The United States welcomes thousands of foreign students and exchange visitors every year.
If you wish to pursue full-time academic or vocational studies in the United States you may be eligible for one of two nonimmigrant student categories the “F” category is for academic students and “M” is for vocational students.
If you wish to participate in an exchange program you may be eligible for the “J” category for exchange visitors. The J visa is for educational and cultural exchange programs designated by the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs.
For more information on eligibility requirements and the application process, see the links to the left under “Students and Exchange Visitors.”
Academic and Vocational (F and M visas)
F-1: Academic students
F-2: Spouses and children of F-1
F-3: Canadian or Mexican national academic commuter students
M-1: Vocational students
M-2: Spouses and children of M1
M-3: Canadian or Mexican national vocational commuter students
Exchange Visitors (J visas)
J-1: Exchange visitors
J-2: Spouses and children of J-1