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You must have a student visa to study in the United States. Your course of study and the type of school you plan to attend determine whether you need an F-1 visa or an M-1 visa.

Before you can apply at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate for an F or M student visa, you must first apply to and be accepted by a SEVP approved school. 

When you are accepted by the U.S. school you plan to attend, you will be enrolled in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS). You must pay the SEVIS I-901 Fee. The U.S. school will provide you with a Form I-20 to present to the consular officer when you attend your visa interview. If your spouse and/or children intend to reside with you in the United States while you study, they must obtain individual Form I-20s, but they do not pay the SEVIS fee.

The M-1 visa (Vocational Student) category includes students in vocational or other nonacademic programs, other than language training.

How to Apply

 

There are several steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete them may vary at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you apply.

Complete the online Application: F/M DS-160 Form

Important Notice to Visa Applicants: After you have completed the DS-160 Form, you must take these next steps below:
 

  • Print and keep the DS-160 barcode page. (You will not need to print the full application.)

  • You must schedule a visa interview appointment. (The U.S. Embassy or Consulate does not schedule an appointment for you.) Visit the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website where you will be interviewed for country-specific instructions.;

  • Pay the visa application processing fee. Review country-specific instructions on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website.

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