Home » How can I get a Visa? » Student “M” and “F” visas

Here are some FAQ’s to get you started;

What are the legal fees to get a student visa?

Our legal fees vary depending on the time involved for you to meet your goals.   We are happy to provide you with flexible options and will cover those options below, but our quotes for full legal representation through the application and review process are as follows.

M-1 Visa (vocational students); $225

M-2 Visa (relative of M1); $125 each

M-3 Visa (second priority relative of M1); $125 each

F-1 Visa (full time, non-vocational students): $225

F-2 Visa (first priority relative of F-1); $125 each

F-3 Visa (second priority relative of F-1): $125 each

Work authorization, if applicable, costs an additional $350 in legal fees.

What are the US fees to get a student visa?

Keep in mind that your SEVP certified school will charge its own application fee and possibly other additional fees.

F-1, F-3, M-1, M-3; generally up to $366

F-2, M-2; generally up to $131

Work authorization is not included; an additional fee of $340.

What are the visa requirements?

The actual requirements vary but the important things to keep in mind are that you are asking for a temporary authorization (non-immigrant visa) to visit the United States, and the burden of proving that is on the applicant.

Because these visas are school-related, the applicant needs to apply and be accepted by a certified United States school before applying for a student visa.  The school will then furnish an I-20 for you to bring for your visa interview.

When you apply for your student visa interview you should contact the specific US Consulate or Embassy because the specific application procedure depends on the office.  If you are going to bring family members, you should apply with them at the same time if possible.

How long can I stay using a student visa?

When you enter the United States on a student visa, you will usually be admitted for the duration of your student status. That means you may stay as long as you are a full time student, even if the F-1 visa in your passport expires while you are in America. For a student who has completed the course of studies shown on the I-20, and any authorized practical training, the student is allowed the following additional time in the U.S. before departure:
F-1 student – An additional 60 days, to prepare for departure from the U.S. or to transfer to another school.
M-1 student – An additional 30 days to depart the U.S. (Fixed time period, in total not to exceed one year). The 30 days to prepare for departure is permitted as long as the student maintained a full course of study and maintained status. An M student may receive extensions up to three years for the total program.
As an example regarding duration of status, if you have a visa that is valid for five years that will expire on January 1, 2009, and you are admitted into the U.S. for the duration of your studies (often abbreviated in your passport or on your I-94 card as “D/S”), you may stay in the U.S. as long as you are a full time student. Even if January 1, 2009 passes and your visa expires while in America, you will still be in legal student status. However, if you depart the U.S. with an expired visa, you will need to obtain a new one, applying at and Embassy abroad, before being able to return to America and resume your studies.

Generally speaking you can stay for the duration of your full-time study, even if the stamp on your passport expires.  Keep in mind that you will need a new passport if you choose to leave and return.

If you qualify for Optional Practical Training, your status will follow your training as if you were still enrolled in school.

After the qualifying status expires,

  • The F-1 student has 60 days to depart or find a new way to qualify for his/her F-1 visa.  The dependents of the F-1 holder follow his/her status as well.
  • The M-1 student has 30 days to depart the U.S. (Fixed time period, in total not to exceed one year). The 30 days to prepare for departure is permitted as long as the student maintained a full course of study and maintained status.  An M student may receive extensions up to three years for the total program.

Additional questions?  Looking to get started?  Fill out our online questionnaire to take your next step or click here to return to our Immigration page.

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