Visas & Advice Detail
F-1 Academic visa, B-2 Holiday visa
These two visa categories cover those who plan to study in the US and those who simply want to take a holiday away from it all in the US
Key requirements
The F-1 Academic visa is for those wishing to attend a university or other academic institution in the US. This visa allows university age holders to work up to 20 hours a week during term time and full time during holidays. upon completion of their course holders must leave the country within 60 days – long enough to find a relevant job ('practical training') and apply for an H-1b, then possibly an Eb-3.
B-2 Holiday visa: Something of a plan B for those who do not qualify for anything else. The B-2 visa permits the holder to remain in the US for up to six months without taking on any form of employment.
Processing time
The F-1 Academic visa must receive an offer from a US institution and show that all fees have been paid to the institution at which they wish to study. It should then take around three months. For a B-2 visa you must organise an interview with a US Embassy consular official and they will decide at there and then.
Alternatives
J-1 exchange visitor visa: for prearranged work, training or research.
M-1 non academic visa: for those wishing to pursue a non-academic training course.
For further information:
US Embassy
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