Education in the USA has long been recognized as one of the best in the world. Many
American universities and colleges from year to year lead the international rankings of
educational institutions. A high level of teaching, well-equipped laboratories that provide a
variety of opportunities for scientific research, comfortable classrooms and modern sports
grounds — all this makes studying in the USA a cherished dream of students from different
countries of the world.

Who has the right to study in the US with a non-immigrant status, or simply put – without US
citizenship? Let’s figure this out. First of all, to study in the USA, you will need to obtain a
non-immigrant visa.

F-1 Student visa

This is one of the most common non-immigrant visas. It is issued to foreigners living outside
the United States and is intended for obtaining an education on the territory of America. The
F-1 visa gives you the right to study full-time at a accredited university,seminary,
conservatory,academic high school (from 9th to 12th grade) or language school with a
course load of at least 18 academic hours per week.

When choosing a place of study, check that the institution has a special permit for the study
of foreign students.

Spouses and children of students applying for an F-1 visa may receive an F-2 companion
visa. At the same time, the holder of an accompanying visa will not be able to work in the
United States, but the children of the holder of the F-1 visa will be able to study in
elementary and secondary schools in the United States.

Tourist visa B-1/B-2

This nonimmigrant visa is usually issued for short-term business (visa category B-1), for
tourism (visa category B-2) trips to the USA. Also, it is very suitable for training in short-term
language courses or participation in master classes, where classes last less than 18 hours a
week.

M-1 visa

If you want to receive professional training in the USA in vocational and technical
educational institutions and on practical training courses, then choose this non-immigrant
visa.

A student can choose educational institutions independently, but it is important that they
have professional training programs to quickly prepare graduates for work, for example:
technical courses (auto mechanic, electrician, plumber), culinary courses, florist courses,
cosmetology or nail service school, etc.

J-1 visa

This is a temporary non-immigrant visa for those who are participating in exchange or
educational programs. The purpose of such programs is the exchange of knowledge and
skills among specialists in the field of culture, education and science.

For an internship under the Work and Travel, Au pair, Camp USA programs, a student just
needs a J-1 visa. The duration and rules of the exchange program are determined by the
program sponsor.

Also, the J-1 visa is suitable for participation in the exchange program at high school and
university. The main advantage of the J-1 visa is that if work permit is included in the
exchange program (and it’s in most cases), you can legally work in the United States.