F-1 vs J-1 vs M-1: Which U.S. Student Visa Fits You?

The United States issues three main student visa types, and they are not interchangeable. Knowing which one your program uses affects how you study, whether you can work, and even how much your SEVIS fee is.

F-1: academic students

The F-1 is the visa most international students use. It covers degree programs at universities and colleges, plus English-language programs. F-1 students can work on campus and, later, off campus through CPT and OPT tied to their field of study.

• Form: I-20, issued by your school.
• SEVIS fee: $350.
• Work: on-campus work, plus CPT and OPT.

M-1: vocational students

The M-1 is for vocational and technical training that is not academic, such as trade schools, technical institutes, flight schools, or culinary programs. The rules are stricter: you generally need full funding upfront, and practical training is limited and only available after you finish.

• Form: I-20.
• SEVIS fee: $350.
• Work: very limited, only post-completion practical training.

J-1: exchange visitors

The J-1 covers exchange programs: research scholars, professors, exchange students, au pairs, and more, always through a designated sponsor. Some J-1 categories carry a two-year home-country residency requirement, meaning you must return home for two years before certain future U.S. visas.

• Form: DS-2019, issued by your sponsor.
• SEVIS fee: $220 for most exchange visitors. A few short-term categories, such as au pair and summer work travel, pay $35.
• Work: tied to the specific program.

Not sure which form you have? See I-20 vs DS-2019 explained. When you are ready, pay your SEVIS fee here.