To enter the nation, migrants must obtain a non-immigrant (temporary) or immigrant (permanent) visa. The following visa categories are options to check if you want to study:

• The F Visa enables a student to enrol in educational institutions such as private elementary schools, high schools, colleges and universities, seminaries, conservatories, and language-training courses.
• The M visa allows students to enrol in vocational schools besides language training programmes.
• A student can participate in exchange programmes in the nation with the J Visa (Exchange Visitor). These programmes include camp counsellors, government visitors, interns, international visitors, professors and research scholars, short-term scholars, students, summer work travellers, teachers, and trainees.
• Visiting visas or the Visa Waiver Programme: If you have a visitor (B) visa or the Visa Waiver Programme, you are only allowed to travel and engage in leisure activities while travelling.
• A brief recreational programme may be registered with a visiting (B) visa, but it will not count towards a degree or academic qualification.

Student Acceptance at a SEVP-Approved School

After being admitted into a school approved by the Student and Visitor Exchange Programme (SEVP) and paying the SEVIS-901 cost, the student can register for the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS).

New Students: New students with an F or M visa are permitted admission one month before the start date, while the visa may be approved up to 120 days in advance. Students with an F or M visa are permitted to enter the country any time before classes start. In addition, if the student is enrolled in a school that has received SEVP and SEVIS approval, such visas may be issued at any time.

Documents required:

• A valid passport
• Non-immigrant Visa Application
• Application fee payment receipt
• Photo
• Certificates of Eligibility for Non-immigrants (F-1) Student Status for Academic and Language Students (Form I-20)
• Certificates of Eligibility for Non-immigrant (M-1) Student Status for Vocational Students

Additional requirements for an F and M visa:

• Records of all educational transcripts and certificates
• Plan to leave the country upon the completion of the course.
• Financial capabilities

Additional Requirements for a J Visa:

• The intent of your commute
• Your intentions to leave the country after your travel
• Financial abilities.
• Visa preparation and filing steps

The following are the steps for a visa application:

• Complete the online visa application.
• Schedule an interview.
• Prepare for your interview.
• Attend your visa interview.
• Student visa with dependents

Dependents of F and M Visa holders:

• Dependents must apply for an F-2 or M-2 visa, respectively, if they intend to accompany you during your stay and must produce a copy of the same along with proof of relationship. They are also required to file Form I-20 individually.
• Minors are permitted to attend school in the country while they are there.
• Embassies and consulates will grant visa applications to dependents of same-sex marriage the same way they grant applications for opposite-sex partners.

Dependents of a J visa holder:

• Dependents of a J visa holder may apply for a J-2 visa if granted admission to your exchange programme. They will be issued DS-2019 forms and must produce a copy of the applicant's visa (J-1) and state their relationship.
• Dependents who are minors are permitted admission to schools in the country.
• Embassies and consulates will grant visa applications to dependents of same-sex marriage the same way they grant applications for opposite-sex partners.
• A valid U.S. passport.