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We will help you to find best universities or schools you want study, you can choose schools or universities based on program of study and degree, state or other geographical location, tuition range, public vs. private and many other data points. We know that choosing the right school and program can be an extensive and exhausting process, and we have built this resource specifically so that you, an international student, can find the right program.
To become an international student inside the US is not easy. The application process is complex and competitive which means it requires hard work and dedication before classes even start. Additionally, it’s not a quick process; students should start preparing months in advance and need to stay organized and informed throughout.
Generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. You must have a student visa to study in the United States. Your course of study and the type of school you plan to attend determine whether you need an F visa or an M visa
| To enter the United States to attend: | You need the following visa category: |
|---|---|
| University or college | F |
| High School | F |
| Private elementary school | F |
| Seminary | F |
| Conservatory | F |
| Another academic institution, including a language training program | F |
| Vocational or other recognized nonacademic institution, other than a language training program | M |
Students cannot travel on the Visa Waiver Program or with Visitor Visas A student visa (F or M) is required to study in the United States. Foreign nationals may not study after entering on a visitor (B) visa or through the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), except to undertake recreational study (non-credit) as part of a tourist visit. For more information on the VWP, see Visa Waiver Program.
For short periods of recreational study, a Visitor (B) visa may be appropriate A visitor (B) visa permits enrollment in a short recreational course of study, which is not for credit toward a degree or academic certificate. Learn more about Visitor Visas.
Study leading to a U.S. conferred degree or certificate is never permitted on a visitor (B) visa, even if it is for a short duration. For example, a student in a distance learning program that requires a period of time on the institution’s U.S. campus must obtain a student (F or M) visa prior to entering the United States.
Student Acceptance at a SEVP Approved School The first step is to apply to a SEVP approved school in the United States. After the SEVP-approved school accepts your enrollment, you will be registered for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) and must pay the SEVIS I-901 fee. The SEVP-approved school will issue you a Form I-20. After you receive the Form I-20 and register in SEVIS, you may apply at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate for a student (F or M) visa. You must present the Form I-20 to the consular officer when you attend your visa interview.
If your spouse and/or children intend to live with you in the United States while you study, they must also enroll in SEVIS, obtain individual Form I-20s from the SEVP-approved school, and apply for a visa (but they do not pay the SEVIS fee).
Visit the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) website to learn more about SEVIS and the SEVIS I-901 Fee.
Visit the Department of State Education USA website to learn about educational opportunities for undergraduate and graduate study, and an overview of the application process. You can also visit the DHS Study in the States school search page to search for SEVP-certified schools.
There are several steps to apply for a visa. The order of these steps and how you complete
them may vary by U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Please consult the instructions on
the embassy or consulate website.
Interviews are generally required for visa applicants with certain limited exceptions below.
Consular officers may require an interview of any visa applicant.
| If you are age: | Then an interview is: |
|---|---|
| 13 and younger | Generally not required |
| 14 – 79 | Required (some exceptions for renewals) |
| 80 and older | Generally not required |
You should schedule an appointment for your visa interview at the U.S. Embassy or
Consulate in the country where you live. You may schedule your interview at another U.S.
Embassy or Consulate, but be aware that it may be more difficult to qualify for a visa outside
of the country where you live.
