Student and Exchange Visitor Visas

Student and Exchange Visitor Visas(F, J, and M Visas)

The United States welcomes foreign citizens who come to study.  Most non-U.S. citizens who wish to study in the United States will seek an F-1 student visa, but there are other visa types that are sometimes used.  Below is a short description of the different visa types that involve study:

• F-1: This visa is the most common for those who wish to engage in academic studies in the United States.  It is for people who want to study at an accredited U.S. college or university.  If you are going to the United States to study and your course of study is more than 18 hours a week, you will need an F1 or M1 student Visa.
• M-1:  This visa is for those who will be engaged in non-academic or vational study or training at an intstitution in the United States.
• J-1:  This is an Exchange Visitor Visa, it is for people who will be participating in an exchange visitor program in the United States.  The J visa is for educational and cultural exhange programs.  If you are accepted as a participant in an exchange program, the sponsor will provide you with information and documents necessary to apply for the J visa to enter the United States.

Documents you may wish to present should contain convincing evidence of the immediate family's long-term economic, academic and/or personal ties that would compel the applicant to return home after a temporary authorized stay in the United States.

Enlisted below are documents which an applicant must consider when applying for a Student and/or Exchange Visitor visa:

1. Present an original and valid copy of Form I-20 a Certificate of Eligibility for (F-1/M-1), or DS-2019 for Exchange Visitor program;
2. A passport valid for travel to the United States and prior passports if any;
3. Completed application forms; EVAF DS-156, DS-157 Supplemental Form(all males from above 16 years must complete), DS-158;
4. Affix correct size photograph as per photo specification;
5. Attach Fiji Post receipt to confirm payment of nonrefundable visa processing fee;
6. Include SEVIS receipt, click here for information on SEVIS payment;
7. Financial evidence (for example: tax records, bank books, income documents) showing that you, your parents, or a sponsor have sufficient funds to cover your full tuition and living expenses during the first year of your intended study. You must also demonstrate that you have sufficient resources to cover any subsequent years of study;
8. Transcripts and diplomas from previous educational institutions attended;
9. Evidence of the applicant's intent to leave the U.S. at conclusion of studies;
10. Any other documents that maybe deemed pertinent to the application