U.S. CONSULATE GENERAL - CIUDAD JUAREZ, MEXICO
NON-IMMIGRANT VISAS

F-1 & M-1 Visas: Academic and Vocational Students

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The “F-1 student visa” applies to Academic students planning to attend an accredited college or university that awards bachelors, masters, doctorate or professional degrees; an accredited community or junior college that provides instruction in the liberal arts and awards associate degrees; a seminary; a conservatory; an academic high school; a private elementary school; or an institution that provides language training, instruction in the liberal arts, the fine arts or the professions, or instruction in one or more of these disciplines.      

The "M-1 student visa” applies to Vocational Students wishing to pursue nonacademic or vocational studies in a community college or junior college that provides vocational or technical training and awards associate degrees; a vocational high school; a trade school or a school of nonacademic training other than language training.

For more information about studying in the United States please visit the Education USA website created by the Department of State, and Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs web site to learn about educational opportunities for undergraduate and graduate study, opportunities for scholars, financial aid, testing, admissions, and much more.

There are some restrictions on attending Public Schools in the U.S.

To obtain a student visa, you must demonstrate:

• Admission to pursue a full course of study at a US Government-approved institution, as evidenced by presentation of a SEVIS compliant Form I-20 signed by a school official and electronic verification of that document.  SEVIS refers to the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System.  Electronic verification of the Form I-20 is indicated by a bar code.  The admitting institution is responsible for reporting your admission status to SEVIS.  You cannot apply for a student visa without the Form I-20.  The Form I-20 is not a visa.  If you apply for admission to the US with the I-20, but no student visa, you will not be allowed to enter the US and will be returned to your country or origin.
• Proof of payment of the $100 SEVIS fee.
• Sufficient knowledge of the English language to pursue the intended study.  If the applicant is not proficient in the English language, he/she must show evidence that the school is aware of this and will provide language training.
• Sufficient funds for the first year, and access to sufficient funds to cover subsequent years, as evidenced by bank statements or other financial documents. Students may receive permission to work on-campus or off-campus (after the completion of your first year of study) under limited circumstances.  Please see information regarding student employment. Employment opportunities can be discussed with the designated school official (DSO) at your school. Accompanying spouse and child may not accept employment.
• Strong economic and social ties to your country of origin indicating the student’s intention to leave the United States upon completion of studies. These factors must be established to the satisfaction of the consular officer. Since cases will vary widely, there is no set list of what documents to submit.

Students are encouraged to apply for their student visa with ample time for visa processing. Students applying for initial-entry F-1, F-2, and M-1 and M-2 visas may now be issued those visas up to 120 days before their academic program start date as listed on the I-20 (as compared to 90 days under previous regulations).  These changes apply only to initial-entry students.  Continuing students may apply for new F or M visas at any time, as long as they have maintained their student status and their Student and Exchange Visitor Information (SEVIS) records are current. “F” Academic Students may not however use their visas to enter the US for the first time until thirty (30) days before their program start date and stay up to 60 days after its termination, except for “M” Vocational Visas 30 days after its termination.  Please consider the program start date carefully when making travel plans to the United States.

Consular officers are required by current immigration law to conduct security clearances on specific nationality’s and courses of study. 

Science and Technology Course of Study: Those applicants who are going to the U.S. to pursue a science or technology-related course of study must bring the following additional documents with them to the interview:

·   Complete Curriculum Vitae or resume;

·   Complete list of publications, if applicable;

·   A research statement;

·   Letter from sponsor(s)

Spouses and Children:

Spouses and/or children under the age of 21 need their own I-20 in order to reside in the US.  The application procedure is the same. Dependents are not allowed to work in the U.S. Spouses and children are allowed to pursue their studies while in the US and may attend either public or private schools.

If your family members apply after your visa has been issued, they will need to provide a copy of your visa with their application.

If there is any question you may email the Non Immigrant Visa Section at: CDJNIVS@state.gov or contact the call center. 

Visa application process:

For information on the documents required to apply for a visa, please see our general application requirements.

You need to check the following recommendations before scheduling an appointment.

APPOINTMENT PROCEDURE:

How do I make an appointment?
CLICK HERE

How long do I wait to get an appointment to apply for a visa, and if it is approved, how long does it take to be issued?
CLICK HERE


WHAT A STUDENT CAN EXPECT UPON ARRIVAL A U.S. PORT OF ENTRY

Useful information for Schools:

For new schools wishing to obtain approval to Receive Foreign (Non-immigrant) Students

Petition for Approval, Form I-17, must be filed with the USCIS district office with jurisdiction for the locality where the school is located.

The petitioning school must submit certification indicating that it is licensed, approved, and/or accredited.

Useful Links for STUDENTS:

Student and School Information

Student and Exchange Visitors Program, or SEVP on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement website

Approved Schools

Student Visas