An F-1 is a student visa, for academic studies.

An M-1 is a student visa, non-academic or vocational studies.

If you are applying for either of these visas outside of the United States, the consular officer will want to see that you qualify and satisfy the legal requirements.

One of the requirements you must fully satisfy to the adjudicating officer, is that you are able to show non-immigrant intent.  It does not matter that your studies may be for a few years in the United States; the officer must be satisfied you will return home at the end of your proposed studies.

Non-immigrant intent is not as strictly adjudicated under the student visa categories the same way it is for example under the B visa categories; however, the officer does wish to see evidence you will return home, or they will deny your student visa under 214(b) ground.

One of the main things that we notice that triggers denials under the student visa classification, is officers want to see how the course of the studies that you are requesting to enter the United States will benefit you on your return home.  If the officer does not see a causal link as to why your studies in the United States will be used to benefit your career when home this may also trigger a denial.

For example, do you have prospective employment when you return home after your studies? Have you spoken to prospective employers? Will these additional studies inside the United States assist you in obtaining employment outside of the United States?

These are the types of things officers specifically look for under the student visas.

When the consular officer approves you student visa you may be admitted a maximum of 30 days before your program start date.  Once CBP admit you to the States under your student visa they will annotate your passport with D/S; this means duration of status.  The expiration date for the D/S is typically stated on your DS-2019 form.

Is Employment permitted under F-1:

No, employment is not permitted for the first academic year (9 months); except for on-campus work which you can begin as soon as you are admitted as an F-1 student.  After one year and the student is in good standing you may obtain employment off campus if:

• Severe economic hardship caused by unforeseen circumstances beyond the student’s control. If you qualify you may only work 20 hours per week when school is in session.

Speak to Caro for a mock interview before going to the consulate she will cover everything you need to know or listen to one of our audios to give yourself the best chance of an approval.