Overview
Academic, vocational, and exchange programs
Student visas allow full-time study at accredited U.S. institutions. The F-1 covers academic programs, M-1 vocational training, and J-1 exchange visitors. OPT and STEM OPT give F-1 graduates practical work experience after graduation.
The F-1 is the most common student visa. It is tied to your Designated School Official (DSO) and your SEVIS record. On-campus work is generally allowed; off-campus work requires USCIS authorization (OPT or CPT).
After graduation, F-1 students can apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) for up to 12 months. STEM degree holders can extend OPT by an additional 24 months if their employer participates in E-Verify.
The J-1 covers a broad range of exchange programs: researchers, trainees, au pairs, camp counselors, and professors. Your program sponsor issues the DS-2019 and oversees compliance.
Visa types in this category
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- Published Fed. RegisterOpen for comments60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Annual Report-J-NONIMMIGRANT Exchange Visitor Program
The U.S. Department of State is requesting public comments on an information collection for the Annual Report of the J nonimmigrant exchange visitor program, which tracks foreign nationals in cultural and educational exchange programs. The comment period is part of required OMB…
Public comments accepted through Jun 15, 2026.
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