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NON-IMMIGRANT CATEGORIES
Student Visas
Frequently Asked Questions
If you wish to attend an academic institution such as university, high school, or language school, apply for an F-1 (academic) visa. If you wish to attend a vocational or nonacademic institution, apply for an M-1 (nonacademic) visa. You cannot attend school on a full-time basis on a B-2 (tourist) visa or on the Visa Waiver Program.
F-1 (Academic Visa):This category is for students wishing to attend a university,
secondary schools, or language institutes.
M-1 (Nonacademic Visa): This category is for students wishing to attend vocational or other recognized nonacademic institutions.
To obtain a student visa, you must demonstrate:
- acceptance as a full-time student at a US Government-approved institution, which will issue you an SEVIS (Student and Exchange Visitor Information System) compliant Form I-20. The form I-20 should have a bar code on the right-hand side and be signed by the school official. You must have this form in order to receive a student visa. Remember that the I-20 is not a visa. If you arrive in the US with the I-20, but no student visa, you will not be allowed to enter the US and will be returned to Japan. You must pay the $100 SEVIS fee before you are applying for a visa.
- adequate academic preparation, as indicated by school transcripts, for the studies you plan to undertake.
- adequate English language skills. If not, show evidence that the school is aware of this and will provide language training.
- sufficient funds for the first year, as evidenced by bank statements or other financial documents.
- strong ties to the country in which you are applying for the visa and indications that you will leave the United States upon completion of your studies. These factors must be established to the satisfaction of the consular officer. Since cases will vary widely, there is no set list of what documents to submit.
Application Procedures: For information on the documents required to apply for a student visa, pleas see our application checklist.
| Please note that because of new security regulations, some applications may require an additional clearance and longer processing. Since the application process cannot be accelerated, please apply well in advance of your travel date, and do not purchase plane tickets until you have received your visa. Applicants should refrain from calling the Embassy merely to inquire about the status of their application. Visa applicants should never assume their application would be automatically approved. |
Visas for family members:
- Spouses and/or children under the age of 21 need their own I-20 in order to reside with you in the US while you attend school. The application procedure is the same.
- If your family members apply after your visa has been issued, they will need to have
a copy of your visa included with their application.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Important Notices