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Student and exchange visas

US Student Visa (F and M)

Students coming to the United States need the correct student visa, according to the U.S. Department of State. The F visa is for academic study — for example at a university, college or approved language programme — while the M visa is for vocational or other recognised non-academic study. You must first be accepted by a school approved to enrol international students before you can apply. Confirm the eligibility rules, what you can and cannot do, and how to apply on the official pages before you apply.

Who is eligible?

  • People accepted onto an academic course at an approved school (F visa)
  • People accepted onto a vocational or non-academic course at an approved school (M visa)

Other Student and exchange visas visa types

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Official sources

Published10 Aug 2026
Last reviewed10 Aug 2026
Last verified10 Aug 2026