United States
US study visas
The US study and exchange category covers the routes for coming to the United States to study or take part in an exchange program. The F visa is for academic study and the M visa for vocational or non-academic study; the J exchange visitor visa is for approved work-and-study exchange programs. You must first be accepted by a Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-approved school or a designated program sponsor before you apply — a visitor visa or the Visa Waiver Program cannot be used to study. This section groups the US student and exchange routes and links to the official U.S. Department of State guidance so you can confirm what applies to you.
- STUDYACADEMIC OR VOCATIONALStudent visa (F and M)PopularFor people coming to the US to study — the F visa for academic study and the M visa for vocational or non-academic study.View visa details
- STUDYEXCHANGE PROGRAMMEExchange visitor visa (J)For people approved to take part in exchange visitor programs in the US. A visitor visa or the Visa Waiver Program cannot be used for exchange programmes.View visa details