Which US student visa should I apply for as an Indian student, F, M or J?
Indian students heading to the USA can choose between three main student visa categories. The F-1 visa suits full-time academic study, the M-1 visa suits vocational or non-academic study, and the J-1 visa suits exchange programmes. Each category also has a dependent visa for family members.
If you plan to study in the USA, the visa you need depends on what kind of programme you join. The F-1 visa is for full-time academic study, the M-1 is for vocational or non-academic study, and the J-1 is for exchange programmes.
US Student Visa Categories
| Visa | Who It Is For |
|---|---|
| F-1 | Full-time students at an accredited US college or university |
| F-2 | Dependents of F-1 holders (spouse and unmarried children below 21) |
| F-3 | Border commuters (Canadian or Mexican citizens who live at home while studying in the USA) |
| M-1 | Students in vocational or non-academic programmes |
| M-2 | Dependents of M-1 holders |
| M-3 | Border commuters in vocational or non-academic studies |
| J-1 | Exchange students on a particular exchange programme |
| J-2 | Dependents of J-1 holders |
Matching a Visa to Your Plan
- Studying for an academic degree at an accredited US institution: the F-1 category applies.
- Joining a vocational or non-academic course: the M-1 category applies.
- Taking part in a cultural exchange programme: the J-1 category applies.
- The F-3 and M-3 categories are meant for Canadian or Mexican citizens, so they are not relevant for you as an Indian student.
My Advice
Confirm your programme type with your admitting institution first, because that decides your visa category. Once you know the category, check whether your spouse or children will travel with you, since dependents apply under the matching F-2, M-2 or J-2 category.
Not sure which documents your US visa needs?
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