Student Visa Information

Applicants for student (F-1 or M-1) visas and exchange visitor (J-1) visas must present as evidence of their acceptance into an approved school or exchange visitor program a valid, original Form I-20 or DS-2019, respectively, at the time of their interview.

Like most other non-immigrant visa applicants, student and exchange visitor visa applicants must also present evidence of economic, family and social ties to a residence abroad (see Non-immigrant Visa General Information).  In addition, they should be prepared to present evidence of ability to pay for the cost of their studies and of their stay in the United States; student visa applicants should also bring evidence of their academic performance (transcripts, awards, scholarships, etc.).

Persons applying to renew student visas must present full course transcripts from their school in the United States.  Students must at all times successfully complete 12 semester hours per semester in order to remain in status.

The spouse and unmarried children (under age 21) of an F-1 or M-1 student or J-1 exchange visitor are eligible to receive visas to accompany the student to the United States.  Document and fee requirements are the same as for the principal applicant.  Applicants will have to provide evidence of the relationship when applying for the visas (i.e., marriage or birth certificate).  If the dependents apply for a visa after the principal applicant has already traveled to the United States, they should bring a copy of the principal applicant’s passport and visa, as well as a properly-endorsed I-20 or DS-2019.  With certain restrictions, F-1 students may accept on-campus employment but spouses may NOT engage in work or full-time study with dependent visas.  The French status of concubinage is not recognized as marriage under US law; therefore, persons in this status are not eligible to receive dependent visas.

A student visa is not required IF the applicant is traveling to the US primarily for tourism but will incidentally pursue a short course of study there.  Those who attend recreational schools such as tennis or golf camps do not need a student visa.

 

Persons renewing their student visas must present full course transcripts.

Students must at all times successfully complete 12 semester hours per semester, otherwise they are in the United States illegally and risk being deported.

Your spouse and unmarried children (under age 21) are eligible to receive visas to accompany you to the United States.  The visas will be of the same category of the principal applicant’s and the fees will be the same.  Applicants will have to provide evidence of the relationship when applying for the visas (e.g. marriage or birth certificate).  If the family applies for a visa without the principal applicant, they should bring a copy of the principal applicant’s I-20 or DS-2019 on which accompanying family members should have been noted.

F-1 students may accept on-campus employment but spouses may NOT engage in work or full-time study with dependent visas.  The French status of concubinage is not recognized as marriage under US law, therefore, persons in this status are not eligible to receive dependent visas.

A student visa is not required IF the applicant is travelling to the US primarily for tourism but will incidentally attend school less than 18 hours per week (less than 12 for universities) or take a course lasting less than five weeks.  Those who attend recreational schools such as tennis or golf camps do not need a student visa.

Persons with I-20 or DS-2019 forms dated from September 1, 2004 must also pay the SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) fee.  The fee must be paid prior to visa issuance, and the receipt presented at the time of the interview.  The fee is US$100.  Certain short-term exchange visitors (au pairs, summer work/travel and camp counselors) pay a reduced fee of US$35.  Individuals participating in a U.S. government sponsored J-1 program (program number prefixes starting with G-1, G-2, or G-3) are exempt from the fee.

The SEVIS fee is paid once and is non-refundable.    See http://www.ice.gov/sevis/factsheet/090104_pymnt_fs.htm and  http://www.fmjfee.com for more information.

For additional guidance on student visas, see the Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website at http://www.travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1268.html.