Applicants can apply for a student visa (F-1 or M-1) at a United States consular post (US Embassy or Consulate) outside the United States. Before applying, applicants must be accepted to a college / university in the United States, and have an I-20 form from that school. Visit our admissions pages for application requirements, or Apply Now!.

Many potential students apply to more than one school in the United States, and may receive multiple I-20 forms. Visa applicants may only use one I-20 form to apply for a student visa, and students must report to the school whose I-20 form was used to apply for the visa (the consulate will note the name of this school on the visa when it is issued). Students who change their mind and decide they will attend a different school from the one noted on their visa must return to the embassy / consulate to update their visa before leaving the United States.

It is important that potential students not enter the United States on a visitor’s visa (B-1/B-2) with the intent of changing to student visa (F-1 / M-1) status. If USCIS determines that an applicant intended to be a student when entering the United States on a visitor’s visa, there is a high likelihood that the request will be denied. Visitor’s who come to the United States on the Visa Waiver pilot program are not permitted to apply for a change of status.

For more complete information on the visa application process, visit the "U.S. Department of State Website."