Table of Contents
International students tend to have additional requirements to fulfill that American-born students may not need to consider. Enrolling in a new college program, transferring schools, or starting vocational training can all influence what kind of visa you will need as an international student. An Orlando student visa lawyer can help you understand exactly what is required for you to live, study, and work in the United States.
At Brown Immigration Law, we work with Orlando-based students at UCF, Valencia College, the Universal Technical Institute and more in order to make sure that all visa requirements are filled and deadlines are met accurately. No matter where you wish to study in Florida, our immigration attorneys can help you.
The Three Types of Student Visas
There are three kinds of student visas that might apply to your situation as an international student. They are:
- F1 academic visa: These visas are for students accepted to, and enrolled at, accredited educational institutions. Applicants must be full-time academic students. UCF hosts over 3,400 international students on campus, almost all of whom are here on F1 visas.
- J1 cultural exchange visa: J1 visas are often required for teachers, scholars, specialists, summer work or research associates, interns, and more. Both UCF and Florida Tech offer J1 visa programs. Holders may be subject to additional regulations regarding length of stay after the program ends, work options, health insurance coverage, as well as restrictions on their sources of funding.
- M1 visa: M1 vocational visas allow for study in qualifying non-language programs that offer vocational training. In the Orlando area, M1 visa programs can be found at institutions like Valencia College, Polk State, Keiser, Aviator College, and more.
Eligibility for a Student or Exchange Visa
In order to be eligible for a student or exchange visa, an international applicant will in general need to:
- Apply and be accepted prior to travel to the US
- Be accepted to a Student and Exchange Visitor Program School (SEVP) and be enrolled there as a full-time student (F1 and M1 visa only)
- Be sponsored by a US organization that has an approved international exchange program (J1 visa only)
- Be proficient in English, or be enrolled in English language classes
- Demonstrate ties to their home country, such as a residence that you can return to after your stay
- Show sufficient financial support for tuition, housing, expenses and length of stay (for J-1 exchange visas, at least 50% of this funding must come from non-personal and non-family resources, such as professional financing)
- Have valid health insurance for the duration of your stay (J-1 visa only)
- Pay all applicable fees to USCIS
Note: In order for international students to be eligible for Disney education programs, participants from every country but Canada will need to have a J-1 visa on their passport as well as unrestricted work authorization.
Applying for a Student Visa in Orlando
In order to apply for your student visa in Orlando, there are several steps you will need to follow prior to travel to the US. These can include:
Applying for an F1 or M1 Student Visa
Applying for an F1 or M1 student visa requires prior acceptance to an SEVP-approved school. Your college or university will provide you with the correct form that will allow you to register in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) online once you have paid the fee.
Most F1 and M1 visa applications require an in-person interview at a US Embassy or Consulate. You will need to bring all of your forms to this interview, as well as your receipt from the visa application fee, a valid passport, a photo, and any additional evidence required such as:
- Financial documentation, like bank statements and proof of financial support
- Diploma
- Academic transcripts
Applying for a J1 Cultural Exchange Visa
The process of applying for a J1 visa is largely the same as an F1 or M1 visa, with one exception: applicants need to be sponsored by an international exchange program. For applicants younger than the age of 14 or older than 80, an in-person consulate interview is generally not required. Otherwise, you will need to fill out the online forms, make an appointment at the US embassy, and bring all your applicable documentation including proof of payment, proof of residency, proof of financial support, passport, photo, and anything else requested to the meeting.
Additionally, J1 visas are subject to additional limitations. For instance, J1 visa applicants may need to fulfill a two (2) year home country residency requirement after their length of stay in order to prove non-immigrant intent. There may be restrictions on your work and study options as a J1 visa holder, as well as limits on your spouse’s work and study options if they accompany you.
Do You Have an Immigration Lawyer Near Me?
Brown Immigration Law has an office at 11 N Summerlin Avenue in Orlando – Suite 225B. We’re on the corner of Central Ave, and provide plenty of onsite parking. There is also a bus stop across the street. We maintain additional offices in Cleveland and Columbus, OH, Durham, NC, and Tampa, FL.
Helping Foreign Students in Orlando and Throughout Florida
Brown Immigration Lawyers are available if you need help from an Orlando student visa attorney. Our firm has helped countless students make sure their F-1, M-1 student visas, or J-1 cultural exchange visas are processed smoothly. Contact us today for a consultation. We have offices in Florida, North Carolina, and Ohio, and proudly represent clients throughout the country.
Providing immigration solutions in Florida, Ohio, and North Carolina. Contact us today for a personalized consultation.
