Visa Classifications
The following are the visa types most commonly encountered when meeting students or prospective students. The different types of visas provide varying opportunities and restrictions.
A-2 (Diplomatic Visa). This visa is issued to a person classified as a diplomat or government employee. It allows the person to transact official business, travel and work as well as study in the U.S. While universities usually prefer that these students take a full course load, students on A-2 visas are free to plan their study schedules as they wish as long as they remain in good standing academically with the University and with their sponsors. Students on this visa are not subject to restrictions normally applied to international students.
B-1 (Business Visa). People on this visa are in the U.S. primarily to conduct business; it can be used for potential scholars planning to pay short visits to one or several campuses. It is not intended for use by scholars accepting any type of formal academic appointment for a term or longer. Reimbursement is possible from a U.S. source for travel and subsistence only; no salary or honorarium is permitted.
B-2 (Tourist/Visitor Visa). This type of visa allows a person to travel in the U.S. for a limited period of time (usually up to 30 days depending on the country the person is from). Visitors on this kind of visa are not permitted to enroll in any courses.
F-1 (Student Visa). The immigration regulations governing students on this type of visa require that the student be enrolled as a full-time student seeking a specific degree or certificate. These students are not eligible for employment during the first 9 months in the United States . After the first 9 months, permission for employment off-campus can only be requested by OIE on behalf of the student. Permission is based on economic need. Employment on-campus must be approved by the OIE administrator. The form used to obtain an F-1 visa is Form I-20. Authorization to issue I-20 forms comes from the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
F-2 (Spouse or child of F-1 student). An F-2's spouse can take courses part time but are not allowed to work. To be a full-time student, the F-2 must change to F-1 status. Children may attend elementary/high school but must change to F-1 status before attending a university or college.
H-1 (Temporary Worker of Distinguished Merit and Ability Visa). Alien must be pursuing a scholarly or professional objective that is of a temporary nature. Extensions are usually available for up to 3-4 years. To qualify, alien must have clearly demonstrated ability and accomplishment in his field of specialization.
H-2 (Temporary Worker Visa). There is no minimum educational or professional accomplishment required for the H-2. The employer must show clearly that he has been unable to find U.S. workers with the necessary skills to perform the temporary job in question.
H-3 ("Trainee" status). Trainee seeks to enter the U.S. at the invitation of an individual, organization, firm or other trainees for the purpose of receiving training in any field of endeavor. Incidental production necessary to the training is permitted provided a U.S. worker is not thereby displaced.
J-1 (Exchange Visa). This visa type encompasses scholars, research assistants, professors, trainees and people with special skills as well as degree seeking students. These students are all sponsored either by the U.S. or foreign governmental agencies or institutions. Any change in the student's status at the University such as a change in major, leave from school, or extension of expected length of degree program must be approved by the sponsor. Students on J-1 visas have flexibility in planning their schedules and work as long as their education is completed according to the agreement with the sponsor. The form used to obtain a J-1 visa is an DS-2019. Authorization to issue DS-2019 comes from the U.S. Department of State.
J-2 (Spouse or child of J-1). J-2's can enroll in courses (either part-time or full-time) and are allowed to work.
M-1 (Student admitted for vocational or other non-academic training). The M-1 visa is for individuals intending to obtain vocational or other non-academic training. Only schools authorized to enroll M-1 students are allowed to issue I-20 M-N Certificates of Eligibility. Students on this visa are not allowed to change to an F-1 visa, not allowed to work unless it is a practical training program authorized by the USCIS and must renew their stay each year.
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Last Updated July 31, 2007