F-1 Student Visa

The F-1 visa is a non-immigrant visa for aliens coming to the United States to enroll in a full-time course of study in an accredited college, university, seminary, conservatory, academic high school, elementary school or other academic institution or in a language training program. To qualify for an F-1 visa, the alien must be enrolled in a program that culminates in a degree, diploma or certificate and the school at which thealien is enrolled must be authorized by the U.S. government to accept international students.  The spouse and/or unmarried, minor children of an F-1 visa holder may obtain F-2 visas to enter the United States, and may remain in the United States so long as the F-1 holder’s status remains valid.

Aliens who wish to come to the United States to enroll in a program of non-academic study (like a vocational training program) should apply for an M-1 visa rather than an F-1 visa.