Types of Visas
Student and Exchange Visitor Visas
Hundreds of thousands of people from around the world come to the United States each year to study and improve their skills. Diverse programs hosted by a wide variety of institutions provide learning opportunities as multifaceted as America itself.
There are three different types of student visa for different types of study:
Academic studies (F visa): This visa is for individuals who wish to study or conduct research at an accredited U.S. college or university. In order to apply for an F-1 visa, an applicant must have received a Form I-20 from a U.S. institution.
Exchange Visitor (J visa): Some academic activities may fall under the J visa Exchange Visitor category. Examples include exchange scholars, post-doctoral researchers, recipients of short-term academic research fellowships, and medical residents. In order to apply for a J-1 visa, an applicant must have received a Form DS-2019 from the sponsoring organization or institution.
Non-Academic or Vocational Studies (M Visa): The M visa is for students wishing to pursue non-academic or vocational studies. Typically, these programs are of short duration and do not lead to the award of a degree, but result in some form of professional or vocational certification. Applicants for this visa must have received a Form I-20 from the host institution to apply for an M-1 visa.
Some facts for student applicants:
- All students residing in the Chennai Consular District must apply in Chennai. Students may not attend appointments at any other post. Students attempting to apply at other posts will be sent back to re-apply in Chennai.
More appointment slots will be made available for student applicants over the course of the next three months. Applicants trying to make F1, J1, and M1 appointments for the fall semester should continue to monitor the VFS website. More appointments will be added to the schedule.
Appeals for expedited appointments will not be considered prior to six weeks in advance of the start date indicated on the Form I-20 or Form DS-2019. Applicants should not call or e-mail until their start date is within this timeframe. Earlier appeals will not be considered.
Issuance and Travel Regulations for Recipients of Student Visas
Persons applying for initial-entry F-1, F-2, M-1, or M-2 visas may be issued these visas up to 120 days before the program start date as listed on their I-20s. However, students may not enter the United States more than 30 days in advance of the program start date indicated on the Form I-20. Applicants continuing on a student visa are not subject to this restriction.
These changes apply only to initial-entry students. Continuing students may apply for new F or M visas at any time, as long as they have maintained legal student status previously and their SEVIS records are current. Continuing students may also enter the United States at any time before their classes start.
J-1 and J-2 visas to exchange visitors may be processed at any time before the beginning of their programs. However, the visitor may not enter the United States earlier than 30 days prior to the program start date indicated on the Form DS-2019. Applicants continuing on an exchange visitors program are not subject to this restriction.
Links and Resources
For more comprehensive information on all aspects of studying in the United States visit these helpful links:
General information about Student Visas
The United States Educational Foundation of India (USEFI)
The U.S. Department of State Education USA Program
The U.S. Department of State Exchange Visitors Program
Or contact the USEFI office in Chennai:
USEFI
U.S. Consulate
220 Anna Salai
Chennai 600 006
Tel. (44) 2811 2049, 2811-2000
Fax: (44) 2811 2020 Attn: USEFI
Visa Services
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General Information
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Types of Visas
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H1B, L, and Dependent Visas
