Overview
The United States welcomes foreign citizens who come to the United States to study. Before applying for a visa, all student visa applicants must be accepted by a school or program. Once accepted, educational institutions will provide each applicant the necessary approval documentation to be submitted when applying for a student visa.
Visa Descriptions and Qualifications
F-1 Visa
This is the most common type of student visa. If you wish to engage in academic studies in the United States at an approved school, such as an accredited U.S. college or university, private secondary school, or approved English language program then you need an F-1 visa. You will also need an F-1 visa if your course of study is more than 18 hours a week.
M-1 Visa
If you plan engage in non-academic or vocational study or training at a U.S. institution then you need an M-1 visa.
More information about each of these visas and opportunities for studying in the United States can be found at the Education USA website.