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Foreign students introduce a welcome diversity to the lives of fellow students and if they remain in the United States, add to the general productivity of American employers. A student visa is a temporary, non-immigrant visa to study in the United States. There are three types of student visas. Students pursuing academic degrees generally have F-1 visas. Those enrolled in vocational institutions generally have M-1 visas. Finally, there are special exchange visitor programs available, which involve study. These students receive J-1 visas. Spouses and children of students may be eligible for F-2, M-2 or J-2 visas respectively.

Admissions to the U.S. as an F-1 student will generally be for the period during which the foreign student is pursuing a full course of study in any educational program and any period of authorized practical training, plus 60 days within which to depart from the United States. An M-1 student will be admitted to the U.S. for one year to attend a vocational or technical school. A change of schools or education objectives, employment and practical training are more restrictive for M-1 students.

Often there is a two-year home resident requirement imposed on anyone who has been in the U.S. on a J-1, J-2 exchange student visa. At the end of the study program, the J-1 student must return to his or her home country for at least two years. Waivers of the foreign residence requirement are available in limited circumstances.

To obtain a student visa, one must first be accepted by an accredited institution, obtain a completed form I-20 AB from the institution and document the financial ability to attend school without employment. It is possible to change your status to student while in the U.S. Many students obtain their student visas at U.S. consulates abroad.

Each person's situation is different. Contact your foreign student advisor or a qualified attorney if you have a problem about your status. The benefits of studying in the United States include immigration laws to increase the immigration of those who have a higher education. A student is eligible for 12 months of practical training upon graduation. An F-1 student may file an application to change his/her status to an H-1B working visa. The H-1B visa allows the student to work and can be extended up to 6 years. Good luck, study hard and explore the opportunities available for you in the United States.