By Oliver Oz

There are two categories of student visas: "F-1 " and"M-1" visas. "The "F" visa is reserved for non-immigrants wishing to pursue academic studies and/or language training programs, and the "M" visa is reserved for non-immigrants wishing to pursue nonacademic or vocational studies. The process for applying for these visas is identical, however there are several differences in terms of qualifications and other limitations.

Who Can Apply ?

• You have selected your school and have been "accepted" into an "academic" educational program, a language-training program, or a vocational program;
• The school must be approved by the U.S. government;
• The student must be enrolled as a full-time student at the institution;
• The student must be proficient in English or be enrolled in courses leading to the learning of the English language.
• The student must have sufficient funds available for self-support during the entire proposed course of study
  

Generally with F-1 visas, you may receive permission to work part time while in the USA. With M-1 visas, you may receive permission to work for up to six months once your training is completed.

Both visas allow you to transfer to other schools or programs during the course of your studies. However, M-1 students must complete this transfer during their first six months of study.

What is the General Application Process?

• You must find the appropriate school which suits your academic needs and which is qualified to enroll foreign students.
• The second step involves your school accepting your application and issuing a Certificate of Eligibility (I-20). The school will then send this form to you and you will submit it with your application to the U.S. government in step 3.
• You will complete your application with the government for either an F-1 or M-1 visa. The application procedures may be carried out either within the USA at an immigration office or abroad at the USA consulate of your country of residence.

-- By Oliver Oz of RapidImmigration.com.

For additional information on Exchange Visas or any other kind of visas, please visit the LegalMatch web site.