To qualify for an F-1 visa,
you must come to U.S. as a full-time academic or language student
enrolled in a program leading to a degree or certificate.
To qualify for an M-1 visa,
you must come to U.S. as a full-time vocational or nonacademic
student enrolled in a program leading to a degree or certificate.
Duration of status is the
period of time it is expected to take for you to complete your
studies. When you enter the U.S. using a valid student visa, you
will be given a small white card called I-94 card. The expiration
date on your student visa indicates how long you have the right to
request entry to the U.S. in order to assume student privileges.
Obtaining an F-1 and M-1 Visa:
Step One: The Application
Certain portions of the
application are technically the responsibility of the school you
will be attending. Some applicants expect their schools to handle
the entire procedure for them, but this rarely happens. The only
part of the student visa application you should expect your school
to complete is a form known as the Certificate of Eligibility. You
will use this certificate in preparing your application for a
student visa.
Step Two: Paperwork
There are two types of
paperwork you must submit to get a student visa. The first
consists of official government forms completed by you or your
U.S. school. The second is personal and financial documents such
as school transcripts, diplomas, bank statements and guarantees of
support.
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