The United States has come to be known for its exceptional universities and high levels of education. For this reason, many international students apply each year to study abroad in the US. To become a full-time international student, you will need either the F-1 or M-1 student visa. Each of these student is a nonimmigrant visa that allows you to study in the US provided you meet a set of requirements.

Eligibility Requirements for Student Visas

To qualify for an F-1 or M-1 visa, USCIS states that you must:

• Be enrolled as a full-time student in an “academic” educational program, a language training program, or a vocational program

• Be accepted into a school that is approved by the Student and Exchange Visitors Program, Immigration & Customs Enforcement

• Be proficient in English or be enrolled in classes that will lead to English proficiency

• Have sufficient funds to support yourself during the entire proposed course of study

• Maintain residence abroad and have no intention of giving it up