Here are three student visas that you should be aware of if you intend to.

For many foreign students, particularly those from India, studying in the US has always been their goal. The US Embassy in India has said that they would be providing record numbers of visas to Indian students for the summer of 2023 (June, July, and August). A PTI article claims that over 1.25 lakh students studied in the United States. Do you intend to follow your goals of studying abroad in the United States? So, it's important to know which student visas you need to apply for before you start your academic career in the United States. Here's a brief overview of them.

The most popular option for academic endeavours is the F-1 Visa.

The most popular visa for foreign students attending academic courses in the US is the F-1 visa. It is intended only for students who have registered in a full-time course at an accredited language school, university, or college in the United States.

Eligibility: You must be accepted by a U.S. educational institution that has been given permission by the U.S. government to admit foreign students in order to be eligible for an F-1 visa. A proof of admission and financial records attesting to your capacity to pay for living expenses, tuition, and other associated expenditures during your stay are required.

Duration: You are permitted to remain in the United States for the length of your academic course on an F-1 visa. There is a grace period that allows you to enter the country up to 30 days before to the commencement of your course and stays for up to 60 days after graduation.

Employment Opportunities: Individuals with F-1 visas may work in the United States in a number of capacities, such as on-campus jobs, curricular practical training (CPT), and optional practical training (OPT). While studying, these possibilities might provide beneficial job experience.

Dependents: Holders of F-1 visas are also permitted to enter the country on an F-2 visa with their spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21. Holders of an F-2 visa are permitted to accompany an F-1 student while they are studying, but they are not permitted to work.

J-1 Visa: Exchange visitor visa for initiatives promoting culture and education

The J-1 visa, often referred to as the exchange visitor visa, is intended for those taking part in exchange programmes that promote global collaboration, educational enrichment, and cultural exchange. It provides a special chance for students to participate in a variety of scientific, academic, and cultural activities in the US.

Eligibility: People taking part in exchange programmes supported by recognised universities, businesses, or governmental bodies are normally eligible to get a J-1 visa. These may include research projects, study plans, internships, and more.

term: Depending on the particular exchange programme, a J-1 visa's term may differ. It may take a few weeks or a few years. The length of stay is usually limited, however it varies depending on the category.

Employment Opportunities: Individuals with J-1 visas are often permitted to work on campus and may qualify for academic training related to their area of study. The options for practical training that F-1 visa holders have are comparable to academic training.

Home Country Requirement: Also referred to as the "212(e) requirement," certain holders of J-1 visas may be required to remain in their home country for two years. This implies that before being qualified for certain U.S. visas or permanent residence, individuals must return home for a minimum of two years after finishing their degree. All J-1 visa holders are exempt from this requirement, nevertheless.

M-1 Visa: For courses that are neither academic or vocational

Students who intend to engage in non-academic or vocational courses in the US are eligible for the M-1 visa. This particular kind of visa is designed for those who want to study and train in trades like mechanics, technology, cosmetology, and other related disciplines.

Eligibility: You must be accepted by a U.S. vocational school or other organisation that has been given permission by the U.S. government to accept foreign students in order to be eligible for an M-1 visa. Your chosen curriculum must have a mostly non-academic or vocational focus.

Duration: You are permitted to remain in the United States for the length of your vocational course on an M-1 visa. It has a grace period similar to the F-1 visa, allowing you to enter up to 30 days before to the commencement of your course and remain for up to 30 days after its conclusion.

Employment alternatives: M-1 visa holders have fewer job alternatives than F-1 visa holders. Off-campus employment is often prohibited, however it could be authorised under certain circumstances.

Dependents: Holders of M-1 visas are permitted to enter the country on an M-2 visa with their spouse and unmarried children under the age of 21. M-2 visa holders are not, however, permitted to work or study in the United States.

Selecting the Appropriate Visa for Your Academic Goals

It is essential that you choose the right student visa if you want to finish your studies in the US with success. To ensure you make the best decision, take into account the following factors:

Academic course: Ascertain if the course you have selected is mostly academic or vocational. You may use this to compare M-1 and F-1 visas.

Course Sponsorship: Verify that the organisation or institution sponsoring your course is a recognised learning environment and has the authority to provide the appropriate student visa.

Study Duration: Determine how long your course will last and if you want to do any extracurricular activities like research, internships, or cross-cultural learning. The visa should be valid for the length of time you want to remain there.

Employment Opportunities: Take into account the fact that you will need a job both during and after your study. Select the visa that best aligns with your professional objectives since different types provide different work opportunities.

Home Country Requirement: Pay attention to any requirements for home country residency that could be relevant to your visa type, particularly for holders of J-1 visas.

Dependents: Verify that the visa category you choose permits dependent visas if you want to bring dependents into the United States.