Visa category
US students & exchange
Student visas and related work authorization for academic and vocational study in the U.S.
3 guides in this category. Each one covers eligibility, the filing process, fees, documents, and typical timelines, with the date it was last reviewed.
- F-1 OPTReviewed 2026-07-14
F-1 Optional Practical Training (OPT)
OPT lets eligible F-1 students work in a job directly related to their major for a limited period — typically up to 12 months, with a possible 24-month STEM extension.
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- F-1Reviewed 2026-07-14
F-1 Student Visa
The F-1 visa is for international students enrolled full-time in an academic program at a SEVP-certified school. You must show funding, maintain status, and treat study — not open employment — as the purpose of your…
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- M-1Reviewed 2026-07-14
M-1 Vocational Student Visa
The M-1 visa is for full-time vocational or nonacademic training at a SEVP-certified school — such as technical, flight, or trade programs.
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Already know your status?
The visa guides cover getting the status. For what comes next — opening a bank account, understanding your first payslip, building credit, and sending money home — start with the visa money guides or browse the free calculators.