired you will need a new student visa to enter the U.S. to begin or resume your Optional Practical Training, even if the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services has already issued you an Employment Authorization Card. You may be eligible for the Visa Reissuance Program

  • I have been studying in the U.S. and will shortly be going to the U.S. to start or resume my one-year of post-school Optional Practical Training. Do I need a student visa to do my Optional Practical Training?

    I have been studying in the U.S. and will shortly be going to the U.S. to start or resume my one-year of post-school Optional Practical Training. Do I need a student visa to do my Optional Practical Training?

    Yes. If your original student visa has expired you will need a new student visa to enter the U.S. to begin or resume your Optional Practical Training, even if the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services has already issued you an Employment Authorization Card. You may be eligible for the Visa Reissuance Program

  • Are there any special summer work programs for students?

    Are there any special summer work programs for students?

    The United States does not have a working holiday visa, and visitors may not work on the Visa Waiver Program or on a tourist (B-1/B-2) visa. However, the U.S. has an exchange visitor (J-1) visa, which allows some visitors to work, study, train, observe, etc. in the United States . The purpose of the program is to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries through educational and cultural exchanges. To learn more, please visit the J1 page.

FAQ topics