Students and Exchange Visitors

U.S. immigration law provides three nonimmigrant visa categories for study in the United States. The "F" visa is for academic studies, and the "M" visa is for nonacademic or vocational studies. In order to obtain a student visa, you must first apply to and be accepted at a school in the U.S. Once you have been accepted, the school will forward you a form called the I-20 or I-20M, which must be presented at the time of the visa interview.

The “J” visa is for the exchange of persons, knowledge, and skills in the fields of education, arts, and sciences. Participants include students at all academic levels; trainees; teachers and research scholars; professors coming to teach or do research at institutions of higher learning; and international visitors coming for the purpose of travel, observation, consultation, or demonstrating specialized knowledge or skills. At the interview, all J-1 applicants must present a DS-2019 form, issued by the cultural exchange program in the U.S.

In general, to obtain a visa to study in the United States, applicants must demonstrate: 

- the sole (not just "primary") purpose of their travel is to pursue a temporary program of study; 

- the ability and intention to be a full-time student in the United States; 

- adequate funds to cover all tuition, living and anticipated incidental expenses without taking unauthorized employment;

- sufficiently strong social, economic, and other reasons to compel their departure from the United States upon completion of the projected program of study.

IMPORTANT NOTICE:  You should never pay for fake documents (such as fake grade-books, transcripts, diplomas, business licenses, etc.) because consular officers and staff are trained to detect fake documents and may deny your application on this basis. Also, you should never trust anyone who claims they can guarantee you a visa if you pay for their coaching services. At the interview, you should be prepared to explain, in your own words, why YOU want to study in America, your intended study plan, and why you will return to Vietnam.

Please note: F-1 and M-1 students may apply for their student visas up to 120 days in advance of the start date for their course of study, as indicated on the Form I-20. Students must also be aware that immigration authorities in the United States will not admit initial or beginning students more than 30 days in advance of their start dates.

Continuing students may apply for a new visa at any time as long as they have been maintaining their student status and their SEVIS records are current. Continuing students may also enter the U.S. at any time before their classes start.

For more information on the visa process as well as general resources about the U.S. educational system, please refer to the links on the right-hand box.